It is important that employers and workers understand the significant differences between these two types of personal protective equipment/ Protective face mask. The decision whether or not to require workers to use either surgical masks or respirators must be based upon a hazard analysis of the workers’ specific work environments and the different protective properties of each type of personal protective equipment.

The features of Personal Protective Equipment approved filtering facepiece particulate respirator ■ Cool Flow Exhalation Valve ■ Compatible with a variety of protective eyewear and hearing protection ■ Adjustable noseclip reduces potential for eyewear fogging and helps ensure a better seal and fit. ■ Two-strap design with stapled dual point attachment helps provide a secure fit. ■ Suggested applications: Grinding, Sanding, Sweeping, Bagging and other dusty operations.

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 Protective face mask may be necessary as part of your control regime.

This guidance has been prepared by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in consultation with industry: employers, trade unions and trade associations. Hazardous substances can be present in the air as particles (solid or liquid), vapour or gas. Under certain conditions, they can exist in more than one form at the same time (eg during paint spraying). You need to identify the form of the hazardous substances in the air to select the right Fine Dust Respirator.

There are various types of Personal Protective Equipment and they all rely on filter material to remove the hazard. The filter material will be different depending on the hazardous substance and its form. There are two basic filter types available: ■ particle filters, Respiratory mask ■ gas/vapour filters Remember that airborne liquids in the form of fine sprays and mists and solid materials, including dusts, fibres, smoke and fume, require a particle filter.