Forrest, Jacques W.

Centurion Safety Products Ltd.
21, Howlett Way
Thetford IP241HZ
England

Respiratory Protective Equipment has been born out of the need for immediate protection.  Because of this, most respiratory equipment has been developed from the nuclear biological and chemical requirements of the Military, or the need for the provision of cheap immediate protection where the hazard is visible.  In the industrial environment the hazards encountered are not necessarily as immediate.  Many respiratory complaints including bronchitis are now known to have been initiated by, or occurred because of, exposure to sub-micron particles. Typical examples are coal dust and diesel emission particles.  Furthermore, in the industrial arena there are generally other hazards associated with the workplace.  Current respiratory standards are written about providing respiratory protection in isolation, and without due regard to the necessity to protect from other more immediate physical risks.

The background to, development of, and functional characteristics, ergonomics and other aspects of a new respirator will be detailed. The equipment presented protects from most risks in an industrial workplace and protects from all of the factors that are within the influence of the workers involved.  The equipment enables the employers to overcome the normal resistance to wearing protective equipment in the workplace.  The author will question whether agencies responsible for approval and enforcement are given the latitude to respond quickly and realistically to take into account the changing needs of today’s industrial workers and the pace at which technology advances.