Working Safely in Hazardous Environments
Hazardous vapours, gases and fumes can be released at various stages within
manufacturing applications. Whether the risk is from noxious fumes, particulate
or contamination from a compressed air system, effective respiratory protection
for the user is essential. In most cases simple orinasal, cartridge based filtering
masks do not provide acceptable protection for the user. Where the risk of contamination
is serious an air-fed respirator should be used.
- High Risk Occupations / Activities
- Tank cleaning
- Spray painting
- Demolition
- Building and electrical maintenance
- Telephone engineers
- Paint stripping
- Shotblasting
- Welding
- Smelting / casting
Employer Obligations
Employers are obliged under COSHH regulations (Control of Substances Hazardous
to Health) to provide Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) in addition to
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) wherever there is the possibility of employees
or site visitors inhaling hazardous substances. Compressed air used for breathing
must comply with local legislation. In Europe the maximum levels of contamination
permissible are outlined in EN 12021 and recommendations for selection, care
and maintenance can be found in EN 529. It is essential that all items of RPE
are tested for compliance at suitable intervals not exceeding one month. Only
approved equipment should be used and employers must take advice from equipment
suppliers on correct use to prevent respiratory health problems.
Hazardous Substances
- Biological agents – bacteria and other micro-organisms
- Dusts – with high concentration levels (produced during grinding,
sanding or milling)
- Noble gases – e.g. argon and helium (not directly hazardous but can
cause oxygen deficiency)
- Processed substances – such as pesticides, medicines chemicals and
cosmetics
- Fumes – often created during welding, smelting and pouring molten
metals
- Mists – liquid droplets formed by atomisation and condensation processes.
Mists can be created by plating, spraying, mixing and cleaning operations
- Asbestos – used extensively in buildings from the 1940’s to
1960’s. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer
or mesothelioma
- Lead poisoning – lead poisoning is likely to build up slowly over
time and can pose serious risks including, brain, nerve and kidney damage
Respiratory Health Problems
The inhalation of hazardous substances can cause serious health problems including:
- Asthma – attacks of coughing, wheezing and tightness of chest
- Rhinitis – nasal irritation
- Conjunctivitis – watery eyes
- Bronchitis – coughing and shortness of breath
- Respiratory sensitisation – an irreversible allergic reaction
- Nervous disorders
- Reduced lung capacity
- Nausea and disorientation
- Unconsciousness
Integrated solution
Parker domnick hunter has been supplying industry with air fed respiratory protection
equipment for more than 30 years and is a world leader in the filtration, purification
and separation of compressed air, gases and liquids. To assist employers complying
with current legislation, Parker domnick hunter offers a full range of respiratory
protection equipment from portable systems suitable for single person use to
full facility protection. The Parker domnick hunter RPE range filters compressed
air to remove harmful particulates, odours and fumes providing a safe working
environment. Full support and guidance on system design, product selection and
on site testing to EN 12021 is available to provide the most cost effective
solution for your application. Compliance with International Breathing Air standards
means you can be sure of a safe air supply that provides effective protection
from harmful substances and maintains employee health.
