© Copyright, Core Protection Systems Ltd, 2021
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2.
Definitions
Certain terms and acronyms may be used throughout the document which are specific to the
respiratory / health and safety industries.
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Adequacy: According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in their practical guide
‘HSG53’
1
, when we refer to RPE as ‘adequate’, we mean “it is right for the hazard and reduces
exposure to the level required to protect the wearer’s health”.
•
Adjusting: ‘Adjusting’ a mask means to alter the positioning of one or many of the mask
components whilst wearing the mask with the aim of achieving a better fit.
•
Fit: When discussing how well a tight-fitting respirator ‘fits’, it means how well the facepiece
seals onto the face. If a mask is poorly fitted, the mask is likely to allow air ingress.
•
Fit test vs Fit check: Fit testing is different to fit checking. A fit test should be carried out as
part of the RPE selection process, before being worn in hazardous environments, to establish
the most adequate and suitable RPE for the wearer. This should be performed at least once a
year or after a long period of storage, and should be undertaken by an accredited fit tester. A
fit check is a procedure that should be performed by the wearer every time they don their RPE,
and this confirms whether a seal has been achieved.
•
Leak test: Another name for a ‘fit test’ (see above). Other phrases which can be used are ‘leak
tightness test’ and ‘functional leak test’.
•
Negative pressure check: Another name for ‘fit check’ (see above).
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Respirator: As defined by the HSE in HSG53
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, respirators (filtering devices) “use filters to
remove contaminants from the air being breathed in.”
o
Further, for context, ‘non-powered respirators’ rely “on the wearer’s breathing to
draw air through the filter”.
•
PPE: Personal protective equipment.
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RPE: Respiratory protective equipment.
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Suitability: According to the HSE in HSG53
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, when we refer to RPE as ‘suitable’, we mean “it is
right for the wearer, task and environment, such that the wearer can work freely and without
additional risks due to the RPE”.
•
Tight-fitting facepiece: As defined in HSG53
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, tight-fitting facepieces “rely on having a good
seal with the wearer’s face” and “a face fit test should be carried out to ensure the RPE can
protect the wearer”.
