Respiratory Protection: The Dangers of Working with Harmful Substances

Many workplaces expose workers to materials and substances that can cause ill health. These harmful substances could be anything from dusts and gases that are breathed in to liquids and gels that come into contact with eyes and skin.

The dangers of coming into contact with these materials can be immediate, causing dizziness or stinging eyes, or lead to long-term damage and diseases like cancer.

To protect workers and reduce their exposure, regulations mandate the use of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) such as respirators and half masks. Let’s take a look at how these devices work… 

Respirators

Respirators are filtering devices that protect workers against environments where there is insufficient oxygen and/or high levels of harmful dusts, gases and sprays.

This equipment uses filters to remove contaminants in the air, either using a motor to pass air through the filter (powered respirators) or by relying on the wearer’s breathing to draw air through the filter (non-powered respirators).

Respirators in stock at SafetyLiftinGear:

• Portwest P350 FFP3 Dolomite Fold Flat Respirator (Pk20)
• Portwest P292 EAGLE FFP2 Valved Carbon Fold Flat Respirator (Pk10)
• Portwest P392 EAGLE FFP3 Valved Carbon Fold Flat Respirator (Pk10)
• Portwest P306 FFP3 Ultimate Valved Reusable Respirator (Pk5)
• Portwest P307 FFP3 Ultimate Reusable Compact Respirator (Pk5)
• Portwest P290 EAGLE FFP2 Dolomite Fold Flate Respirator (Pk20)
• Portwest P390 EAGLE FFP3 Dolomite Fold Flate Respirator (Pk20)

Half Masks

Half masks are a type of non-powered respirator that rely on the wearer’s breathing to pull air through a filter. They’re classed as tight-fitting facepieces and cover the mouth, noise and chin.

Half masks in stock at SafetyLiftinGear:

• Portwest P421 TPR Half Mask
• Portwest P431 Silicone Half Mask
• Portwest P418 Auck Half Mask Kit
• Portwest P440 A2P3 Ready to use Half Mask
• Portwest P441 ABEK1P3 Ready to use Half Mask

When to provide RPE

The law requires employers to protect employees from hazardous substances at work, including providing them with proper RPE. Instances where RPE could be required include:

• Short-one off procedures
• Use in conjunction with other control measures for safe working
• Certain cleaning jobs, e.g., dusty environments or cleaning up a spill

Important note: the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that RPE should be the last resort or line of protection. Before asking employees to wear RPE, consider other control measures where possible. For more information, see the HSE’s practical guide.

Shop RPE