Report on Rally IE's
RPE Advancements
in the Workplace
David Burke - STUDENT Group 2: Ronan Mc
Keon, David Burke, Magda Kolek, Kristina
Vacmane
Table of Contents
Introduction.........................................................................................................................................2
Assessing the Need for Change...........................................................................................................2
Recorded Results of Exposure............................................................................................................3
RPE Classification and Type...............................................................................................................6
Conclusion............................................................................................................................................7
References lists.....................................................................................................................................8
Table of Figures
Table 1 Chemical Information Summary............................................................................................3
Table 2 Degreasing area exposure limits and values...........................................................................3
Table 3 Spraying area exposure limits and values..............................................................................4
Table 4 Drying area exposure limits and values..................................................................................4
Table 5 Combined OELVs and OELs..................................................................................................4
Figure 1 Respirator
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Introduction
The primary objective of this report is to determine the suitable change of Respiratory
Protective Equipment (RPE) in the workplace at Rally IE. RPE is a specific kind of Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE). RPE is used to safeguard the person when exposed to hazardous
substances when breathing in the workplace (HSA). The reason for this report is safety
advisor wants to reduce their PPE requirements from the air-fed respirators to a change in
RPE.
This report is vital cause if RPE is not chosen properly, it is completely worthless and could
deceive the user and employer into believing they are protected (HSA, 2010). The Safety,
Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, 2007 sets out that employers
must evaluate the sufficiency of PPE used, “Employers shall determine the conditions of
use of PPE, in particular, assess the adequacy of PPE selected” (HSA, 2007).
The following report delves into the current workplace, the exposure, the type, category, class
of RPE required and the aspects of implementation.
Assessing the Need for Change
Acetone, isopropanol, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and 2-ethoxyethanol are industrial
solvents with diverse applications. Each pose respiratory, skin, and eye irritation risks, along
with potential central nervous system effects. MEK and 2-ethoxyethanol carry reproductive
and developmental concerns. 2-Ethoxyethanol additionally poses haematological risks and
long-term health effects. Adequate ventilation, proper personal protective equipment use, and
monitoring are crucial when handling these chemicals to minimize health hazards and ensure
workplace safety. Pregnant women should exercise caution due to potential reproductive
effects.
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Table 1 Chemical Information Summary
Recorded Results of Exposure
The results of the tests for each individual chemical show that all four chemicals are below the
exposure limit in all three areas tested.
Table 2 Degreasing area exposure limits and values
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Table 3 Spraying area exposure limits and values
Table 4 Drying area exposure limits and values
Results of exposure from the four chemicals combined.
As shown in the table below the combined exposure values of the four chemicals together far
exceeds the exposure limit of 1.
Table 5 Combined OELVs and OELs
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Chemical synergism:
Chemical synergisms occur when the combined effect of two or more chemicals is greater
than the sum of their individual impacts, potentially intensifying health risks and reactions.
Simultaneous exposure to these chemicals may amplify health risks as the chemicals are
affecting the same body systems e.g. the nervous system.
RPE currently in use
Air-fed respirators, also called supplied air respirators (SAR), provide clean air from an
external source to protect users in compromised air quality, like industrial settings with
airborne contaminants. (WHAT ARE ATMOSPHERE-SUPPLYING RESPIRATORS?, n.d.)
Pros:
1. High Level of Protection.
2. Extended Usage.
3. Reduced Breathing Resistance.
4. Protects against all air contaminants.
Cons:
1. Dependency on a Clean Air Source.
2. Complexity.
3. Limited Mobility.
4. High Cost.
Purchasing and Maintenance:
Purchasing cost depends on the specific model, brand, and features but can be very expensive
when compared to other RPE. Proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of
SARs. Regular checks, including inspecting hoses, replacing filters, and assessing the overall
system is needed to prevent malfunctions. (A Guide to Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators,
n.d.)
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RPE Classification and Type
The chosen respirator is the gas/vapour full face mask, offering extensive protection for
workers in various environments. Several critical factors contribute to its effectiveness in
ensuring users' safety and well-being. Importantly, this full-face mask protects not only the
respiratory system but also the eyes from potential dangers, as they are vulnerable to
contamination and injury from airborne particles and chemicals.
The full face mask with a standard of EN136 and the respirator features an EN14387 Type
AX filter with a brown colour code, compliant with European standards for commonly used
chemicals within the company (HSE, 2013). This high-quality filter offers robust protection
against organic, inorganic, and acid gases or vapours across industries. Additionally, the mask
boasts a protection factor of 20, beneficial for workers exposed to levels above the
occupational exposure limit value (OELV) (HSE, 2013) . However, it's worth noting that the
recommended continuous wear time for this respirator is less than an hour.
Affordable yet highly protective, this gas/vapour full face mask is a cost-effective option.
Employers can easily purchase them for their workforce without compromising safety or
overspending. The straightforward design also facilitates correct usage and training,
minimizing risks
Figure 1 Respirator associated with
improper
handling.
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(HSE, 2013)
Conclusion
In conclusion, after a comprehensive analysis, we have selected the full face mask with a
standard of EN136 using gas/vapour EN14387 filters as the ideal respirator for our
workforce, given its vast protective features suitable for various work conditions. The mask's
effectiveness lies in several critical factors that ensure the safety and well-being of the users.
It offers extensive protection, covering not only the respiratory system but also the eyes,
shielding them from potential airborne particles and chemical hazards.
The gas/vapour full face mask is both economical and effective in terms of cost, making it a
cost-effective alternative for the firm. It enables us to maintain strong safety standards for our
personnel without incurring exorbitant costs. As a result, our mask provides a balanced
combination of protection, cost, and ease of use, making it the most suitable option for the
safety requirements of our employees.
References lists
Health and Safety Authority HSA, (2010) HSA: A Guide to Respiratory Protective Equipment Available
at:
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https://www.hsa.ie/eng/publications_and_forms/publications/chemical_and_hazardous_substances
/respiratory_protective_equipment_.html (Accessed: 25/11/23).
Health and Safety Authority (HSA), (2007) Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application)
Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No 299 of 2007) Chapter 3 of Part 2: Personal Protective Equipment of the
Safety Available at: https://www.hsa.ie/eng/publications_and_forms/publications/retail/
gen_apps_ppe.pdf (Accessed: 25/11/23).
A Guide to Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators. (n.d.). Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2019-174/pdfs/2019-174.pdf [Accessed 28 Nov. 2023].
WHAT ARE ATMOSPHERE-SUPPLYING RESPIRATORS? (n.d.). Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/AtmosphereSupplyingResp-508.pdf [Accessed 28 Nov. 2023].
Osha.gov. (2023). eTool : Respiratory Protection - Respirator Selection - Air-purifying vs. Atmosphere-
supplying Respirators | Occupational Safety and Health Administration. [online] Available at:
https://www.osha.gov/etools/respiratory-protection/respirator-selection/air-purifying-atmos-supply
[Accessed 28 Nov. 2023].
HSE (2013) Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guide. Available at:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg53.htm (Accessed: 28 November 2023).
HSA (2010) A Guide to Respiratory Protective Equipment. Available at: https://uk.rs-
online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/respiratory-protective-equipment-guide
(Accessed: 22 November 2023).
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