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Respiratory protective equipment in construction

  • Last updated: 13 April 2021
  • Grant rate/tier: £60 (Tier 1)
  • Grant code: GET2820

Overview

The purpose of training delivered against this standard is to provide delegates with an understanding of the law regarding the use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) as a chosen control regime.
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Duration

Minimum 3 learning hours

Purpose/scope

The purpose of training delivered against this standard is to provide delegates with an understanding of the law regarding the use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) as a chosen control regime; the types of RPE available; the knowledge to select appropriate RPE for particular construction hazards and suitability for the wearer; how to use and maintain the RPE, in order to prevent or adequately control the effects of respiratory hazards on a construction site. This standard does not cover fit-test competence.

The scope of this standard includes:

  • the main types of inhalation exposure risks
  • legislation
  • risk assessment
  • other control measures to prevent or control exposure
  • types of RPE
  • selecting adequate and suitable RPE
  • use of RPE
  • maintenance of RPE

Occupational relevance

Training delivered against this standard would be relevant to the following occupational group(s):

  • operative and craft
  • supervision
  • management and leadership

Delegate pre-requisites

There are no delegate pre-requisites as part of this standard.

Instruction/supervision

As a minimum, course trainers must be able to demonstrate that, in relation to this standard, they have:

  • an award in education and training (or equivalent, as per requirements for approved training organisations)
  • successfully completed training to this standard
  • at least 2 years relevant industrial experience
  • a verifiable CV

Delivery

Delivery may be in an on or off the job environment.

All materials and equipment must be of a suitable quality and quantity for delegates to achieve learning outcomes and must comply with relevant legislation.

The class size and delegate/trainer ratio must allow training to be delivered in a safe manner and enable delegates to achieve the learning outcomes.

The following delivery methods may be used in the delivery of this standard:

  • classroom
  • a blend of classroom and remote delivery

This standard is considered to contain 51% or more theoretical learning.

This standard is considered to be set at a basic level.

Assessment

For the successful completion of training, delegates must complete an end of course practical assessment or knowledge test that measures all learning outcomes and has a pass or fail criteria.

Quality assurance

Quality assurance against this standard will require initial approval of the training organisation and their content mapped to the standard.

CITB will also conduct an approval intervention, either desk-based or centre visit, to ensure the training organisation can meet the requirements of the training standard.

Approved training organisations (ATOs) will be required to present information on records of training and assessment upon request to CITB for desk-based analysis. They will also be visited annually by the CITB quality assurance team.

Renewal

There are no mandatory renewal or recommended refreshment requirements for this standard.

Approval date

March 2020

Review cycle

On request or 3 years from approval date.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

The delegate will be able to:

Additional guidance to support learning outcome

describe the different types and sources of inhalation exposure risks on a construction site

To include:

  • examples of dust (including but not limited to asbestos, moulds, spores, silica, cement and wood dust), mist, vapour, gas or fumes

  • areas where oxygen levels are, or may become high or low

  • safety data sheets

  • COSHH essential guidance sheets

  • consideration of natural sources of inhalation exposure risk for which there are no COSHH sheets, such as from dry ground and drilling rock as well as for substances such as cutting existing concrete where the COSHH essential guidance sheets may be generic

describe the potential health risks of inhalation exposure in construction

Including primary and secondary effects: lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, dermatitis, asbestosis, mesothelioma

outline current legislation and guidance on preventing or minimising inhalation exposure risks

  • The Health and Safety at Work etc Act (1974)

  • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)

  • The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

  • Confined Spaces Regulations (1997)

  • The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (including the requirement for a site survey report detailing extent of any asbestos before commencement of any works considered)

  • Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (1992)

Or legislation superseding any of the above.

  • Guidance listed in the Additional Information section of this standard

  • RIDDOR

  • Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPS)

  • HSE Respiratory protective equipment at work – a practical guide (2013) or publication superseding this

  • RPE last line of protection

  • Relevant PPE

explain methods to assess inhalation exposure risks associated with different construction works and materials

COSHH risk assessment including:

  • taking into consideration the work task, area, duration and frequency of the work task

  • how far the exposure risk can spread and the effect on others

explain how risks of inhalation exposure associated with different construction works and materials might be controlled before the provision of RPE becomes necessary

Use of alternative materials, design and/or re-design, methods of work opportunities, to eliminate, mitigate or reduce the potential for dust, mist, vapour, moulds, spores. gas or fumes risks and the need for RPE

select suitable and adequate RPE against the exposure hazard for different construction works and materials

For exposure hazards identified through risk assessment

  • CE marks, or standard superseding this

  • appropriate filters, protection factor, type, class

  • types of RPE including:

    • powered mask, hoods and helmets

    • disposable half mask – particle filter

    • reusable half mask – particle or gas/vapour filter

    • full face mask – particle or gas/vapour filter

    • full face mask

    • fresh air hose

    • constant flow airline

    • demand valve

  • need for specialist equipment and training where working in an oxygen deficient atmosphere

  • wearer suitability factors

  • need for fit test if RPE tight fitting facepiece

  • consideration of continuous wear time as appropriate to the selected RPE as referred to in HSG 53

If this is in an online context, the learner should be given specific guidance, such as utilising video to highlight the differences between suitable and adequate RPE, wearer suitability factors and need for fit tests. Any online assessment must enable delegates to adequately select suitable RPE

explain how to wear and use RPE appropriately

Including:

  • demonstrations and practice (if this is in an online context, the learner should be given specific guidance, such as utilising video demonstrations)

  • manufacturers’ instructions

  • need for face fit tests if using tight-fitting facepieces

  • fit checks and pre-use checks

  • maintenance requirements

  • procedures for problems

  • responsibilities

  • need for training on the use of specific RPE

  • need for training on the fit of tight-fitting facepieces

  • the importance of clean shaving when wearing tight-fitting RPE

describe maintenance, cleaning and storage of RPE

  • manufacturers’ instructions

  • need for competent person to carry out inspection, maintenance, cleaning and storage

  • record keeping

  • when to carry out

  • typical maintenance tasks

Additional information about this standard

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other construction other guidance

Legislation

  • The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
  • Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (HSWA) 1974
  • Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013
  • Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) 2015
  • Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

Grants

Find out how to claim a grant for short duration training courses

ATO course accreditation

Find out how to accredit a training course to a standard.

Related standards

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