The number of deaths every year from respiratory diseases is well into the hundreds. Here are some fascinating facts, maybe something you didn't know before. It's high time workplaces took proper care of their workers lungs!
Talk to one of our advisors today to get unbiased up-to-date advise on correct respiratory protection: 01772 691000
Did you know there is new scientific evidence that exposure to all welding fume, including mild steel welding fume, can cause lung cancer? The HSE have therefore stated that:
- All businesses undertaking welding activities should ensure effective engineering controls are provided and correctly used to control fume arising from those welding activities.
- Where engineering controls are not adequate to control all fume exposure, adequate and suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is also required to control risk from the residual fume.
Did you know Silica is the biggest risk to construction workers after asbestos?
HSE commissioned estimates it was responsible for the death of over 500 construction workers in 2005. In addition to the risks from lung cancer, silica is also linked to other serious lung diseases.
So what is silica?
Silica is a natural substance found in varying amounts in most rocks, sand and clay. For example, sandstone contains more than 70% silica, whereas granite might contain 15-30%. Silica is also a major constituent of construction materials such as bricks, tiles, concrete and mortar.
You generate dust from these materials during many common construction tasks. These include cutting, drilling, grinding and polishing. Some of this dust is fine enough to get deep into your lungs. The fine dust is known as respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and is too fine to see with normal lighting. It is commonly called silica or silica dust.
So, if workers exposed to welding fumes, silica dust or other harmful microscopic particles and are wearing some RPE, surely they’ll be fine?
NOT NECESSARILY!
By just wearing some form of respiratory protection it doesn’t necessarily tick all the boxes. When wearing disposable RPE to protect against a known substance that can be measured and monitored every wearer must be face fit tested every 12 months to ensure there is an adequate face seal. Without proper face fit testing for RPE you are attracting litigation. Wearers must also be clean shaven, facial hair ruins the seal and allows these small dangerous particles to enter your airways, potentially leading to one of these deadly diseases. Do you need a face fit testing service? We come to your site and offer a full RPE face fit test service, drop us a line if you’d like some details: sales@slatersafety.co.uk | 01772 691000
Is there a way round face fit testing and the ongoing cost of wearing disposable respirators?
YES ABSOLUTELY!
Wearing a disposable respirator for a long period of time is not great…resistance to your breathing, irritation on your face and it can lead to increased carbon monoxide levels in your body. Disposable respirators are bad for the environment, there must be millions that are thrown away every day. Disposable respirators are a constant ongoing expense. What’s the solution? Have a think about POWERED RESPIRATORS:
- Save money with no ongoing costs
- Much better for the environment
- No face fit testing required
- No need for a clean-shaven face
- Far greater user comfort
We have a range of RPE options available and are UK distributors for the market leading CleanAir range of powered respirators. Why should you consider CleanAir PAPR systems:
- Very robust PAPR system, tried and tested in the demanding Nordic ship yards
- Excellent alternative product to the Scott range
- Most headtops achieve the TH3 protection rating - highest level of protection
- Vast range of different headtops available to choose from
- Manufactured in Europe
- Lightweight and comfortable units for the user
- Comprehensive, high quality range for particulate, chemical and welding applications
- Units and accessories available next day from our stock
Browse the range of CleanAir products on our website or have a chat with one of our team to find out what the options are for you.
Contact us on: sales@slatersafety.co.uk | 01772691000
