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Contents
1 Introduction
2 Basic information related to respiratory protection equipment
2.1 Basic rules of RPE use
3 Classification
3.1 Filtering devices
3.2 Facepieces
3.3 Isolating apparatus
4 Requirements
5 Selection
6 Fit test requirements
7 Training and maintenance of the RPE
7.1 Training of the RPE
7.2 Maintanance of the RPE
8 References
9 Links for further reading
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Introduction
The article provides information addressed to end-users of respiratory protection devices as well as employers and OSH specialists. Article consists of
information related to definitions, technical requirements and rules of proper selection of various types of respiratory protection equipment i.e. filters,
filtering half masks, face pieces, breathing apparatus and filtering escape devices for protection against particles (including nanoparticles), gases,
vapours and oxygen deficiency.
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emergency escape it is necessary to provide RPEs for a safe exit from an area where hazardous substances may be released suddenly in the
event of a control system failure,
emergency work or temporary failure of controls where other means of controls are not reasonably practicable,
emergency rescue by trained personnel is necessary.
Respiratory protection equipment should be considered as the last option for preventing and/or controlling inhalation exposure to hazardous
substances to health which exists in the air. This means that other methods of controlling and/or preventing exposures must be implemented, where it
is reasonably practicable, before the use of respiratory protection equipment.
Classification
There are two general types of respiratory protective equipment (RPE), based on the principle by which protection is provided to the user. The two
types are the following:
1. Respirators (filtering equipment) i.e.: filter, gas filter, combined filter, filtering half-mask.
2. Breathing apparatus (isolating equipment) i.e.: self-contained breathing apparatus (open-circuit and closed circuit), compressed line breathing
apparatus.
Respirators are designed to filter out or clean contaminated air from the workplace atmosphere before it is inhaled by the respirator wearer.
Respirators are not designed to be used in atmospheres with oxygen deficiency (concentration of oxygen is below 19%) or where the concentration of
unknown contaminants has not been evaluated.
Breathing apparatuses deliver breathable air from an independent source (compressed air vessels, compressed line) to the user. Breathing apparatuses
are designed to use in atmosphere with oxygen deficiency (concentration of oxygen is below 19%).
It is of key importance that any RPE that is provided to the workers meet the basic requirements specified in the Directive 89/686/EEC [2] concerning
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and that they are CE marked.
Moreover, there is a specific group of RPEs, the so-called rescue equipment, with a limited time of protective performance which allows the user to
leave the contaminated area in a very short time. It is not applied for constant activities but is merely equipment for workers to use in rooms or
buildings where there is a real risk of sudden emergency.
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Both types of RPEs are available with a range of different face pieces, i.e.:
Tight-fitting face pieces (filtering face pieces, half and full-face masks) that rely on a good fit - seal between the mask and the wearers face.
Loose-fitting face pieces (hoods, helmets) rely on enough air being provided to prevent the contaminant leaking into the face piece as the
wearer breathes and moves about. They are used only with powered respirators or with suitable breathing apparatuses.
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Filtering devices
Filtering face pieces: these face pieces are often called disposable respirators. They either entirely or substantially consist of filter material. They
should conform to the EN 149:2001 standard and are classified as FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 in order of increasing filtration efficiency. There are two
types of these respirators i.e. intended to be used for a maximum of a single shift (marked with the letters NR not reusable), and intended to be used
for more than a single shift (marked with the letter R reusable). The respirators may incorporate inhalation and exhalation valves or exhalation valve
(s) only, or have no valves. Where the filtering face piece has no valves, both inhaled and exhaled dangerous substances can pass through the filter
material. An example of the filtering face piece is shown in the picture.
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There are also valved filtering half masks to protect against gases or vapours and particles. These devices are disposable respirators essentially for
use against gases and vapours, but with optional protection against particles. Any gas/vapour filters form an inseparable part of the device; any
particle filters maybe integral or separable. Complete devices should conform with the EN 405:2001+A1:2009 standard and are designated according
to the filter type used and have the prefix FF. The devices must have both inhalation and exhalation valves. Examples of gas/vapour and combined
filters are: FFA1, FFB2P3, FFK1P2. There are also two types of these respirators i.e. intended to be used for a maximum of a single shift (marked
with the letters NR not reusable), and intended to be used for more than a single shift (marked with the letter R reusable).
Filters either entirely or substantially consist of filter material. There are particle filters, gas filters and combined filters.
The particle filters should conform to the EN 149:2001 standard and are classified as P1, P2 and P3 in order of increasing filtration efficiency. There
are two types of these respirators i.e. intended to be used for a maximum of a single shift (marked with the letters NR not reusable), and intended to
be used for more than a single shift (marked with the letter R reusable).
The gas filters should conform to the EN 14387:2004+A1:2008 standard and are classified as:
A - for use against certain organic gases and vapours with a boiling point > 65 C as specified by the manufacturer,
B - for use against certain inorganic gases and vapours as specified by the manufacturer.,
E - for use against sulphur dioxide and other acidic gases and vapours as specified by the manufacturer
K - for use against ammonia and organic ammonia derivatives as specified by the manufacturer,
AX - for use against certain organic gases and vapours with a boiling point 65 C as specified by the manufacturer. For single use only,
SX - for use against specific named gases and vapours as specified by the manufacturer.
Multi-type gas filters - filters which are a combination of two or more of the above listed types, excluding SX, and which meet the requirements of
each type separately.
Combined filters - gas or multi-type gas filters incorporating a particle filter according to EN 143:2001.
Special filters are:
Type NOP3 - for use against nitrogen oxides, e.g. NO, NO2, NOX.
Type HgP3- for use against mercury.
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There are 3 classes of gas filters for types A, B, E and K that are classified in terms of capacity as follows:
Class 1- low capacity filters;
Class 2 - medium capacity filters;
Class 3 - high capacity filters.
The protection provided by a class 2 or class 3 filter includes protection provided by the corresponding filter of lower class or classes.
The classification of combined filter(s) includes that of particle filter(s) according to EN 143:2000.
Type AX and type SX gas filters and special filters are not classified.
Facepieces
Half masks: usually reusable moulded face pieces, of rubber or plastic, covers the nose and mouth of the wearer and is held in place with adjustable
straps. Air passes through the relevant filter(s) by the wearers lung force, or may be supplied by a powered unit or suitable breathing apparatus
attached to the mask. The exhaled air passes through an exhalation valve(s). Filters are available for particulates, gases or vapours or as a
combination. The mask should conform to the EN 140:1998 standard. An example of a half mask in shown in the picture.
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Full-face masks: reusable devices which cover the eyes, nose, mouth and chin, and seals against the face of the wearer. It is held in place (on the
head) with adjustable straps. Air is drawn into the mask either through a relevant filter(s) by the wearers lung force, or may be supplied by a powered
unit or suitable breathing apparatus attached to the mask. The exhaled air passes through an exhalation valve(s). Most masks have an inner half mask.
Some devices may be equipped with a speech diaphragm to improve the quality and clarity of voice communication. The visor provides protection
against particulates and gases. There are 3 classes of masks:
Class 1 light duty design intended for use with a filter(s) and light duty compressed
airline breathing apparatus,
Class 2 more robust and offers greater resistance to flammability Class 3 for protection against flame and
radiant heat. This type is suitable for fire fighting. The mask should conform to the EN 136:1998 standard. An example of a full-face mask in shown
in the picture.
Isolating apparatus
Compressed airline breathing apparatus are intended to be used in heavily industrial applications. The devices rely on a source of clean breathable
compressed air at a maximum pressure of 10 bar. Sufficient volume should be available at the source to supply all the devices connected when
working at their maximum demand. Some air supply systems also supply air tools such as spray guns. Their consumption should also be taken into
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account. The air is supplied to the wearer via a tube(s). This tube(s) can be heavy-duty and have good kink and crush resistance with a length
determined by the manufacturer. The light-duty construction is used where there is a low risk of damaging the tube in the workplace. When the
compressed air reaches the wearer, there is a basic subdivision of types of equipment which depends on how the air is used. Constant flow equipment
the usual arrangement for this type of equipment is to connect the compressed air supply tube to a belt-mounted flow control valve or regulator.
This supplies air at a constant flow to the face piece via a breathing hose. Face mask (half masks, full face masks) visors and hoods can all be used
with constant flow devices, but only as specified by the manufacturer. An example of constant flow equipment integrated with different types of face
pieces is shown in the picture.
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Self-contained breathing apparatus consist of a full-face mask fitted with a demand valve and supplied with clean air from vessels of compressed
breathable air. Both negative and positive demand types are available. These devices are the most complex, requiring a high degree of training for
both wearing and maintenance. The devices are only likely to be used in potentially very dangerous situations. Duration of use is dependent on the
size and number of compressed air vessels. Open-circuit compressed-air devices (exhaled air is discharged to the atmosphere) typically lasts about 60
minutes, and is widely used by industry and emergency staff. Closed-circuit compressed-oxygen devices (carbon dioxide in the exhaled air is
removed by an adsorbent and the cleaned air is topped up with oxygen and recirculated) can last for more than two hours. The relevant standards for
these types of devices are (to be completed). An example of the self-contained breathing apparatus is shown in the picture.
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Requirements
Requirements related to protection, safety and usability factors are defined in normative documents (EN series standards). The list of EN standards
appropriate for each type of respiratory protective devices are as follows:
Table. The list of EN standards for respiratory protection equipment.
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EN 136:1998
EN 137:2006
Respiratory protective devices. Self-contained open-circuit compressed air breathing apparatus with full face mask.
Requirements, testing, marking
EN 138:1994
Respiratory protective devices. Specification for fresh air hose breathing apparatus for use with full face mask, half mask or
mouthpiece assembly
EN 140:1998
Respiratory protective devices - Half masks and quarter masks - Requirements, testing, marking
EN 142:2002
EN 143:2000
EN 145:1997
Respiratory protective devices - Self-contained closed-circuit breathing apparatus compressed oxygen or compressed
oxygen-nitrogen type - Requirements, testing, marking
EN 149:2001 +
A1:2009
Respiratory protective devices - Filtering half masks to protect against particles - Requirements, testing, marking
EN 269:1994
Respiratory protective devices - Powered fresh air hose breathing apparatus incorporating a hood - Requirements, testing,
marking
EN 402:2003
Respiratory protective devices - Lung governed demand self-contained open-circuit compressed air breathing apparatus with
full face mask or mouthpiece assembly for escape - Requirements, testing, marking
EN 403:2004
Respiratory protective devices for self-rescue - Filtering devices with hood for escape from fire - Requirements, testing,
marking
EN 404:2005
Respiratory protective devices for self-rescue - Filter self-rescuer from carbon monoxide with mouthpiece assembly
EN 405:2001 +
A1:2009
Respiratory protective devices - Valved filtering half masks to protect against gases or gases and particles - Requirements,
testing, marking
EN 1146:2005
Respiratory protective devices - Self-contained open-circuit compressed air breathing apparatus incorporating a hood for
escape - Requirements, testing, marking
EN 1827:1999 +
A1:2009
Respiratory protective devices - Half masks without inhalation valves and with separable filters to protect against gases or
gases and particles or particles only - Requirements, testing, marking
EN 12083:1998
Respiratory protective devices - Filters with breathing hoses, (Non-mask mounted filters) - Particle filters, gas filters, and
combined filters - Requirements, testing, marking
EN 12941:1998
Respiratory protective devices - Powered filtering devices incorporating a helmet or a hood - Requirements, testing, marking
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EN 12942:1998
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Respiratory protective devices - Power assisted filtering devices incorporating full face masks, half masks or quarter masks Requirements, testing, marking
EN 13794:2002
Respiratory protective devices - Self-contained closed-circuit breathing apparatus for escape - Requirements, testing,
marking
EN 14387:2004 +
A1:2008
Respiratory protective devices - Gas filter(s) and combined filter(s) - Requirements, testing, marking
EN 14435:2004
Respiratory protective devices - Self-contained open-circuit compressed air breathing apparatus with half mask designed to
be used with positive pressure only - Requirements, testing, marking
EN 14593-1:2005
Respiratory protective devices - Compressed air line breathing apparatus with demand valve - Part 1: Apparatus with a full
face mask - Requirements, testing, marking
EN 14593-2:2005
Respiratory protective devices - Compressed air line breathing apparatus with demand valve - Part 2: Apparatus with a half
mask at positive pressure - Requirements, testing, marking
EN14594:2005
Respiratory protective devices - Continuous flow compressed air line breathing apparatus - Requirements, testing, marking
Selection
Prior to selecting an RPE, it is recommended to identify all types of hazards occurring at a workplace and evaluate the occupational risk
(Occupational safety and health risk assessment methodologies). Where appropriate, it is necessary to take the measurement of harmful and
dangerous substance concentration and compare the results with exposure limits (Occupational Exposure Limits with respect to concentration, for
example, of dust, fumes, gases). Times exceeding the acceptable values will be an indicator as for the selection of protection class and knowledge
concerning these factors will point to the necessary range of protection. If the highest acceptable concentration has not been established, acceptable
concentration value ought to be established on the basis of e.g. literature data or experts opinion. Important information on the subject may be found
on the label provided on the packaging of chemical preparations. Moreover, producers, distributors or importers placing a hazardous detergent on the
market are obliged to provide material safety data sheets (MSDS) of the substance.[3]
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If the risk is evaluated as high and applied collective measures are not sufficient or if conditions do not allow for other alternative protective
measures, in order to ensure the safety of a worker, appropriate RPEs ought to be applied. In the case of exposing the workers to carcinogenic
substances, the risk is to be evaluated as high. Since carcinogenic substances are included in the group on no-threshold substances, applying
individual protection devices may be treated solely as temporary because it does not ensure total elimination of carcinogenic factors, but only lowers
its concentration.
After putting on and adjusting the face pieces, it is necessary to check its tightness. In order to do so, the following ought to be done:
inlets of filtering elements to be tightly covered by hands,
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inhale,
facial part is correctly fitted and tight if there is hard resistance while inhaling and the half-masks walls come closer to the face,
inlets of exhale valves to be tightly covered by hands,
exhale,
face pieces is correctly fitted and tight if there is hard resistance while inhaling and the half-masks walls move away from the face,
in case of noticing any lack of tightness, the facial part ought to be adjusted again and tightness ought to be checked again,
in case there is no possibility of obtaining appropriate tightness, the face pieces ought to be exchanged.
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It is unacceptable that the RPE and its elements be stored in places that may be directly exposed to sunlight or less than 1m from heating devices. The
RPE should be transported in conditions ensuring protection from damage and atmospheric influences. Time of storing should be no longer than the
one specified by the producer as using expired or damaged filter or gas-filters, and also face pieces, may be the reason of poisoning. In case of
reusable filters, directly after leaving the contaminated area, it is necessary to secure it by placing the RPE in an individual airtight container.
After each use, face pieces that are reusable ought to be washed in warm water with soap then thoroughly dried by leaving it to dry in a noncontaminated area. It is recommended to carry out frequent disinfections of face pieces (according to the producers instruction) and after each change
of user. During periodical RPE reviews and before and after each use, it is necessary to check the correct functioning of valves, and if necessary
replace the valve. Valves that are out-of-order and lack of tightness may become the reason of very serious poisoning.
References
1. Directive 89/656/EEC - use of personal protective equipment of 30 November 1989 on the minimum health and safety requirements for the
use by workers of personal protective equipment at the workplace, OJ L 393 , 30/12/1989 P. 0018 - 0028. Available at:[1]
(http://osha.europa.eu/en/legislation/directives/workplaces-equipment-signs-personal-protective-equipment/osh-directives/4)
2. Council Directive 89/686/EEC of 21 December 1989 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to personal protective
equipment, OJ L 399, 30.12.1989, p. 1838. Available at: [2] (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/consleg/1989/L/01989L068620031120-en.pdf)
3. HSE Health and Safety Executive, A practical guide, Respiratory protective equipment at work, HSE Books, 2005. Available at: [3]
(http://www.hse.gov.uk/respiratory-protective-equipment/index.htm)
4. Majchrzycka, K., Bartkowiak, B., Stefko, A., Kamiska, W., Owczarek, G., Pietrowski, P., Baszczyski, K. Personal Protective Equipment,
In: Koradecka, D. (Ed), Handbook of Occupational Safety and Health, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2010, pp. 515-549
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CCOHS Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (2011_0106). Designing an Effective PPE Program. Retrieved on 30 January 2013,
from: [7] (http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/designin.html)
Contributors
Katarzyna Majchrzycka, Piotr Pietrowski
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