Understanding the importance of implementing a Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) in line with the AS/NZS1715:2009
A respiratory protection program (RPP) is a thorough plan aimed at protecting workers from inhaling airborne hazardous substances. When implemented and maintained properly, it ensures a significantly healthier and safer workplace environment.
With the ban of engineered stone now in effect as of 1 July 2024, the focus on silica dust exposure and worker health has been somewhat heightened. The focus has seen an emphasis on conducting regular air monitoring and increased health screening for employees who work with respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust and other airborne hazards.
A Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) bears the responsibility to do everything reasonably practicable to ensure the health and safety of its employees, this involves reviewing and updating the order of controls when airborne contamination is recognised to be over the workplace exposure standards (WES).
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is the last order of control as it does not remove the risk, it simply aids in risk reduction. Often RPE is utilised in conjunction with other controls acting as a final defence.
Following AS/NZS1715:2009 standards, a Respiratory Protection Program is essential in providing a workplace environment that prioritises worker health and safety.
Why Implement A Respiratory Protection Program (RPP)?
A respiratory protection program (RPP) is a comprehensive strategy designed to safeguard workers by preventing the inhalation of airborne hazardous substances. An RPP is a step-by-step guide designed to aid businesses from start to finish.
The start: The recognition of airborne hazards being over the workplace exposure.
The middle: Acknowledging the hierarchy of controls, and formally undergoing the process of issuing respiratory protective equipment to workers.
The end: Documentation of the process and annual evaluation.
Firstly, a risk assessment must be carried out to identify and evaluate processes that generate airborne contamination and determine the need for RPE. By having a clear understanding of the expectations companies can implement a Respiratory Protection Program that will support the minimisation of exposure.
Implemented and maintained correctly, a Respiratory Protection Program will result in a much healthier and safer working environment.
Issuing respiratory protective equipment coupled with fit testing is merely two steps within a much greater and more detailed respiratory protection program designed to enhance workers' respiratory health. Fit Test Australia is positioned to support Australian businesses with fit testing and advising appropriate respiratory protective equipment.
With an increase of regulatory inspirators conducting site visits, Safe Work Australia compliance officers will check if appropriate control measures have been put into place and practices are compliant with relevant laws and regulations if employees work in a hazardous airborne environment.
The Australian Standards AS/NZS 1715:2009
The AS/NZS 1715:2009 is the respiratory protection bible. This standard establishes comprehensive guidance covering all types of RPE, the safe and appropriate use, capabilities and limitations. It covers the identification of risk assessment procedures, respiratory hazards, and appropriate control measures.
The AS/NZS 1715:2009 section 2.1 Respiratory Protection Program states: Where RPE is required to be worn, a respiratory protection program shall be established.
The AS/NZS 1715 standards were updated on the 27th of October 2023, you can read more about the latest version on the RESP-FIT website.
Another great starting place for some organisations is ISO 45001. This management system requires organisations to identify potential hazards and then develop strategies to mitigate those risks in the workplace. This includes assessing the risk level associated with each hazard.
ISO 45001 is designed to prevent occupational illness and injury and provide safe and healthy workplaces.
Respiratory Protection Program Overview
A respiratory protection program (RPP) is a comprehensive, documented plan designed to protect workers from inhaling harmful substances, such as dust, fumes, gases, vapours, chemicals and biological agents, that can be present in the workplace.
The program outlines the procedures and protocols necessary to ensure the proper selection, use, maintenance, and evaluation of respiratory protective equipment.
A risk assessment should always be carried out before implementing an RPP.
The components of an effective RPP, as outlined in AS/NZS 1715:2009 include the following procedures:
Appointment of Program Administrator:
Responsible for overseeing the entire program and all elements, this individual should have work health and safety experience and knowledge of workplace hazards.
The administrator should also have an understanding of workplace exposures and appropriate respiratory protection for employees.
Effectively implemented, the respiratory protection program will protect workers from inhaling airborne contamination.
Selection of RPE:
When selecting respiratory protective equipment (RPE), it is essential to consider various factors that could impact their effectiveness.
These factors include:
Contaminant: The type of contaminant present in the workplace or work environment is a critical factor. The level of toxicity, nature, particle size, concentration of each contaminant, and the physical form of the contaminant will determine the type of RPE that is suitable.
Task: The expected level of activity and mobility required of the wearer, the type of task being performed.
Operator: It is essential to consider comfort, other PPE, vision, and communication. Does the wearer have facial hair?
Equipment limitations: The limitations of the RPE, such as the filter's lifespan, its effectiveness against specific contaminants, the level of protection it provides and ongoing maintenance.
Special response to HAZMAT incidents: In situations where hazardous materials are involved, special response teams require specialised RPE that can provide high-level protection against the specific contaminants present.
Selected RPE must conform with the requirements of AS/NZS 1716:2012.
It is important to note that a combination of RPE may be required to provide adequate protection against workplace hazards. The selection of RPE should be based on a thorough risk assessment and the specific needs of the workplace or task at hand.
With a variety of RPE available, choosing the appropriate respiratory device is critical to worker health and safety. RPE options include disposable, half-face, full-face, powered-air purifying respirators (PAPR), self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and air-line RPE.
To know if your RPE requires a fit test, click here.
Medical Screening:
Employees who regularly use RPE are recommended to undergo medical screening to ensure that they are physically able and to identify any medical conditions that may affect their ability to wear selected RPE safely.
The use of RPE can have physiological and psychological effects on the wearer, which may impact their ability to perform their work safely and effectively. Staff should be medically cleared to wear a respirator. Some of these factors include:
Physiological factors:
Breathing resistance: The resistance offered by the RPE filter or mask can make breathing more difficult and cause fatigue. Persons with asthma are most at risk, other factors may include, chronic lung diseases, heart disease, skin conditions, and seizure disorders.
Heat stress: Wearing RPE can lead to an increase in body temperature, especially in hot and humid environments.
Facial hair: Any facial hair or stubble will affect a mask's ability to form a proper seal, wearers must be clean shaven to properly check the mask-to-face compatibility. Hair is a variable that must be taken away when conducting a fit test to properly assess the respirator. Workers should only be clean shaven when wearing their tight-fitting RPE to maintain its effectiveness ongoing.
Physical discomfort: The weight and fit of the RPE can cause discomfort and pressure on the face, nose, and mouth. Discomfort will result in the wearer being unable to use their RPE for extended periods and cause them to constantly readjust their respirator.
Reduced vision: Depending on the type of RPE used, the wearer's vision may be reduced, making it difficult to see.
Psychological factors:
Claustrophobia: Some individuals may experience anxiety or claustrophobia when wearing tight-fitting respirators.
Communication difficulties: Wearing RPE can make it difficult for workers to communicate with each other, leading to feelings of isolation or frustration.
Increased stress: The use of RPE can cause workers to feel more stressed due to the discomfort, physical exertion, and reduced communication.
Training:
A strong Respiratory Protection Program allows for employees to receive training on the proper selection, use, and maintenance of RPE. Training should include the respiratory hazards recognised within the workplace and why respirators are required.
Employees should receive training on the proper selection, use, and maintenance of RPE. Training should include the respiratory hazards recognised within the workplace and why respirators are required.
Wearers should know:
The correct donning and doffing techniques, capabilities, and limitations of their RPE.
How to conduct a fit check (positive/negative seal check), and the purpose of performing one before working in hazardous atmospheres.
The purpose of mask fit testing includes the need to be clean-shaven when wearing RPE.
How to clean and properly store their RPE protecting it from the elements and other potential damage.
Appropriate filters for hazard protection, and equally important, how and when to change your filters.
Dating filters with a marker once opened provide the wearer a reference point as to how long they have been using them.
Workers should fully understand the above points so that they too can fulfill their obligation to meet work health and safety requirements.
Training on RPE should be provided before fit testing but can also be provided by your fit test operator during consultation.
A PCBU should regularly review training especially if there are changes in the way the work is performed.
Issue of RPE:
Where practicable, RPE should be issued to employees for ‘exclusive use’ and records kept of RPE issued. RPE that is shared must be disinfected and cleaned thoroughly after being worn.
Fitting of Equipment - Fit Test:
The AS/NZS 1715:2009 standard outlines the selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Section 2.6 states, "The program administrator shall ensure a suitable fit test is carried out for all users of RPE with a close-fitting facepiece.".
The purpose of a fit test is to establish the mask is ‘fit for purpose’ for the wearer and forms an adequate seal. Fit testing must be conducted prior to the use of RPE and annually thereafter. Additional fit testing must be conducted when issued a new brand, model, or size respirator, this also when major changes occur such as significant weight loss or gain, extensive dental work, trauma, surgery, fillers, broken nose and so on.
Wearing of RPE:
RPE is to be worn in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and to be worn at all times in designated areas and during specified work tasks.
Care, Maintenance and Storage RPE:
RPE should be properly maintained and routinely scheduled, inspected, and cleaned according to manufacturer guidelines to ensure it remains effective.
Make sure that damaged or malfunctioning equipment is taken out of service and scheduled for repair or replacement. Ensure proper storage to prevent damage or contamination.
Maintenance should be carried out following the manufacturer’s instructions and include—
(a) cleaning and disinfection of equipment
(b) inspection
(c) repair and replacement of components (including replacement of filters); and
(d) storage and disposal
Disposal of Equipment:
RPE should be properly disposed of in a safe manner when it is no longer effective or reaches the end of its usable life. Recycle parts that can be recycled to promote a healthier planet.
Record Keeping:
Record keeping is paramount, records should be kept of the respiratory protective program activities, including medical screening, training, issuance of RPE, fit testing records, maintenance, and disposal of equipment and filters.
All air monitoring and health surveillance should also be recorded. Records should be kept for a minimum of 3-7 years, longer for health screening and air monitoring.
Without formal documentation and record keeping, you will not be able to track your internal processes, nor will you have any proof to provide regulatory inspectors.
Program Evaluation:
The respiratory protection program should be reviewed annually and updated accordingly especially if the work tasks change. Evaluation of the RPP should include a review of the risk assessment and the results of any biological or air monitoring.
Revision ensures ongoing compliance with relevant standards and opportunities to identify improvement.
Make Fit Test Australia Part of Your Respiratory Protection Program
Fit Test Australia is available with offices in New South Wales and Victoria, offering Respiratory Fit Testing to employers who want a convenient way to implement a Fit Testing program into their workplace on an annual basis.
FTA can attend your workplace or work site to complete fit testing for your team, our team can provide the respiratory protective equipment to conduct the fit test and issue the RPE if needed. As the industry leader of Fit Tests within Australia, FTA has the capabilities of supporting businesses of all sizes and travels interstate to provide leading fit testing services.
FTA is an integral part of any Respiratory Protection Program, supporting your health and safety in the workplace.
Key Takeaways
The main purpose of a Respiratory Protection Program is to protect workers' health by preventing the inhalation of hazardous substances. Implementing a well-structured RPP helps PCBU’s and employers comply with regulatory requirements, minimise health risks, and create a safer working environment. It also provides a framework for consistent and effective use of RPE, ensuring that employees are adequately protected while performing their duties.
Fit Test Australia fit tests Victoria and New South Wales and supports the Victorian Respiratory Protection Program Guidelines and the Clinical Excellence Commission’s Respiratory Protection Program Manual.
Implementing a respiratory protection program may also see the improvement of an organisation's reputation, contributing to positive relationships with employees, customers, and the broader community.
Remember, your health is your wealth.
Your health and safety is our priority
Call: 0403 064 064
Email: info@fta.net.au
FTA fit test Victoria and NSW
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