Posted By Dave Skipsey I am currently reviewing my risk assessment for repairs staff working in loft spaces, although reasonably sure I have covered the working at height issues I was wondering if anyone out there has any information of respiritory hazards associated with either insulation products or build up of particles/dusts in loft spaces. The repairs staff involved carry out short duration work i.e. repacement of ball valves or inspections This is posing me some concern as although wearing of PPE (respiritory protection) could reduce risk wearing such would also increase hazards associated with thermal comfort. Any ideas? Thanks Dave Skipsey

Posted By Ken Taylor Asbestos, fibre-glass, mineral fibres, bird droppings, squirrel and other rodent excrement, insects, spiders, birds (and decomposing remains thereof, etc! I'd stick with the RPE and PPE and limit loft working times at higher temperatures.

Posted By Dave Skipsey Thanks for the feedback, just to add on further research into subject the department fof environment have investigated this subject with regard to loft insulation contaaining machine made miniral fibres, DoE press release 1 Dec 1987, recommending wearing of masks conforming to BS 6016 or BS 2091 and gloves to avoid skin irritation. Regards Dave Skipsey