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#1 Posted : 17 November 2006 08:39:00(UTC)
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Posted By Anthony Wiltshire
I have been advised that for a certain task we need to provide RPE to an APF of 40. A full face mask with P3 filters complies with this but an RPE salesperson has informed me that a disposable FFP3 mask used in conjunction with particulate grade goggles also provides APF 40 (As opposed to APF20 with the mask alone). Can anyone confirm this, i have tried all the usual sources of information and drawn a blank!
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#2 Posted : 17 November 2006 09:21:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ali
Take a quick look at HSG 53 "RPE at work" - it should give you the correct answer.
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#3 Posted : 17 November 2006 09:56:00(UTC)
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Posted By Anthony Wiltshire
Thanks Ali,

It does re-confirm the full face mask arguement, it still does not mention if a FFP3 disposable mask becomes suitable when used with goggles.
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#4 Posted : 17 November 2006 10:36:00(UTC)
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Posted By ddraigice
Whether it does or not is irrelevant really. The problem is it is more likely that people will either not use it properly or not bother to use it at all if they have to mess about with two bits of PPE. Where one is reasonably practicable to use it should be used.
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#5 Posted : 17 November 2006 18:24:00(UTC)
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Posted By Merv Newman
Anthony,

I would go the full face mask. I have little confidence in disposables. They are so easily obtainable and individually cheap that very often neither employees nor employers treat them seriously. And users are rarely trained in the correct usage.

If you take respiratory protection seriously, as I am sure you do, please get advice from someone who knows it.

You can e-mail me for more detailed advice (always (nearly always) free to members of this forum. Just so long as I don't have to get off my comfy chair)

I would start with medical approval for users followed by fit-testing of individual, named masks.

Then training on putting on the mask, taking it off, cleaning and storage.

You need to calculate the maximum use time which would depend on the protection factor of the mask, expected atmospheric concentrations of whatever you are protecting against and the level of physical effort. (Any heavy breathing going on ?)

To get maximum protection users need to be clean-shaven in the area of the seal.

But I'm sure you've thought of that.

Let me know if you need any more.

Merv
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#6 Posted : 17 November 2006 18:27:00(UTC)
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Posted By Merv Newman
Oh, and I cannot see how on earth wearing goggles will double the protection factor of a mask.

Sounds like a con

Merv
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