Posted By Arran Linton - Smith

http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2003/e03003.htm

If you look at the above webb-site, the HSE is now encouraging the voluntary withdrawal from sale of nuisance dust-masks, also known as comfort masks or hygiene masks, and is urging the use of approved CE-marked disposable respirators instead.

Posted By Arran Linton - Smith
“Nuisance dust” is not a phrase that I have used alone, however nuisance dust masks (as I believe) is a generic description given for a particular type of disposable RPE that does not have a CE mark or falls within the scope of a specific EN standard.

Whenever I do a RPE assessment, I always specify the type of protection required i.e. EN 149, FFP2 (medium efficiency).

I believe that dust is either hazardous or it is not and this can be identified through the process of undertaking a COSHH assessment.

In OH&S I would never use the phrase “nuisance dust” because of this.

However the Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary describes nuisance n. as any noxious substance, accumulating in refuse or as dust or effluent, that is deemed by British law to be injurious to health or offensive. It can also include dwellings, work premises, animals, and noise.