Rank: Forum user 
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Hi everyone.
Question.
My business carries out cleaning of fire damaged premises - removal of damaged items and then cleaning the premises.
This would be a day or two after the fire and once the site has been declared safe by fire brigade.
natural ventilation is available.
A member of staff insists we have not provided suitable face masks - we issue a standard disposable mask for general use and FFP3 with exhalation valve for the finer particulate work.
I'm struggling to find an answer on internet hence my query to my IOSH colleagues.
Any advice would be welcome.
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Rank: Forum user
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Check this: http://www.hse.gov.uk/news/2009/facemasks.htmbasically, if your risk assessment identified all hazards and you decided (basing on the findings, site visit, consultation with fire brigade, etc.) that the masks you chose are sufficient, you shouldn't have any problems. Your employees should know how to properly fit the mask on their face so that it's sealed and provides maximum protection. It's your duty to ensure they know how to use their PPE. I hope this helps!
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Rank: Forum user
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Many thanks.
I knew we were ok and it's a 'disgruntled employee' trying to exercise some muscle which is ok with me, as long as he's done his homework first.
Thanks for the link, I'll have a look and see what I can use to deflate his irritated ego!!
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Maybe the chap speaks from experience and the way the masks are being used is not providing adequate protection.
With RPE, supply of the equipment is only a small part of the equation.
Maybe you need to review your face fit training for starters.
I am familiar with a wide range of RPE, but I don't understand what "a standard disposable mask" is.
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Rank: Super forum user
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"But I don't understand what "a standard disposable mask" is"
= cheap
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Rank: Forum user
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Sorry but the mask we issue is far from cheap as implied by John Murray, not are they the most expensive but they are suitable for the task in hand.
I have since shown the mask to a serving fire officer who agrees that it is suitable for the task so I take some exception to the content about cheapness.
I simply asked for some input from my peers and not what I view as an unwanted and unnecessary accusation.
If this is how the forum works, sorry but I will not use it again.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Depends on the nature of the complaint:
is it due to odour comming through the mask or exposure to gases or vapours, or are the only risks from dusts?
is it due to the masks not fitting correctly and dusts coming through (visible marks on the face within the mask, or when you blow your nose)
Are the masks incompatible with the other PPE they have to wear, such as safety glasses / goggles
Do they have to wear them for long periods of time, are they uncomfortable, do they make then sweat
Do some of the users have facial hair and require none tight fitting masks
Do some users not fir the size, or have other facial characteristics (face shape, scar etc) which would interfere with the seal
etc etc....
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Rank: Super forum user
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IanC9139 wrote:Sorry but the mask we issue is far from cheap as implied by John Murray, not are they the most expensive but they are suitable for the task in hand.
I have since shown the mask to a serving fire officer who agrees that it is suitable for the task so I take some exception to the content about cheapness.
I simply asked for some input from my peers and not what I view as an unwanted and unnecessary accusation.
If this is how the forum works, sorry but I will not use it again. Shame as this site is very good for advice. I hope my post wasnt seen to be critical, I was just trying to suggest you looked deeper. Having said that, your post at #3 does suggest you were just here to find ammunition to knock him down a peg or two.
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Rank: Forum user
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IanC9139 wrote:Many thanks.
I knew we were ok and it's a 'disgruntled employee' trying to exercise some muscle which is ok with me, as long as he's done his homework first.
Thanks for the link, I'll have a look and see what I can use to deflate his irritated ego!! Ian, I'd rather focus on assuring the employee and showing him a proof that the company's doing its best to keep him and his colleagues safe, instead of engaging in a fight that will never bring anything good. I always look at conflicts with employees from the following perspective: if I put someone down, they'll always be my enemy. I don't want to have enemies among employees I take care of, so I do my best to explain my reasoning in a most approachable and easy to understand way. This usually gains me "supporters" among employees what helps to create a safety culture in the workplace. Think about it and good luck!
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