fbpx

The Hierarchy of Controls

image

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is just one means of protecting people from potentially hazardous materials, gases, pathogens and vapors in the air.

In fact, RPE is often referred to as the last line of defense’ against respiratory hazards.

Thinking of RPE in these terms is helpful in two ways:

  1. If it fails – due to not being adequate for the hazard, or suitable for the wearer, for example – then there is no barrier between the wearer and the hazardous substance entering their lungs; and
  2. It is the last means of risk protection in the hierarchy of controls.

 

The hierarchy

The traditional hierarchy of controls for hazards shows us that when faced with hazards in the workplace, there is a proper order of response to best minimise risk and keep employees safe.

  • Elimination
    Can the task be removed completely?
  • Substitution
    Can an alternative substance be handled that is less hazardous?
  • Engineering Controls
    Can the hazard be isolated – e.g. through adequate air ventilation?
  • Administrative Controls
    Can the risk be reduced through implementing regulations, such as timed working in hazardous areas?
  • Personal and Respiratory Protective Equipment (PPE and RPE)

Can the worker be protected sufficiently against harm through specially designed workwear?

 

A practical example

Fred works as a nurse at a local hospital and is asked to perform an Aerosol Generating Procedure (AGP) on Imelda who is being assessed for influenza. AGP’s carried out on potentially infectious patients require the use of an FFP3 respirator to prevent further spread of the illness.

Running through the hierarchy of controls we can see the reasons why Fred is required to wear RPE in this situation:

  • Elimination
    As it is not possible to remove the pathogen from the patient, this means of control is not possible
  • Substitution
    If an AGP is required for further diagnosis, there are few alternative procedures that would offer the same results, so substitution too is not possible in this situation
  • Engineering Controls
    Due to the close proximity of the member of staff performing an AGP and the patient, more powerful air ventilation systems or isolating the patient from the person giving the AGP would not be possible
  • Administrative Controls
    Limiting the length of the procedure and/or the length of time the member of staff remains in the immediate vicinity of the patient may help reduce risk of cross contamination – however, it would not adequately protect the employee and could be distressing for the patient
  • RPE

FFP3 respirators, such as the FSM18 Easimask, protect the wearer from over 99% of hazardous particles in the air, including influenza.

Running through the hierarchy shows us that the only way Fred can be certain he is protected from catching influenza from Imelda, is by wearing an FFP3 respirator during the procedure.

 

 

Please note:

Most FFP3 respirators used in the healthcare environment are tight-fitting (whether single-use, half-face or full-face). Tight-fitting respirators of any kind require Fit Testing before first being used to ensure that the make/model of respirator suitably fits the wearer’s face. Not Fit Testing a respirator could lead the employee to have a false-confidence that they are protected from respiratory hazards, when in fact they are still breathing in contaminated air.

Fit Testing staff members required to use tight-fitting respirators before use is a legal requirement for the employer.  Failure to do so could endanger staff health and lead to a considerable fine.

RELATED POSTS

  • IWD – Celebrating Women in Healthcare

    READ MORE
  • Congratulations Mr Hicks!

    READ MORE
  • New Product Catalogue 2024

    READ MORE
  • Consistent, Effective & Suitable RPE

    READ MORE
  • The FSM18 – Custom-Fit FFP3 Respirator

    READ MORE
  • Time is Running Out…

    READ MORE
  • Hernia International Carpenter – Donation

    READ MORE
  • Healthcare News – November 2023

    READ MORE
  • Surgical Gowns – Important Supply Announcement

    READ MORE
  • Fit Testing in the NHS

    READ MORE
  • The most dangerous moustache…

    READ MORE
  • Healthcare News – October 2023

    READ MORE
  • Qualitative Fit Testing Kits

    READ MORE
  • More Items Available in the Web Shop

    READ MORE
  • ARCHIVE: Respiratory Viruses aren’t the only thing you need protecting from…

    READ MORE
  • Top Quality Protective Aprons

    READ MORE
  • Healthcare News – September 2023

    READ MORE
  • NHS opens bookings for COVID and winter flu vaccinations

    READ MORE
  • NHS invites more than 1 million people for lung cancer checks

    READ MORE
  • Healthcare News – August 2023

    READ MORE