Rule 10: Use respiratory protection for dust-intensive work
On the list of measures for dust protection, the use of respiratory protection is right at the bottom. The reason is that before its use, all technical and organisational measures must first be entirely exploited. Generally respiratory protection, for example, in the event of operational disturbances or accidents, must be only worn until the dust exposure is minimised again, or the occupational exposure limits are complied with again. There are, however, also dust-intensive work and activities for which - at least for a limited period - respiratory protection and possible further protective measures is absolutely essential.
Dust-intensive activities
According to experience during these activities, the dust concentration is so high , that, even if the state of the art is applied, compliance with the occupational exposure limits for dust is not possible. Corresponding examples are cleaning and repair work in confined spaces and within closed systems, work in filter chambers or, for instance, manual demolition work with pneumatic tools.
Particularly when manually processing mineral products with modern high performance equipment (e.g. cutting, grinding, milling of construction materials on construction sites), extremely high dust exposure can occur. A list with tested, low-dust machining systems can be found on the website www.gisbau.de/service/sonstiges/staub/staub_bea.htm.
In each case, initially it is to be evaluated in a risk assessment whether the technological and organisational measures have actually been exploited (see rules no. 1-9) and whether the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary. For each activity, general and specific influencing factors are to be jointly assessed:
- working environment (e.g. premises) and workplace
- working method but also individual mode of operation
- type of dust sources in connection with the time and duration of the release of dust
- existence and correct use of safety equipment and protective measures
- type, efficiency and condition of extraction and ventilation equipment
- organisational measures
If results of dust measurement are already available for comparable activities or workplaces, further workplace measurements do not need to be carried out. Before using personal protective equipment it should be checked once again whether, as a result of limiting the duration of exposure, the dust exposure cannot be significantly reduced for the individual employees.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
If the hazard assessment yields the result that the substance-related occupational exposure limits (OEL) (e.g. for lead dust) or the OEL for inhalable and respirable dust are not complied with, suitable personal protective equipment is to be provided. This does not just refer to respiratory protection, but also includes closed work clothes, safety glasses and helmet (e.g. for overhead work). The personal protective equipment provided is to be worn by the employees concerned and stored in such a way that it is not contaminated or damaged. Faulty PPE must immediately be replaced.
For the use of respiratory protective equipment, attention should be paid to the CE label, which indicates conformance with the applicable standards and thus the fulfilment of the requirements. Generally used are half masks with particle filters, particle-filtration half masks ("dust masks") or fan-assisted respiratory equipment.
Normally (for dust exposure up to 10 times the OEL) filtration half masks (FFP2) or half masks with particle filters (category 2) are sufficient. For higher level dust exposure, FFP3 masks or P3 filters, or for extreme dust exposure, full masks with P3 filters are required. The requirements on these masks are described in the European standard EN 149.
Do not forget your training!
Safety-conscious behaviour needs practice! This particularly applies to work with a high level of dust exposure. Therefore, appropriate weight is to be added to this point in the training of employees. Further information on this can also be found in the section "Proper disposal" of the operating instructions, since here, the correct attitude of the employees and also the superiors - in addition to the technical framework conditions - play a decisive role! Training on the subject of dust can include the following:
- Hazards to health as a result of dust inhalation
- Dust sources - work procedures in which dust is produced
- Explanation of the terms "dust", "mineral dust", "silica dust"
- Protective measures and code of conduct
- Correct use of personal protective equipment
- Hygiene at work.
