Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

Chemical and biological health hazards and control
241
should collapse onto the face. It should then be pos-
sible to check to see if there is a leak)
➤
the size and shape of the face of the wearer and 
physical fi tness
➤
compatibility with other personal protective equip-
ment, such as ear defenders
➤
the nature of the work and agility and mobility 
required.
Filters and masks should be replaced at the intervals 
recommended by the supplier or when taste or smell is 
detected by the wearer.
All respiratory protective equipment should be 
examined at least once a month except for disposable 
respirators. A record of the inspection should be kept 
for at least 5 years. There should be a routine cleaning 
system in place and proper storage arrangements.
Respiratory protective equipment
– 
a practical guide 
for users
, HSG 53, HSE Books, contains comprehensive 
advice and guidance on respiratory protective equipment 
selection, use, storage, maintenance and training and 
should be consulted for more information.
Hand and skin protection
Hand and skin protection is mainly provided by gloves 
(arm shields are also available). A wide range of safety 
gloves is available for protection from chemicals, sharp 
objects, rough working and temperature extremes. Many 
health and safety catalogues give helpful guidance for 
the selection of gloves. For protection from chemicals, 
including paints and solvents, impervious gloves are 
recommended. These may be made of PVC, nitrile or 
neoprene. For sharp objects, such as trimming knives, a 
Figure 14.12
Continued.

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Introduction to Health and Safety at Work
242
Kevlar based glove is the most effective. Gloves should 
be regularly inspected for tears or holes since this will 
obviously allow skin contact to take place.
Another effective form of skin protection is the use of 
barrier creams and these come in two forms – pre-work 
and after-work. Pre-work creams are designed to provide 
a barrier between the hazardous substance and the skin. 
After-work creams are general purpose moisteners which 
replace the natural skin oils removed either by solvents or 
by washing.