Did you know that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently initiated an inspection campaign targeting construction firms that are working with silica-based materials?
That’s right – HSE inspectors are now focusing on checking that employers and workers know the risks involved when dealing with respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and that appropriate measures are in place to protect workers’ respiratory health.
When it comes to respiratory protection in construction, employers have a legal duty to manage health and safety and ensure compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).
What is respiratory protective equipment?
Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is a form of PPE intended to safeguard wearers from inhaling dangerous substances. While the pandemic has more recently spotlighted RPE as a prominent form of PPE, it’s essential to recognise that the use of respiratory equipment extends beyond just protection against viruses and is crucial in numerous working industries such as construction.
What role does respiratory protection play in construction?
Respiratory protective equipment plays a crucial role in construction by ensuring the safety of workers and their overall well-being. Acting as a barrier against harmful particles and airborne pathogens commonly found on construction sites such as;
- Silica dust
- Asbestos
- Lead
- Sawdust
- Dust and mould from the buildings themselves
Exposure to these kinds of respiratory hazards can have detrimental effects on respiratory health and can lead to serious health issues such as lung disease, cancer and even death. However, having the correct respiratory protection can help prevent the inhalation of these hazards and eliminate health risks.
Mstore have an extensive range of respiratory protection suited to all construction applications and have developed a short guide of their top picks to help you choose the RPE best suited to you.
Alpha Sentinel Full Face Respirator Mask
- UK-made
- Lightweight full-face respirator at 600g
- Five-point adjustable head harness for ultimate comfort
- Low breathing resistance
- Available in 3 sizes
- Raised visor bridge profile protects the visor from scratches when not in use
The Alpha Sentinel reusable full face mask respirator is the ultimate solution to your respiratory protection needs. Experience unparalleled comfort and unwavering reliability with this premium full-face respirator mask. Equipped with a five-point adjustable head harness and engineered to be lightweight, this full mask respirator guarantees a balanced and comfortable fit, eliminating the uncomfortable downward pull commonly encountered with other full-face respirators.
Alpha Solway IX-2 Respirator & Alpha Solway IX-3 Respirator
UK-MADE FFP2 & FFP3 DISPOSABLE FOLD-FLAT RESPIRATORS
Ideal for the construction industry, the IX-SERIES are disposable respirators that feature a horizontal fold-flat design, ensuring an optimal fit. Key features of these respirators include:
- Lightweight, fold-flat respirator
- Flexible nose bridge
- Electrostatic filter media
- Conforms to EN 149:2001+A1:2009
- Tapered shape for enhanced fit
- Premium quality straps ensure stability on the face
- Valve free
- Latex and silicone-free
- Ideal to fit a wide range of face shapes
Alpha Solway 2500 series
The 2500 series of disposable respirators from Alpha Solway are ideal for shielding against a wide variety of particulate hazards commonly found in construction applications. Key features of these respirators include:
- Lightweight, cup-shaped respirator
- Low profile exhalation valve to reduce heat and moisture build-up
- Four-point head strap adjustment
- Preformed nose bridge with additional non-ferrous nose clip for a secure fit
- Conforms to EN 149:2001+A1:2009
- Protects from non-toxic dust and oil/water-based particulates
Models in this range currently include:
FFP3V DISPOSABLE CUP-SHAPE RESPIRATOR
FFP2 DISPOSABLE CUP-SHAPE RESPIRATOR
FFP2 DISPOSABLE CUP-SHAPE RESPIRATOR
FFP3V DISPOSABLE CUP-SHAPE RESPIRATOR
The 3000 SERIES of disposable respiratory masks are UK-made and deliver superior protection. Their electrostatic filter media ensures minimal breathing resistance, while the featherlight exterior shell maintains its shape, even after prolonged usage. Other important bits that you need to know:
- Lightweight, cup-shaped respirator
- Four-point head strap adjustment
- Preformed nose bridge removes the need for regular adjustment
- Electrostatic filter media
- Conforms to EN 149: 2001 + A1: 2009 FFP3 NR
Alpha Solway 3500 series
The 3500 series of disposable masks from Alpha Solway provide exceptional protection with an electrostatic filter media that ensures easy breathability, while the lightweight exterior retains its form superbly. Standout features of this series of respiratory protection include:
- Lightweight, cup-shaped respirators
- Four-point head strap adjustment
- Preformed nose bridge removes the need for regular adjustment
- Electrostatic filter media
- Soft touch elastic
- PVC Foam Inner Face Seal
- Conforms to EN 149:2001+A1:2009 FFP3 NR
- Low Profile Exhalation Valve helps reduce heat and moisture build-up
Models in this range:
FFP3 DISPOSABLE PRE-FORMED CUP SHAPE RESPIRATOR
FFP3 DISPOSABLE PRE-FORMED CUP SHAPE RESPIRATOR
P2 VERTICAL FOLD-FLAT RESPIRATOR
The ASF-2 is a collapsible, vertically folding disposable respirator crafted with an inner sealing feature and adaptable straps, ensuring a snug fit for diverse facial structures.
Other features of this respirator include:
- Flexible nose bridge
- Electrostatic filter media
- Conforms to EN 149:2001+A1:2009 FFP2 NR
- Available in two size options, (regular – AFS and small – ASFS).
- Ideal to fit a wide range of face shapes
- Adjustable loop-through straps
- Latex Free
Why choose disposable respiratory protection?
As you will have noticed, the recurring theme for Mstore’s top picks is disposable masks. Why? Because disposable respiratory masks offer a primary line of defence against airborne pathogens, pollutants, and allergens just like the reusable ones. However, their single-use design ensures that contaminants are discarded after use, promoting better hygiene.
Disposable respiratory protection is also lightweight and convenient and requires no vigorous cleaning routine after use. Proper disposal of these masks also ensures minimal cross-contamination.
A full range of RPE at your fingertips
To wrap things up, it’s crucial to prioritise respiratory safety in the construction world. With so much dust, particles, and other harmful airborne pathogens floating around, workers need the right protection to stay healthy. That’s where Mstore comes in with a broad selection of Respiratory protective equipment designed specifically to keep your breathing safe and clean. If you or someone you know works in an industry that requires RPE, it’s worth taking a moment to browse Mstore’s full range of respiratory protection to see what is available.
If you are still unsure about which respiratory protection you require, please contact Mstore.