I have always been under the impression that if spraying .... anything, the sprayer should wear the recomended RPE as stated in the MSDS. However I have recently been told that if I can prove that my control measures (LEV) are keeping the users exposure below the WEL (found in EH40), Proof via air monitoring etc. that the sprayer does not need to wear the RPE because the airborn contaminant is below the WEL??? I found this very hard to beleive, as air monitoring is a sample over a period of time, the sprayer may be exposed to high concentrations of the substance, but for short periods, which may not exceed the long term WEL. Thougts / clarification ? Thanks, Adam

In addition, if it is possible to just use LEV instead of PPE, this is higher up the control hierarchy.

We had our WELs taken in the spray booth and they were well below half the level at which RPE was required. We have purpose built fully extracted and filtered Dalby spray booths. However, we still supply positive airfed breathing apparatus for the painters both in the booth and with a breathing air supply in the mixing room and they feel happy and comfortable wearing it and, more importantly, safe and free from contaminants. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer. Yes, with monitoring you can dispense with RPE but for peace of mind I retained mine.