Respiratory protection

The COSHH Regulations specify the need to prevent or control exposure to hazardous substances by using a strict hierarchy of controls. Where adequate control cannot be achieved by elimination, substitution, engineering or procedural controls alone, then the use of correctly chosen and correctly fitted respiratory protective equipment in conjunction with those control measures is permissible. Selection of the correct respiratory protection requires an assessment of the properties of the hazardous substances used, consideration of the task, and consideration of the individual wearing it.

The policy statement details the requirements for the correct use of respiratory protection, including:

• limitations of respirators
• permissible uses of respirators
• respirator types
• tight fitting respirators
• face fit testing
• loose fitting respirators
• maintenance and record keeping
• storage