Better support for respiratory protection
August 15th 2009 Recent research indicates that of the people needing to use respiratory protection about half do not use RPE (respiratory protective equipment). This same research shows that of the half that do use RPE, only half of them are using it correctly, have been properly fit-tested and have been adequately trained in its use and maintenance.
With only a quarter being adequately protected, it is a simple calculation to understand that some three-quarters (up to three million people) do not have adequate protection. In conjunction with other industry stakeholders and the HSE, two initiatives have now been launched.
The "Clean Air? - Take Care!" campaign is designed to improve awareness and understanding of where respiratory protection is required and how to ensure adequate protection is then provided. The main thrust will be to seek to engage with SMEs and companies which do not have dedicated safety managers on-staff and need to use outside assistance in dealing with these matters.
The other initiative is an industry self regulatory fittester accreditation scheme. Whilst not mandatory, any fit-tester accredited within the Fit2Fit scheme will be able to demonstrate to the HSE that they have achieved a level of competence to carry out this vital task. More articles from BSIF Enterprise: | 
