Fit checking is the responsibility of the worker . Workers must be trained on how to carry out a fit check for their tight-fitting RPE . They should undertake a fit check every time they use a tight-fitting respirator to ensure they are using and wearing RPE in a way that will protect their health and safety .
Other PPE
In addition to respirators , workers may need other PPE depending on the work task . A risk assessment should be conducted to decide the PPE required for workers .
The PCBU should assess the conditions likely to affect the health and safety of workers and ensure suitable PPE and appropriate training is provided before any work generating silica dust commences .
Other types of PPE that can be used to minimise exposure to silica dust include :
− eye protection − gloves − protective footwear such as rubber boots or gumboots , and − protective clothing such as waterproof overalls or an apron ( Figure 8 ).
Appropriate protective footwear and clothing will protect workers ’ clothing from silica dust , including water and mists containing dusts . Note that the use of gloves could be an entanglement hazard when using high-speed power tools .
A hard hat and hearing protection will provide protection and may be recommended to manage other risks associated with the engineered stone fabrication process .
When selecting other types of PPE , it is important to ensure that the PPE does not interfere with the effectiveness of RPE .
Figure 8 : Personal protective equipment .
Managing the risks of respirable crystalline silica from engineered stone in the workplace - Code of Practice 42 of 57