Proficiency Module Syllabus
P603 - Control of Hazardous SubstancesPersonal Protective Equipment
Introduction:
This proficiency module is one of a group of modules designed to provide a basic understanding
of the range of control measures for hazardous substances in the workplace.
Aim:
To provide an understanding of the methodology, theoretical and practical knowledge in order
to develop, organise and implement a successful personal protective equipment programme in
the workplace.
Learning
Outcomes:
On successful completion of this proficiency module the student should be able to:
 Understand the risk-based rationale for selection of personal protective equipment
 Understand the basis for selection and correct use of respiratory protective equipment
 Understand the basic maintenance requirements for respiratory protective equipment
 Understand the basis for selection and correct use of personal protective equipment
Prior
Knowledge:
Candidates for this course are expected to have some basic knowledge of chemical hazards that
could be experienced in the work place and how they could be controlled by means other than
personal protection. [Module P601 would meet most of this requirement]
Content:
Topic
1
Hierarchy of Control
2
Achieving Effective Control
3
Personal Protective Equipment
3.1 General Requirements
3.2 Respiratory Protective Equipment [RPE] including Eye and
Face Protection
3.3 Chemical Protective Clothing [CPC]
3.4 Gloves and Dermal Care
4
Practical
Note:
Time Allocation
5%
10%
15%
25%
15%
15%
15%
Reference is made in this syllabus to HSE guidance or other documentation. These may not be
the most up-to-date relevant publications from HSE/other sources and is intended as guidance
for candidates only.
1 Hierarchy of Control (5%)
1.0.1 Principles of identifying hazards and risks in the workplace
1.0.2 Hierarchy of control and its underlying principles
1.0.3 Substitution or change of properties of materials, work procedures, process engineering control,
enclosures and local exhaust ventilation and personal protective equipment [including practical
programmes that may involve a combination of measures]
2 Achieving Effective Control (10%)
2.0.1 The practical application of the hierarchy of control eg. use of a combination of measures, stepwise
approach
2.0.2 Identifying effective control strategies, adopting the principles of reasonable practicability (including
COSHH Essentials/ILO toolbox)
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3 Personal Protective Equipment
3.1 General requirements for all types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including Respiratory
Protective Equipment (RPE), chemical protective gloves and chemical protective clothing [CPC] (15%)
3.1.1
Limitations of use
3.1.2
Definition of suitability
3.1.3
Ergonomic impact of PPE
3.1.4
Importance of selection, training, maintenance, and proper use in the development of a PPE
programme
3.2
Respiratory Protective Equipment [RPE] including Eye and Face protection (25%)
3.2.1
Types of RPE and their limitations eg. Dust respirators; gas and vapour respirators; high
efficiency, powered, ventilated visors, disposable and maintenance-free respirators; selfcontained and supplied air breathing apparatus
3.2.2
Selection, use and maintenance of RPE. The importance of Face fit testing
3.2.3
Use of nominal protection factors and their application
3.2.4
Implementing RPE programmes in the workplace
3.2.5
Face and eye protection requirements
3.3
Chemical Protective Clothing [CPC] (15%)
3.3.1
Types of CPC
3.3.2
Performance criteria
3.3.3
Testing effectiveness
3.3.4
Application, limitations
3.3.5
Storage arrangements, laundering arrangements, role in prevention of spread of
contamination
3.3.6
Suitability for use and integrity
3.3.7
Decontamination units and their application
3.4
Gloves and Dermal Care (15%)
3.4.1
Basic dermal exposure assessment techniques and principles of dermal exposure risk
management
3.4.2
Types of gloves and their performance data
3.4.3
Chemical resistance, permeation, penetration and degradation; breakthrough times
3.4.4
Glove selection, maintenance and training in use
4 Practical (15%)
Practical studies need to include the demonstration of face fit testing for respiratory protective equipment
along with case studies to demonstrate the strength and weakness of all personal protective equipment.
Relevant Documentation
1
HSE Guidance Note HSG193 (2003) COSHH Essentials Easy Steps to Control Chemicals and website
http://www.coshh-essentials.org.uk
2
ACGIH Guidelines on Selection of Chemical Protective Clothing
3
HSE Guidance Note HSG53 Respiratory Protection at Work
4
ISO 16900 series standards on Respiratory Protective Devices
5
ISO 16602 Protective Clothing for Protection against Chemicals – Classification, Labelling and
Performance Requirements
6
NIOSH Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection
7
NIOSH A Guide for Assessing the Performance of Protective Clothing
8
Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work HSE Books HSG258
9
Cost and Effectiveness of Chemical Protective Gloves for the Workplace HSG206, HSE Books
10 Controlling Skin Exposure to Chemicals and Wet-Work' by Rajadurai Sithamparanadarajah, ISBN 978-1906674-00-7
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Course Length
It is envisaged that this course will be conducted over 2 days which includes the examination.
This course will require approximately 14 hours’ study time, of which at least 12 hours will be taught
(teaching and practical). The additional study time will be required in the candidates’ own time.
Course Examination/Assessment
The students will be assessed as follows:
A 105 minute BOHS examination consisting of 35 short answer questions.
Successful completion of the above will lead to a:
‘PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATE‘ in
P603 – Control of Hazardous Substances – Personal Protective Equipment
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