Respiratory Protection Information

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the HSE's guide to
protecting your lungs
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Breathe Safely

Respirators are used to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful dusts, fumes, vapours or gases. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide respirators which are applicable and suitable for the purpose intended.

Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies has a comprehensive range of respiratory products from fold-flat and moulded disposable masks to powered and supplied air respirators.

To select the correct equipment follow the four steps....

Identification of the hazard

* Note Dusts, Mists and Fumes are all classified as particulate hazards.

Access and understand the hazard

Ensure that you fully understand the hazard and the correct respiratory equipment is selected also the correct eyewear and skin protection may need to be selected.

Select the correct type of respiratory equipment

• Disposable masks
• Half masks
• Full face masks
• Powered
• Airline
• Escape

Training for user and care of the respirator

1. Employer must supply suitable equipment for the employee
2. Employer must supply training including face fit testing COSHH regulations (2002)
3. Qualitative fit test for disposable masks and half masks
4. Quatitative fit test for full face masks
5. Equipment must be maintained and records kept.

Qualitative Fit Test Kits….

COSHH regulations require employers to conduct fit tests for all wearers of tight fitting face pieces, such as full or half face masks and disposable masks. If the fit is inadequate it will significantly reduce the protection provided to the wearer

UK Standard Assigned Protection Factor (APF)….

Reflects the level of protection that a properly functioning respirator would be expected to provide to a population of properly fitted and trained users.

The Nominal Protection Factor (NPF)….

The reciprocal value of inward leakage.

European Standards

Filter Guide

For use against Gas & Vapour (EN141 & EN405)

• A Brown* - for use with Organic vapours with a boiling point greater than 65oc
• B Grey* - to be used with Inorganic gases & Vapour eg Chlorine (NOT Carbon Monoxide)
• E Yellow* - to be used with Acid gases & Vapour eg. Sulphur Dioxide and other acidic gases
• K Green* - for use with Ammonia and organic ammonia derivatives
• P White* - for protection against Particuate

For use against Particles (EN143 & EN149)

• P1 White* - for protection against coarse, solid particles (low toxicity)
• P2 White* - for protection against solid and/or liquid aerosols (low to average toxicity)
• P3 White* - for protection against solid and/or liquid aerosols (high toxicity)

For use against Gas & Vapour (EN371)

• AX Brown* - Certain organic compounds with boiling points less than 65c

*Filter Type & Colour Code

View our range of Respiratory Protection