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#1 Posted : 21 February 2008 09:15:00(UTC)
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Posted By Brenda H
Ok, reading back through old postings about facial hair, spectacle wearer's, face fit testing, qualitive and quantitive methods etc etc.

I'm a bit confused!

We are considering training operatives to carry out work on certain ACM's and task-sheet train them etc.

However, looking into the whole area about RPE and face-fitting it seems a nightmare!

Has anyone opted for a clean-shaven policy or do you opt for the loose hoods?

Also, qualitive or quantitive, are there really that many problems with using the spray/taste method?

Any help or guidance would be useful!
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#2 Posted : 21 February 2008 10:42:00(UTC)
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Posted By heather wilkes-wells
Hi Brenda,

I work for an asbestos removal/surveying company...don't worry I'm not looking for business but I understand the complexities of working in this environment and also the amount of information you have to digest in order to ensure that you are complying with regulations and ensuring that your staff are safe.

I can arrange for one of our SHEQ managers to have a chat with you if you want..let me know.

Thanks

Heather
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#3 Posted : 21 February 2008 11:22:00(UTC)
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Posted By Dave Wilson
Brenda its quite simple.

FFP3 1/2 mask either disposable or issued mask witha P3 filter.

The person must be face fit tested and any reputable Face Fit testing company can do it approx £20.

The face fit test is for that person and that particular make / model / size mask, he cannot wear anything else (unless a face fit is done for other models)

Whenever wearing a mask the wearer must be clean shaven, however if he has been face fit tested with a beard or facial hair and passes then the Face Fit cert will say so, but its quite rare.

It is normally cheaper to buy a mask for them and get the filters.

If you train your people to the task card standards as well as some asbestos awareness training you should be OK, However it is recommended that you USE a UKATA approved trainer.
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#4 Posted : 21 February 2008 14:20:00(UTC)
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Posted By Brenda H
Hi david,

I understand all that.

It's just reading back over past threads about the ways on offer of fitting and the clean shaven problems people have encountered has set me thinking.

Should we have a policy in place, or do we allow a different mask for those with facial hair etc
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#5 Posted : 21 February 2008 14:39:00(UTC)
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Posted By Dave Wilson
Policy in place yes for being clean shaven and a mask for people with facial hair any mask as long as they can get a successful face fit
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#6 Posted : 22 February 2008 11:53:00(UTC)
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Posted By Brenda H
Ok, anyone any example's of polices they would like to forward to me?

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#7 Posted : 22 February 2008 12:27:00(UTC)
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Posted By NickW
In my experience of working with organisations who consider working with asbestos, the issues over masks and equipment etc are less of a stumbling block than the more difficult/expensive issues of:

-what to with the waste generated (classed as hazardous and must be taken by an EA licensed carrier).
-getting employers liability insurance for work with asbestos (even minor tasks) as the standard policies often exlude this unless you specifically state you want it in (add another zero onto next years premium!)
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#8 Posted : 22 February 2008 12:35:00(UTC)
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Posted By Dave Wilson
BRenda ypou can pick up the info from the HSE task cards as these are in essence your Method Statement / Safe System of Work. These have all been revamped as edition 2 in Jan this year

http://www.hse.gov.uk/as...tos/essentials/index.htm
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#9 Posted : 22 February 2008 13:37:00(UTC)
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Posted By Helen C
Just to go back to a statement earlier in the thread...

Paragraph 110 of OC282/28 states "A fit test should not be conducted if you have any facial hair growth in the area where the facepiece seal meets your face."

Although it is possible to acheive a fit test pass if uou have facial hair it is certainly not good practice.
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#10 Posted : 22 February 2008 13:42:00(UTC)
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Posted By Liz Adams
We are an asbestos management company and our policy is one of absolutely NO facial hair for our surveyors. All staff must be clean shaven to ensure close and correct fitting of RPE.
Liz Adams - Stokre on Trent
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