Respiratory protection is highly important and requires experience and knowledge to choose the right products.

Assessment of Hazards
A comprehensive assessment of all hazards likely to be encountered is essential. The hazards that are mostcommonly encountered are:-
1) Dusts
- Created when material is broken down from its solid state into finer particles
2) Mists - Minute liquid droplets which are formed through atomisation and similar processes (e.g. spraying).
3) Fumes - Created when material in its solid state is vaporised due to high (temperatures) heat. This vapour creates tiny particles as it quickly cools.
4) Gases - Substance in gaseous form at room temperature.
5) Vapours - Are created by evaporation of either liquids or solids. We would be pleased to give advice on any product, verifying its suitability by referring to an extensive Chemicals Database.

RPE Performance & Maintenance
Throughout this section a Nominal Protection Factor ( NPF ) is quoted against each product where applicable.
This indicates the level of protection provided (the higher the NPF, the greater the protection) although this level may not be fully achieved in practice. See BS4275.1997 for further information.

C.O.S.H.H. requires all respirators to be:
1) Examined on a regular basis (monthly) - in the case of air-fed RPE, air purity testing is also required.
2) Maintenance records for the above must be kept for a minimum of five years.

Maintenance and Training
It is necessary to maintain, and record maintenance on all RPE except disposablemasks. Training is essential to ensure that all operators can use the equipment correctly.