PAPR Respirator
Many workers wear respirators or breathing apparatus to protect their health in the workplace. These devices are collectively known as respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Respirators filter the air to remove harmful substances and breathing apparatus (BA) provides clean air for the worker to breathe. This guide will help those who have responsibility for the use of RPE at work. You may be an employer or self-employed. It supports the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) to the Regulations that apply . Those responsible for managing staff health and safety, safety representatives, health and safety specialists, manufacturers and suppliers of RPE will find this guide useful.
As an employer, you have a legal responsibility under all the Regulations listed in paragraphs 36–39 to control substances hazardous to health in your workplace, and to prevent and adequately control your employees’ exposure to those substances. Provision of RPE may be necessary as part of your control regime. The guide assumes you are considering the use of RPE based on your COSHH risk assessment (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002). The hazard and risk information gathered in your COSHH risk assessment is required to select the correct RPE. The guide contains practical guidelines to help you select the correct RPE and manage its use in your workplace to ensure effective protection. The process of selection and management of RPE is split into key steps. The guide has been colour-coded to help direct you through the process (see ‘Overview of this guide’). This guidance has been prepared by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in consultation with industry: employers, trade unions and trade associations.