Breathe Easily

03/02/2010 : go back

According to a survey carried out by the HSE1, it was estimated that approximately 5.5million employees in about 220,000 workplaces are potentially at risk of respiratory disease. Couple this with research results indicating that an estimated 50% of all respiratory protective equipment (RPE) does not offer the correct level of protection and a very real concern emerges.

Where RPE is deployed, the issue is not necessarily with the quality of the equipment, but with the fact that it is not being used or fitted properly. Yet, there is not just a moral obligation to correctly protect employees - there are also legal implications. UK safety and health regulations stipulate that RPE must be correctly selected and those using the equipment should receive adequate training. Where a faceseal is necessary, an appropriate fit test must be conducted by a competent person – and this is where complications arise. This is particularly important where the presence of asbestos is likely.

Up until now, fit testers of RPE have not been accredited, making the selection of a competent person a matter of luck and guess work. There may be a lack of knowledge, skills, experience and understanding of fit testing, or these may have deteriorated over time. Either way, the wearer of the equipment will be risking potential respiratory health problems if it is ill fitting.

To tackle this issue, the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) in cooperation with the HSE2, ARCA and other industry stakeholders have developed a competency scheme – the Fit2Fit Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme. By substantially increasing the correct fitting of RPE, the aim is to significantly reduce the incidence of occupational respiratory injury.

This scheme is designed to confirm the competency of any person performing facepiece fit testing by passing an industry recognised exam, demonstrating that they have a thorough knowledge of the HSE guidance on fit testing and that they know how to fit test in practical circumstances.

David Lummis, BSIF, explains the importance of the scheme: “This is good news for all concerned. By creating a nationally recognised accreditation scheme with ‘professional’ standing, employers who select appropriate, accredited Fit2Fit personnel to fit test their employees with respiratory protection will mitigate liability in the event of an incident; HSE inspectors and RPE users can be provided with evidence of competence; and it should generate business for commercial fit testers who complete the scheme. Ultimately, of course, it will play a part in reducing respiratory disease in the workplace.”

In recognition of the importance of the scheme to help ensure competent RPE Fit Testing, ARCA have strongly endorsed and sponsor the Fit2Fit scheme. There is no industry where the correct use of RPE is more essential than those involved in Asbestos removal.

For further information on the BSIF Fit2Fit Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme, visit www.fit2fit.org or call the BSIF on 01745 585 600.