Protecting Respiratory Health: What Should be the Constituents of an Effective RPE Programme?

Abstract

Although personal respiratory protection is widely recognized as having a lower priority than reduction of any risk at source, respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is a major part of risk management for many employers. We have identified the key elements of what constitutes an effective risk control programme involving RPE, through a 3-fold approach involving (i) a review of the published scientific literature, (ii) exploring the issue through >40 years of research publications from the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) (in which the ergonomics of personal protection equipment has been a significant thread), and (iii) a series of interviews and discussions with IOM and Health and Safety Executive staff with experience in the testing, prescription, or use of RPE. We have used the findings to formulate a series of recommendations for the constituents of an effective RPE programme. The role of management is paramount in recognizing the need for and providing appropriate RPE, which is both technically and ergonomically effective. Only then does any focus on the role of the employee, in wearing the RPE correctly at the appropriate times, becomes viable.

The Effect of a Knowledge-Based Intervention on the Use of Respirators in the Norwegian Smelter Industry

“…Howie pointed out the necessity of employee grounding in order to ensure the proper motivation for wearing RPE, including information of the consequences for the workers' health from exposure, the necessity of having correct equipment available, knowledge of correct use and the importance of optimal fit. Graveling et al (2011) also provided recommendations for proper RPE programs. They stated that all management levels need to understand the importance of, and need for RPE.…”

“…In a review by Graveling et al (2011), the authors suggested several measures to optimize RPE use and compliance among workers. The role of management with regards to facilitating use, providing the correct equipment and training in addition to aspects of the RPE equipment such as user comfort and technical appropriateness were pointed out.…”

Evaluation of Respiratory Protection Program in Petrochemical Industries: Application of Analytic Hierarchy Process

“…Accordingly, it has been recommended that RPE should be used only in a systematic and documented manner as detailed in the respiratory protection program (RPP). As part of respiratory risk control in the workplace, implementing an RPP can ensure that selection, use, and care of respiratory protective equipment have been conducted correctly and expected protection has been provided to the workers [8] , [9] , [10] , [11] .…”

Recommendations when using filter respirators for reducing the risk of occupational diseases

“…Фактори, які впливають на правильний вибір і використання працівником ЗІЗОДскладні і неоднорідні навіть на одному робочому місці. Якщо зробити наголос на різні чинники, то це не завжди відображає те, що можна очікувати для даної галузі і даного респіратора [26][27]. Однак, розуміючи зібрану інформацію можна сказати, що до найсуттєвіших помилок при виборі фільтрувальних ЗІЗОД, наслідки якої можуть привести до фатального результату є невідповідність функціонального призначення, коли вибраний ЗІЗОД не відповідає ані типу токсикантів ані класу захист.…”