Fitness to wear Respiratory Protective equipment (RPE)
Occupational Health procedure
1.
Scope
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE, including Breathing Apparatus and respirators)
may be worn at Loughborough University by staff who need to work in areas where there
could be contamination of the atmosphere, or a deficiency of oxygen. This may include
working in voids or other spaces where there is a potential for asbestos to be present
(provided this work is permitted within the limitations of the University’s Guide to the
Management of Asbestos); or entering drains or other confined spaces.
The use of RPE needs to comply with the Management of Health and Safety Regulations
(1999), Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (2002) and The Confined Spaces
Regulations (1997).
An adequate level of fitness is required for all employees who may be required to use
RPE.
2.
Assessment of Fitness
The level of fitness required will depend on:a)
b)
c)
The type of RPE required (e.g. whether self contained or air fed)
The nature of work being carried out, and the effort involved (e.g. whether work is
physically demanding or is purely supervisory)
Whether RPE is worn for prolonged periods or is carried to use in case of emergency
(i.e. for escape purposes only)
For this reason, no specific standards of fitness have been identified; fitness for work
wearing RPE will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Health assessment is required 3 yearly as a minimum. More frequent review may be
required for some individuals.
Initial health assessment should be carried out for new employees/new users of RPE
before RPE training wherever possible; failing this, before first use in a non-training
situation.
Health assessment will usually be carried out by the Occupational Health Adviser; referral
will be made to the Occupational Physician where appropriate.
The health questionnaire used for fitness assessment for RPE can be found at (link)
Wendy Jones
Health, safety & Environment
May 2007
Health assessment will usually consist of:-
Health questionnaire
Eyesight testing
Blood pressure
Height/weight
Lung function
To identity any pre-existing condition which may create
a risk to health from wearing RPE or working in a
confined space; to identify any medication which may
affect the ability to wear RPE or work in a confined
space safely
Users need to be able to see to carry out their work
safely; and to escape in case of emergency. In some
cases, spectacles may be needed which do not affect
the fit of the RPE, if these are not available the
individual must be considered unfit to wear RPE.
Raised blood pressure increases the risk of heart
disease and stroke; these risks may be increased
further in situations which are physically demanding
Being overweight or having low fitness increases the
risk of heart disease and stroke; these risks may be
increased further in situations which are physically
demanding. Being overweight may also restrict
mobility
Lung conditions such as bronchitis or some forms of
asthma may make the wearing of RPE inadvisable in
some situations.
3. Key responsibilities
The manager will refer RPE users to Occupational Health for health assessment; the
referral should state:•
•
•
•
The type of RPE worn
The frequency of wearing RPE
The nature of work performed whilst wearing RPE
When training on RPE was last undertaken
Occupational Health will advise the manager of an individual’s fitness following health
assessment, including:•
•
•
Whether or not the individual is fit to wear RPE
The expiry date of the certificate of fitness
Any restrictions on work activities
Occupational Health assessment of fitness to wear RPE does not routinely include
assessment of an individual’s’ suitability in terms of face fit, facial hair etc.
The RPE user is responsibility for advising the manager and/or Occupational Health of
any changes change in health (temporary or permanent ) which may affect fitness to wear
RPE.
Wendy Jones
Health, safety & Environment
May 2007
Wendy Jones
Health, safety & Environment
May 2007