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Should "dust masks" be consigned to history?
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CptBeaky  
#1 Posted : 20 January 2020 13:07:35(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
CptBeaky

Is there ever a situation where using any face mask requiring a face fit test is the best option? On the forum whenever a question is raised regarding these sort of masks, very rarely will anybody reccommend one. As far as I am concerned I have 6 main problems with them

  1. We have to rely on the user to check they are working properly.
  2. They (arguably) have less/no effect at the end of the day if the user has gained stubble
  3. They instill a false sense of security despite these short falls.
  4. There are no obvious ways to tell if the are working effectively or not during use
  5. They put strain on the users lungs, meaning they are not useul for long periods.
  6. They encourage a fire and forget attitude to air quality.

When compared to postive pressure masks (LEV etc aside) what benefits can outweigh those sorts of negatives? With 12,000 lung disease deaths attributed to work related exposures last year alone, isn't it about time the HSE revisted negative pressure masks?
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A Kurdziel  
#2 Posted : 20 January 2020 13:46:09(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
A Kurdziel

I hate the phrase “Dust mask” as this is the sort of thing you buy off the shelf at B&Q:  there has not been any sort of risk assessment to establish if it is the best mask for the job nor has there been any face fit testing and training to make sure the person wears it the right way. It is quite common to see people wearing them upside down.

Disposable RPE as oppose to “dust masks” has a role in the workplace but all too often people don’t use them properly. If they use them lot, non-disposable masks and positive pressure equipment works out cheaper and safer in the long run. Even better if people do the risk assessment correctly they will spot opportunities to control at source or use LEV etc.

The real issue is training and understanding why you need to wear RPE. People seem to lack awareness of issues connected to COSHH (which is, of course is wear RPE sits). They assume because the hazard is not obvious and substances do not create immediate symptoms, it’s not an issue. We are saving up a lot grief for the future I think.
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thanks 1 user thanked A Kurdziel for this useful post.
stevedm on 20/01/2020(UTC)
ttxela  
#3 Posted : 20 January 2020 13:46:31(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
ttxela

Consigned to history is perhaps a bit much, certainly they are rarely the best option for a regular routine task however for short duration one off low hazard tasks they can be the most practical option.
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thanks 1 user thanked ttxela for this useful post.
A Kurdziel on 20/01/2020(UTC)
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