1. RPE – Employee Toolbox talk
Health and Safety
Executive
RPE – Employee Toolbox talk
Health and Safety Executive

2. Your mask can protect you
Tool Box Presentation
Your mask can protect you
Stay healthy!
We will insert some background pictures of different types of masks here worn by different people (accounting for diversity)
Your employer has a responsibility to provide you with the correct mask. You have the responsibility to wear it correctly

3. Why should I wear my mask?
This slide is provided to ask the audience why they think they should wear their mask. The answers are provided on the next slide

4. Why should I wear my mask?
Because not wearing one can
make you ill
It can affect your life and family
It can kill you
The benefits of wearing a mask are that it helps prevent you getting ill and therefore helps keep you working. Specifically is helps prevent the development of illnesses which could effect your lungs and breathing tubes and which could reduce the quality and length of your life. Wearing a mask can stop you from developing signs and symptoms of respiratory illness caused by inhalation of hazardous substances at work, for example a cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness or difficulty breathing.
There were an estimated 12,000 deaths in 2008/09 and another 12,000 deaths in 2010/2011 from long term exposure to respiratory hazards at work

5. So why don't you?
This slide is provided to ask the audience why they don’t wear their mask or wear it correctly.

6. These were some of the common answers from research.
So why don't you?
“I don’t think I need it”
“It’s only a quick job”
“My mate never wears it and is never ill”
“I don’t like having to shave every day”
“I get too hot and uncomfortable”
“I can't breathe properly”
“It makes it awkward to work”
“It interferes with my other PPE”
These were some of the common answers from research.
The first 4 reasons relate to behavioural or psychological reasons for non/inappropriate wear. The last 4 reasons relate to some of the perceived/actual physical difficulties associated with wearing a mask.
This talk aims to tackle the first 4 major concerns by raising awareness of the benefits of wearing a mask and the talk aims to tackle the last 4 physical concerns by proposing practical solutions to overcome some of the physical issues.
For Supplementary Information for the Speaker (in response to any questions).
As part of HSE’s strategy to reduce ill-health in the workplace a project called the Respiratory Protective Equipment Project was set up in the aim to
To reduce respiratory disease by securing good practice in the selection, use and maintenance of RPE
Target industries where sectors, occupations and processes where there is a risk of respiratory disease
Deliver fit for purpose information and tools that target employer responsibilities and support needs.
To support this project, research was commissioned and common reasons found for not wearing respirators or masks can be found in the following 2 published research reports available on HSE’s website: ‘Review of Occupational Hygiene Reports on the Suitability of Respiratory Protective Equipment’ Graveling, R., Sanchez, A., Lewis, C., Groat, S., van Tongeren, M., Galea, K., & Cherrie, J.(2009). Institute of Occupational Medicine: Research Report P934.
And
‘Factors Influencing the Implementation of RPE Programmes in the Workplace’ Nikki Bell, Nick Vaughan & Jane Hopkinson (2010) Research Report RR798.

7. Ask the audience for their views on these 2 reasons
So why don't you?
“It’s only a quick job”
“I don’t think I need it”
Ask the audience for their views on these 2 reasons

8. So why don't you?
Many dangerous substances exist as a fine dust or fume or as a gas or vapour which you can’t see in the air. (Think about the oxygen that we breathe in - we can’t see it).
Your employer has to protect your health and needs to inform you of the hazards you may be exposed to at work.
Your employer needs to work with you to reduce your risks from potential exposures from these dangerous substances It may be that a risk assessment indicates that only a few minutes exposure to a substance in the air could harm your health now or later.
An estimated 12,000 people die each year in the UK from long term exposure to substances you can inhale into your lungs at work. If wearing a mask is the chosen way to protect your health by your employer, then it it is helpful if you are involved in selecting the mask that you are to wear.
This figures are based on 2009/10 HSE data on work related respiratory diseases

9. Ask the audience for their views on these 2 reasons
So why don't you?
“I can’t breathe properly”
“I get too hot and uncomfortable”
Ask the audience for their views on these 2 reasons

10. So why don't you?
“I get too hot and uncomfortable”
“I can’t breathe properly”
Get involved in choosing the mask your employer will provide, there are many different masks available
Ask for advice on how to fit the mask properly
You could have some discomfort but this will reduce over time as you get used to the mask
Talk with your employer about selecting a different mask or for more advice if it is uncomfortable after a few days use
Masks and filters need changing regularly
(We need pictures of different masks here)
Getting involved in choosing your mask will help you find a more comfortable mask which is suitable for you. Different masks are available in different sizes and designs. Depending on the shape and size of your face you may require a different mask. ‘One size does not fit all’.
With masks of a tight fitting design it is essential that you are fit tested as part of the selection process to ensure the mask forms a good seal to your face.
At first the mask may feel uncomfortable. For example you may experience some resistance or increased difficulty breathing through your mask. If this is something you cannot tolerate you need to discuss with your employer or safety rep the possibility of using another design of mask. For example, during heavy manual work you may be more comfortable using an air-fed or powered respirator .
Some masks need to be replaced everyday, reusable masks become clogged and you may notice it is harder to breathe through – this means the filter needs changing.
To reduce the likelihood of this occurring and other problems with your mask it is important that your employer provides suitable training for you on how to fit, use, maintain and store your mask. This training should include how and when to change the filters on your mask if applicable or when to dispose of your mask.

11. Ask the audience for their views on these 2 reasons
So why don't you?
“It interferes with my other PPE”
“It makes it awkward to work”
Ask the audience for their views on these 2 reasons
PPE refers to Personal Protective Equipment such as safety spectacles or hard hat and coveralls.

12. So why don't you?
“It interferes with my other PPE”
“It makes it awkward to work”
Talk with your employer and safety reps about different work methods
Different types of masks and other PPE are available, ask your employer for more advice
Ask your employer about training on how to fit and use the mask and other PPE
Your mask should be chosen so that you can wear it correctly when doing your job.
If your mask interferes with other PPE such as your safety spectacles/goggles and hard hat - Then this problem needs to be sorted out. Your employer has an obligation to ensure that any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided does not create any extra hazards for you. Therefore, all your PPE needs to be compatible so that it all works effectively when worn together. If this is not the case, then it may mean that a different type of mask may need to be selected. e.g. A hard hat/mask/spectacles combination is replaced with PPE of an integrated design e.g. a helmet and mask combination.
Training given by your employer should include how to fit all your PPE when worn together. You may need to seek further advice on how to fit and use the mask with other PPE.

13. Ask the audience for their views on these 2 reasons
So why don't you?
“My mate never wears it and is never ill”
I don’t like to shave every day
Ask the audience for their views on these 2 reasons

14. So why don't you?
Like many illnesses the effects can take time to develop
Not everybody is affected in the same way and to the same extent
Many masks rely on a good seal against your face
Stubble and facial hair stop the mask from sealing effectively
To do the job and stay healthy you need to be clean shaven
Some people have said they don’t wear their masks because other people they work with don’t wear their mask and they are never ill. Some people may be affected differently following exposure to hazardous substances but in the cases of long term ill-health we don’t know who is more likely to develop become ill (respiratory diseases). Why gamble with your health? An easy way to protect your long-term health is to wear your mask if one has been provided and wear it correctly.
One of the reasons why masks may not work effectively is that in order for many masks to work they rely on a good seal against the face. When you breathe in when wearing a mask and there is a good seal - air is drawn in through the filter material where contaminants will be contained so they cannot be breathed in. If there is any opportunity for the contaminated air to pass through gaps in around the edges of the mask and into your lungs rather than through the filter material where it will be ‘cleaned’ then you will breathe in contaminated air which may affect your health.
Stubble and beards on the face, make it impossible to get a good seal of the mask to the face. If you are clean-shaven when wearing tight fitting masks, i.e. those which rely on a good seal to the face, you will help prevent leakage of contaminated air around the edges of the mask and into your lungs and so you will be breathing in clean air which will help you stay healthy
If there are good reasons for having a beard eg, for religious reasons, alternative forms of RPE are available.

15. OK, so when do I need to wear my mask?
Ask audience when do they think they need to wear their mask.

16. OK, so when do I need to wear my mask?
when your employer informs you that you could be exposed to a respiratory hazard
even if the job is only for a few minutes – long term effects can harm your future health!
even when you can’t see the hazard – many dusts and gases are invisible to the eye!
because your future health depends on it!
Your employer is responsible for looking after your health and safety when at work. Your employer would have assessed the risks to your health and if masks have been chosen - these need to be worn. The mask should be worn even for small quick jobs that may take only a few minutes – don’t forget sometimes you can’t see the hazard.

17. How do I fit my mask correctly?
For Filtering Facepiece FFP Disposable mask)
Clean shaven at start of shift
Always check the fit before every use:
Fit around the nose – adjust nose clip where applicable
Fit around the chin
The position of straps
Carry out a “fit-check”
(Images – probable changes of images to match leaflet in cartoon format accounting for diversity)
Your employer must train you on how to fit your mask correctly. Here are some of the most important points.
You will need to be clean-shaven as you will be better protected while wearing your mask.
The training should also include how to carry out any pre-use checks on your mask and how to carry out a fit check. If you are unclear about how to carry out pre-use checks or fit checks you need to talk with your employer about receiving further training/advice on how to do this.
Additional speaker information:
This toolbox presentation contains 3 different slides for different types of masks for how do I fit my mask correctly? One or more of these slides may be relevant to your audience so you may skip those slides which are not relevant.

18. How do I fit my mask correctly?
For Half-Face mask
Clean shaven at start of shift
Always check the fit before every use:
Fit around the nose – adjust nose clip where applicable
Fit around the chin
The position of straps
Carry out a “fit-check”
(Images – probable changes of images to match leaflet in cartoon format accounting for diversity need a half mask here)
Your employer must train you on how to fit your mask correctly. Here are some of the most important points.
You will need to be clean-shaven as you will be better protected while wearing your mask.
The training should also include how to carry out any pre-use checks on your mask and how to carry out a fit check. If you are unclear about how to carry out pre-use checks or fit checks you need to talk with your employer about receiving further training/advice on how to do this.
Additional speaker information:
This toolbox presentation contains 3 different slides for different types of masks for how do I fit my mask correctly? One or more of these slides may be relevant to your audience so you may skip those slides which are not relevant.

19. How do I fit my mask correctly?
For Full Face mask
Clean shaven at start of shift
Always check the fit before every use:
Fit around the chin
The position of straps
Carry out a “fit-check”
(Images – probable changes of images to match leaflet in cartoon format accounting for diversity need full face mask here)
Your employer must train you on how to fit your mask correctly. Here are some of the most important points.
You will need to be clean-shaven as you will be better protected while wearing your mask.
The training should also include how to carry out any pre-use checks on your mask and how to carry out a fit check. If you are unclear about how to carry out pre-use checks or fit checks you need to talk with your employer about receiving further training/advice on how to do this.
Additional speaker information:
This toolbox presentation contains 3 different slides for different types of masks for how do I fit my mask correctly? One or more of these slides may be relevant to your audience so you may skip those slides which are not relevant.

20. Remember
Ensure the mask is clean and in good working order before each use
Do not remove the mask in the hazardous area, e.g. to talk or inspect your work
Replace disposable masks and replaceable filters in line with your training
Store the mask in a clean area when not being used
As part of your training on how to use your mask, part of this training should include how to maintain your mask so that you know what to do when it is likely to fail to protect you. e.g. When the exhalation valve has been removed and not replaced, when the face-seal surface is damaged, or when the battery unit for a powered mask is not working etc. It is important that disposable face masks or filters are replaced at regular intervals in line with your training and manufacturers’ instructions, to prevent excess clogging with contaminants reducing its performance and and breathing become difficult as breathing resistance increases.
It is also important that masks are stored in clean area away from working areas where it is known there is hazardous dust, fume, vapour, or gas. This is to prevent contamination of the mask while it is not being used which could result in you breathing in those contaminants next time you put it on.

21. Summary
Just because you can’t see the hazard, doesn’t mean it’s not there
Always wear your mask when required
Badly fitting masks don’t protect you
wear your mask and wear it correctly to Stay healthy!

22. Any questions?