Breathe easy with well-fitted kit
1 min read
Poorly-fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is a key reason why workers are reluctant to wear it and can heighten risk of respiratory problems according to a campaign by the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF).
Thousands of workers develop ill-health issues after breathing in harmful quantities of dust, fumes or other airborne contaminants.
The BSIF is reminding businesses to check that providers are accredited to the Fit2Fit scheme, a programme the BSIF launched with the backing of the Health and Safety Executive.
The scheme highlights the need for RPE to be fitted properly after it emerged that many workers' RPE does not afford the correct level of protection due to poor fit.
Fit2Fit is designed to confirm the competency of any person performing face piece fit testing by passing an industry recognised exam, followed by a practical assessment.
These assessments demonstrate that they have a thorough knowledge of the HSE guidance on fit testing and that they know how to fit test in practical circumstances.
A recent study of the Fit2Fit results to date showed a worrying pass rate of less than 50%.
David Lummis (pictured), chief exec at the BSIF, said the results are "a cause for concern". The low pass rate has caused the BSIF to reflect on the general competence of RPE fitters, he added: "This incompetence may be due to a lack of knowledge, skills, experience and/or understanding of fit testing, or that these skills may have deteriorated over time. Either way, the wearer of the equipment will be risking potential respiratory health problems if the RPE is ill fitted.
"Consequently we shall continue to strive to educate and raise the proficiency of RPE fitters, as well as seek to increase the pass rates of the scheme. It is vital that everyone who carries out this job is accredited to the necessary standard, thereby reducing unnecessary risk to workers."
For details, see www.fit2fit.org.
