Choosing and using the right protection

• Which type of respiratory protection should I use?

  Reusable Respirators

  These products provide a comfortable, secure fit and are a cost-effective solution for regular use applications. With the option of providing gas and vapour, particulate or combined protection in either a half mask variant of a full face mask with integrated eye and face protection, reusable reusable respirators are an extremely versatile solution.

  Powered Respirators and Supplied Air Products

  Ideal for longer-duration applications these systems offer the flexibility to provide protection in a broad range of industrial applications. Increased wearer comfort, higher protection levels and lower running costs make these products a very effective and efficient form of repiratory protection.

  Disposable Masks

  Offering protection from particular hazards, disposable masks are a convenient, easy-to-use, maintenance-free option ideally suited to relatively short-duration applications.

  It is important you make the correct product selection based on the hazards faced and the task to be undertaken. Arco has the expertise to help keep you with this. If you are not sure what products you need to keep safe contact us for advice.





• Staying within the law

  Under currant legislation, employers are responsible for providing suitable respiratory protection to emplyees who need it, giving proper training in its use, maintaining the equipment in good order and keeping maintenance records. No other company can match Arco's choice of respiratory protection, expert knowledge and support services, to help you stay within the law.





• What is a workplace respiratory hazard?

  A workplace respiratory hazard is anything that impairs an employee's ability to breathe freely and safely. Such threats might include:

  
  

  DUSTS:	Formed when solid matter is broken down into fine, airborne particles.
  MISTS:	Tiny liquid droplets, formed by condensation or as the result of processes such as spraying.
  METAL FUMES:	Fine, airborne particles from metal that condense after vaporisation at high temperatures.
  GASES:	Often odourless and invisible, can spread freely and quickly through the air.
  VAPOURS:	Gases formed when solids or liquids evaporate at room temperature.






• How to choose the right protection

  The right respiratory protection is vital to prevent harmful exposure to particles, gases and vapours. Following these rules will help you make the right choice:

  
  

  RISK:	Identify the hazard - is it dust, mist, metal fume, gas or vapour?
  CONCENTRATION:	Assesses the concentration of thne contamination, never underestimate, seek help and advice from Arco.
  WORKPLACE EXPOSURE:	Measure likely exposure levels - request an Arco risk assessment if you need it!
  PRODUCT SELECTION:	Purchase only legal, CE marked respiratory equipment; if you're unsure of what you need ask you local Arco experts.
  TRAINING:	Set up a training programme so that every user of respiratory equipment is informed about correct fitting, maintenance and storage. Arco can provide training.






• Assigned Protection Factors (APFs)

  These are the levels of protection which can be realistically achieved in the workplace if wearers are correctly trained and if the equipment is correctly fitted and functioning properly. The APF means the factor by which the hazard is reduced, or in other words, how many times cleaner the air is inside the mask than outside.





• Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs)

  WELs for hazardous substances at work are set by the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and are published in the EH40. They are the concentrations in the air, measured over long term (8 hour) and short term (15 minute) periods. A WEL should never be exceeded and should be brought down as low as possible, as far as reasonably practicable.