Respiratory - Stage 5: Manage remaining risk

You can manage residual health risks by using a range of measures that include information, respiratory protective equipment (RPE), health surveillance and routine monitoring.

Information and training

Information and training are important elements of effective risk control. Good training helps workers to understand hazards, the potential effects, and how and why risks can be controlled by using the correct work method and work equipment.

Many contractors use regular toolbox talks, linked to the construction programme, as a way of reminding workers of relevant standards and helping to keep their knowledge and skills up to date.

Local exhaust ventilation

COSHH requires employers to ensure that local exhaust ventilation (LEV) (eg dust extraction) is properly maintained to make sure that the equipment continues to operate effectively. Also, you will need to make sure that a competent person thoroughly examines and tests the LEV at least once every 14 months, and issues a certificate. The competent person will often be an engineer or surveyor who is engaged by an insurance company.

Respiratory protective equipment

COSHH Essentials: Respiratory protective equipment UK Standard Assigned Protection Factor 20 (APF 20) R3

Often suitable masks (RPE) will be needed to manage the risk of workers inhaling dusts, fumes or vapours that are created during construction processes. A wide range of full and half masks are available. Some of these protect against exposure to dusts while others are designed for fumes and/or vapours. It is crucial to select RPE that protects against the specific hazard that is present. Also, remember that:

• RPE needs to fit the individual worker, which means that you may need to arrange an initial face fit test and instruction;
• if the RPE depends on a face seal, it won't work if the wearer has a beard or stubble;
• RPE needs to be cleaned and checked regularly, and stored in a safe place where it won't be contaminated;
• workers should be instructed to throw away disposable RPE after a single use;
• all types of RPE restrict what a person can do and can be uncomfortable to use for long periods;
• in practice, the assigned protection factor (APF) is rarely achieved.

Other workers or people who are nearby may need protection.

Sometimes it may be necessary to use an air-fed or power-assisted respirator, eg when blasting.

Supervision

It is essential that supervisors lead by example, which means:

• using the equipment provided, eg dust suppression on stone-cutting saws;
• being seen to use RPE, even if the risk of exposure is relatively low, because of the message that this sends to fellow workers.

• Health surveillance