Unlike head and foot injuries for example, respiratory injuries are not readily apparent in the workplace. In some cases it may not be until after workers retire that symptoms and diagnosis happens. It is therefore very important that all staff at risk, or who may be at risk have access to Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) that meets the appropriate European standard.

Five common workplace respiratory hazards:

Dusts - produced when solid materials are broken down into finer particles, the longer the dust remains in the air the easier it is to inhale. In general the smaller the dust particle the greater the hazard it presents;
 

Mists - tiny liquid droplets formed by atomization and condensation processes such as spraying. Mists are often combinations of several hazardous ingredients;

Metal Fumes - occur when metals are vaporized under high heat. The vapors are cooled quickly and condense into very fine particles that float in the air. Many processes form fume such as smelting, pouring metals and many welding applications;

Gases - airborne at room temperature. Able to diffuse or spread freely, can travel very far very quickly;

Vapors - gaseous state of substances that are liquids or solids at room temperature. Formed when substances evaporate in the way water vapors evaporates from water

• Identify the Hazards - dust, metal fume, gas, vapors

• Assess the Hazard Level - what level of personal protection is required - what type of dust mask is needed?

• Select the required Safety Respirator - disposable safety dust mask, half mask, full face mask, powered respirator, airfed respirator

• Ensure employees are trained in the fitting and use of their Respiratory Protection
  
  Every Dust Mask in our range conforms to EN149 2001 and offers protection against dusts and particles.

To help you meet the Health and Safety Executives demands and to protect you, our dust mask range consists of a wide choice of products from filtering face piece disposable dust masks to full face safety masks.

FOLDING MASKS (DISPOSABLE) FFP1, FFP2, FFP3 – VALVED AND UNVALVED

MOULDED MASKS (DISPOSABLE) FFP1, FFP2, FFP3 – VALVED AND UNVALVED`

Hand Safety

Hands are extremely vulnerable to a wide range of hazards which include cuts, blows, chemical attack and temperature extremes. With industry's increasingly complex and sensitive manufacturing and handling processes, there is a growing insistence on the use of "job fitted" safety gloves that meet specific requirements.

Providing effective hand protection for those at risk is a legal requirement, (clause IV of the 'Personal Protective Equipment at Work' Regulations 1992).

It is vital that safety gloves fit correctly so it is important that you know your correct hand size. Measure the circumference of the palm and the length from the wrist to the tip of the index finger then compare with the chart below:

It is very important to keep safety gloves well maintained as contaminated or worn protective gloves may fail to protect the hands from the hazard they were designed for. Effective protection is maintained by regular replacement of the gloves. Check the condition of the gloves, inside and out.

Hearing Protection

When selecting hearing protection it is essential to be aware of national laws, regulations, customs and practices. The following points should be considered:
Required Sound Attenuation, Certification Mark, Wearer Comfort and Compatibility.
When selecting Ear protection, the wearer should note that, unlike in many forms of PPE, it is possible to have too much protection! The wearer still needs to be able to hear warning sirens and approaching vehicles etc.

Noise at Work Regulations

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