PN 0759 RPE - Protection Against Particulates

Question 1

Before respirators are deployed a risk assessment must be carried out to include:

(the long list)

Answer 1

• Nature and hazards of particulates involved
• Whether deployment is inside or outside
• Whether confined spaces are involved
• Tasks to be performed
• Confirmation that if fire was involved, it has been extinguished and the area cooled and ventilated (except for grass/woodland fires and the use of half masks)
• Likelihood of the incident deteriorating
• Travel distances involved
• Whether DIM is required
• Whether scientific advice is required
Note - respirators should be used in conjunction with other particulate control measures as per section 6.12

Question 2

Paper type half masks must not be purchased or used by LFB employees (because)?

Answer 2

Face fit testing is required by law as without it the correct face seal and fit cannot be assessed or protection level assured

Question 3

Respirators with a P3 filter fitted are not to be deployed if any of the following hazards are present:

Answer 3

• Oxygen deficient atmospheres.
• Toxic gases (including most fire gases see half mask use below).
• Flammable atmospheres.
• Confined space (as defined in Confined Space Regulations 1997). See policy number 979 - Rescue - NOG.

Question 4

To comply with the law and to achieve the correct level of protection, wearers must be face fit tested for full and half mask respirators (excluding DPFM) and must…

Answer 4

Only wear the size and model of mask issued to them by OSG.

Question 5

The DPFM fitted to the BA set does not have to be face fit tested because…

Answer 5

There is a nationally agreed face seal test incorporated into the standard ‘A’ and ‘B’ test.

Question 6

LFB employees must not accept or use any other type of respirator face mask other than…

Answer 6

The DPFM or their own personal issue respirator.

Question 7

Paper type half masks must not be locally purchased or used by LFB employees because…

Answer 7

Face fit testing is required by law and must be carried out. Without it the correct face seal and fit cannot be assessed, or protection level assured.

Question 8

Provided the appropriate risk assessments have been carried out, the areas of operation that may be considered (for use of respirators) are:

Answer 8

• Any operation that may produce an airborne particulate, such as cutting, sweeping, bagging and shovelling.
• Grass/woodland fire smoke (in conjunction with working upwind and using gas monitoring).
• Disrobing, bagging and cleaning PPE/RPE contaminated with fire contamination or asbestos.
• Any action that exposes wearers to airborne particulates, such as building collapse or RTC.
• Handling fibrous materials such as asbestos.
• Handling hazardous powders.
• Fire investigation.
• Decontamination at hazmat incidents on the advice of hazardous materials and environmental protection officer (HMEPO) and or scientific advisor (SA).
• Use by specialist teams such as the Rapid Response Team (RRT) with appropriate FCs and scientific advice from a HMEPO and or SA.