PPE refers to anything used or worn to minimise risk to workers health and safety , for example , protective footwear , eyewear and RPE such as powered air purifying respirators ( PAPR ).
If PPE is to be used to minimise the risk of exposure to silica dust , the PCBU must provide the appropriate PPE to workers at the workplace , unless this PPE has been provided by another PCBU .
PPE should only be considered after implementing substitution , isolation , engineering and administrative controls . It should only be used in combination with , and to supplement higher level control measures .
PPE should never be relied on as the sole means to protect workers from silica dust , as it does not control the hazard at the source and is the least effective at minimising risks when used on its own .
Using PPE relies on human behaviour and supervision to be effective .
Respiratory protective equipment ( RPE )
It is a good idea to establish a system to manage workers ’ use of RPE . The system should include :
− selecting the most suitable RPE for the task − fit testing − a use , maintenance , storage and repair program − a facial hair policy for tight-fitting respirators , and − providing information , training and supervision for workers .
Selecting suitable RPE for silica dust
A PCBU must ensure RPE is selected to minimise health and safety risks . This includes ensuring the RPE is :
− suitable having regard to the nature of the work and hazards associated with the work
− a suitable size and fit and reasonably comfortable for the worker who is to use and wear it
− maintained , repaired or replaced so that it continues to minimise risk to the worker who uses it , including by ensuring it is clean and hygienic and in good working order , and
− used or worn by the worker , so far as is reasonably practicable .
When determining suitability , the protection factor assigned to the RPE must be sufficient to provide protection . The RPE filter must also be suitable for silica dust .
When using a tight-fitting respirator , it must have an effective face seal to ensure contaminated air does not leak into the respirator and is not breathed in by the worker . This means they should be clean-shaven or only have facial hair that does not interfere with the fitting surfaces or the respirator valve . As everyone ’ s face is a different size and shape , there is no ‘ one size fits all ’ tight-fitting respirator . Fit testing each worker and their RPE before they commence dust-generating work will help ensure RPE is effective .
For workers who want to keep facial hair that may interfere with the operation or proper fit of a tight-fitting respirator ( for example a closely trimmed beard ), a PAPR with a loose hood may be suitable .
Managing the risks of respirable crystalline silica from engineered stone in the workplace - Code of Practice 39 of 57