Workers using handheld equipment for grinding and polishing tasks , in combination with effective engineering controls , should wear respiratory protection .
The following questions should be considered when choosing RPE :
• Does the RPE provide the required minimum protection factor ?
• Is it clean and well maintained ?
• Was fit testing successful ?
• Is it comfortable for the worker to wear ?
• Does the RPE introduce additional hazards such as heat , or obscured vision ?
More information about PPE can be found on the Safe Work Australia website .
Fit testing
Fit testing is essential to make sure the RPE works correctly and is comfortable to wear with other PPE that may be needed for the task . Fit testing measures the effectiveness of the seal between the respirator and the worker ’ s face . If there is not a good seal contaminated air , potentially containing silica dust , could leak into the respirator and be breathed in by the worker .
There are two types of fit testing that can be carried out : −
−
Qualitative o a pass / fail test that relies on the wearer ’ s ability to taste or smell a test agent , and o only used on half face respirators . Quantitative o uses specialised equipment to measure how much air leaks into the respirator , and o used on half face respirators , full face respirators and PAPR .
Quantitative fit testing results are more objective than qualitative testing because some workers have difficulty with their ability to taste or smell . This can result in a ‘ false pass ’ and worker health not being adequately protected . Full face respirators and PAPR should be fit tested using the quantitative method .
All fit testing should be carried out by a competent person , manufacturer , supplier or consultant :
− before a worker wears a tight-fitting respirator for the first time − each time a new make or model of respirator is provided to a worker − whenever there is a change in the wearer ’ s facial characteristics or features that may affect the seal o for example , large weight loss or gain , and
− be repeated annually .
More information about who a competent person is can be found below .
For PPE to be effective , workers who are required to wear tight-fitting respirators should be clean shaven . If they cannot be clean shaven , ensure :
− there is no hair between their face and the seal of the respirator face piece as it can interfere with a proper fit . This is important as silica dust is smaller than facial hair .
− facial hair does not interfere with the inhalation / exhalation valve operation .
It is also important to ensure clothing , makeup , dental fixtures and jewellery do not interfere with the respirator seal or inhalation / exhalation valve operation .
A written record of fit tests carried out for each worker should be kept and shared with the worker after fit testing is complete . The record should include the :
Managing the risks of respirable crystalline silica from engineered stone in the workplace - Code of Practice 40 of 57