Personal protection

• Pages: 17-19

6. Personal protection

6.1. Respiratory equipment

Provision and use

6.1.1. The use of respiratory equipment should be regarded only as a temporary

or emergency measure and not as an alternative to technical control.

6.1.2. A sufficient and suitable supply of equipment should be available in the

workplace.

6.1.3. Such equipment should be provided for all workers employed in any

situation where levels of airborne asbestos fibre exceed or are liable to exceed the

exposure limits.

6.1.4. Workers should be informed when concentrations of airborne asbestos

fibre reach such levels.

6.1.5. When workers have been so informed, they should use the equipment

provided.

6.1.6. Workers required to wear protective equipment should be fully

instructed in its use.

6.1.7. Employers should provide supervision to ensure that the equipment is

properly used.

6.1.8. All respiratory equipment should be provided and maintained by the

employer without cost to the worker.

Selection

6.1.9. Only those types of respiratory equipment which have been tested and

approved by the competent authorities should be worn.

6.1.10. (1) The competent authorities should provide guide-lines for classifying

the range of concentrations for which each type of respiratory equipment is

recommended. For example:

(a) air-purifying respirators of the negative pressure (half face mask) type;

(b) positive pressure respiratory equipment;

(c) direct air-line breathing apparatus.

(2) The equipment should be selected, in consultation with workers'

representatives, on the basis of the maximum concentration of airborne asbestos likely

to be encountered.

6.1.11. Where alternative respirators providing the same standard of protection

are available, employers should offer workers a choice to ensure maximum comfort in

use.

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