Coronavirus & Asbestos???

In this week's episode, Neil and Ian answer the question...

Can the protective equipment you use for asbestos works be used for Coronavirus?

And the answer is no, but why to be use the equipment we use with asbestos. In summary they cover:

Under the law, RPE is the last line of protection. HSG53 Respiratory protective equipment at work specifies

Employers have a legal responsibility under all the Regulations to control substances hazardous to health in your workplace

Work activities may result in harmful substances contaminating the air in the form of dust, mist, vapour, gas or fume

 

The two main types of RPE are respirators and breathing apparatus: 

1. Respirators (filtering devices) use filters to remove contaminants from the air being breathed in.

They can be either:

a. Pon-powered respirators – relying on the wearer’s breathing to draw air through the filter; or 

b. Powered respirators – using a motor to pass air through the filter to give a supply of clean air.

2. Breathing apparatus needs a supply of breathing-quality air from an independent source (eg air cylinder or air compressor

 

You should only select and use RPE:  

Where an inhalation exposure risk remains after you have put in place other reasonable controls (residual risk);

Under the law, RPE is the last line of protection

Carrying out a fit test RPE with a tight-fitting facepiece, you should make sure that each wearer undergoes a fit test

Half or full face powered respirator with a P3 filter

Type 5 (BS EN ISO 13982-1+A1) coveralls