The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have issued a new safety alert advising that respirators/masks that rely on ear loops (including those provided with clips, ‘snuggers’ or other ‘tighteners’) do NOT protect people adequately when used as tight fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
As part of the RPE selection process, individual wearers should be fit-tested by a competent assessor to ensure a good seal and therefore adequate protection. The HSE research showed that in most cases respirators with ear loops did not pass face-fit testing, despite being UKCA or CE marked.
The HSE recommends that ear loop mask/respirators are not used as RPE in the workplace and that those responsible revisit their Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH 2002) risk assessment and review their Respiratory Management Programme.
One thing to note this advice doesn’t not include FFP2 masks/respirators with masks or fluid resistance surgical masks (the blue ones that have been used during the pandemic) as these are used for a different purpose and not required to be tight fitting.
So, with all this in mind, have you considered a powered respirator such as CleanAir?
We have a range of RPE options available and are UK distributors for the market-leading CleanAir!
Have a read to find out more here or get in touch and find out how our technical team can help support you.
sales@slatersafety.co.uk | 01772691000
Check out the HSE article here