Clearview National December 2014 - Issue 157 | Page 75

INSTALLERSUPPORT

Fit2Fit scheme ensures
you breath properly
Workers carrying out activities such as cutting
stone, concrete or wood, working with liquids that
contain dangerous substances, or handling dusty
powders (just a few examples) are at danger of
breathing in contaminated air resulting in short
term or long term ill health, possibly death.
»»To prevent this from
happening workers exposed to such hazards
should be wearing an adequate and suitable
form of respiratory protective equipment
(RPE). Unfortunately, it is often the case
that even though workers are supplied with

adequate RPE, it may not be suitable because
it doesn’t fit properly and therefore doesn’t ‘do
the job’ it is designed to do.
The British Safety Industry Federation
(BSIF) runs the Fit2Fit Accreditation scheme
to enable businesses to work with someone
who is an accredited and therefore competent
fit tester. It is a legal requirement that
respirators with a seal must be tested to fit
properly and utilising someone who has passed
the Fit2Fit written and practical examinations
not only ensures competency but also raises
general awareness of the need to ensure a good
fit for RPE.
All RPE is designed to accommodate a wide
range of the population, but differences in
face size and contours, nose structures, strap
location,and the performance level and style of
mask required will affect the fit. The only way
to be certain a satisfactory seal is achievable is
through individual face fit testing.

“Ultimately, we want to reduce the number
of workers developing life threatening illnesses
directly as a result of inhaling dusts, particles
or vapours over many years. We know the
current number of workers dying is around
12,500 each year and many of these deaths
can be prevented. Taking time to provide the
right RPE and then making sure it is capable
of providing a satisfactory fit is quite a simple
process, but will have an enormous impact
on a worker’s life.” Said Alan Murray, to Alan
Murray, CEO of the BSIF.
To find out more information on
the BSIF’s Fit2Fit Scheme, please
visit: www.bsif.co.uk/fit2fit

Celebrating glazing in 2014
“The industry is changing; customers are shopping
around to get the best products at the lowest
prices. We are a trustworthy company with quick
turnaround times and hopefully fill these criteria’s. With
further expansion expected in 2015, we can prove
ourselves to be a strong contender in the industry.”
Bradley Gaunt, Managing Di ɕ