What is HSG53?
HSG53, "Respiratory Protective Equipment at Work," is a comprehensive guidance document from the Health and Safety Executive that provides detailed practical advice on protecting workers from airborne hazards through the correct selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment (RPE). This extensive publication addresses all aspects of respiratory protection, from understanding when RPE is appropriate to implementing effective RPE programmes.
Respiratory hazards in the workplace include dusts, fumes, gases, vapours, and oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Exposure to these hazards can cause serious occupational diseases including occupational asthma, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. While elimination and engineering controls should always be the priority, many work situations require RPE as part of a comprehensive control strategy.
HSG53 emphasises that RPE is only effective when correctly selected for the specific hazard, properly fitted to the individual wearer, correctly used, and adequately maintained. The guidance provides the detailed information needed to achieve all of these requirements.
Who Needs This Document?
HSG53 serves a wide range of professionals responsible for protecting workers from respiratory hazards:
Primary Audiences:
- Health and safety professionals managing respiratory hazards
- Occupational hygienists assessing exposure and selecting controls
- Supervisors and managers responsible for RPE programmes
- PPE coordinators and procurement specialists
- Fit testing providers and trainers
Secondary Audiences:
- Workers who use RPE and need to understand their responsibilities
- Occupational health professionals dealing with respiratory conditions
- Employers in industries with significant respiratory hazards
- Safety equipment suppliers and distributors
- Training providers developing RPE training courses
Industries with particular need for this guidance include construction, manufacturing, mining and quarrying, foundries, welding, painting, pharmaceuticals, and any sector using hazardous substances.
Key Topics Covered
HSG53 provides comprehensive coverage of respiratory protection:
The Hierarchy of Controls
The guidance emphasises that RPE should only be used when other control measures are not reasonably practicable or as additional protection:
- Elimination of the hazardous substance
- Substitution with less hazardous alternatives
- Engineering controls (enclosure, LEV, ventilation)
- Administrative controls (reduced exposure time)
- RPE as a last resort or supplementary measure
Types of Respiratory Protective Equipment
Detailed coverage of different RPE categories:
Filtering Devices:
- Filtering facepieces (disposable masks) - FFP1, FFP2, FFP3
- Half masks with replaceable filters
- Full face masks with replaceable filters
- Powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs)
Breathing Apparatus:
- Fresh air hose apparatus
- Compressed air line breathing apparatus
- Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
- Escape sets
Selection Criteria
Comprehensive guidance on selecting appropriate RPE including:
- Identifying the hazard (type, concentration, exposure duration)
- Determining the required protection factor
- Considering the work environment (temperature, humidity, confined spaces)
- Accounting for other PPE being worn
- Wearer factors (facial hair, spectacles, medical conditions)
- Practical factors (communication needs, duration of use)
Assigned Protection Factors
Detailed tables of assigned protection factors (APFs) for different RPE types help users select equipment that provides adequate protection for measured or estimated exposure levels.
Fit Testing
A major section covers fit testing requirements:
- Legal requirement for tight-fitting RPE to be fit tested
- Qualitative fit testing methods (taste testing)
- Quantitative fit testing methods (particle counting)
- Frequency of fit testing
- Record keeping requirements
- Factors affecting fit (facial hair, weight changes, dental work)
Face Fit and Facial Hair
The guidance addresses the critical issue that tight-fitting RPE cannot seal effectively on faces with stubble or beards, requiring either clean-shaven wearers or alternative RPE types such as powered hoods.
Training Requirements
Comprehensive training is required covering:
- Understanding why RPE is needed
- Correct donning and doffing procedures
- User seal checks before each use
- Limitations of the RPE
- Storage and maintenance requirements
- Recognising when RPE is damaged or ineffective
Maintenance and Inspection
Guidance on maintaining RPE effectiveness:
- Pre-use checks by wearers
- Regular inspection schedules
- Cleaning and disinfection procedures
- Filter replacement criteria
- Storage requirements
- Record keeping
RPE Programmes
For organisations with significant RPE use, the guidance covers establishing formal programmes including:
- Policy and responsibilities
- Selection procedures
- Fit testing arrangements
- Training systems
- Maintenance and inspection regimes
- Monitoring and review
Using This Guidance
Implementing HSG53 effectively requires a systematic approach:
Step 1: Hazard Assessment Identify all respiratory hazards in the workplace. Characterise them in terms of substance, physical form, concentration, and exposure pattern. Occupational hygiene monitoring may be required.
Step 2: Apply the Hierarchy Before selecting RPE, ensure all reasonably practicable engineering and other controls are in place. RPE should supplement other controls or be used where they are not practicable.
Step 3: Select Appropriate RPE Match RPE to the specific hazard using the selection guidance and protection factor tables. Consider all relevant factors including the work environment and wearer characteristics.
Step 4: Implement Fit Testing Establish fit testing arrangements for all tight-fitting RPE. Ensure testing is conducted before first use and repeated periodically and when circumstances change.
Step 5: Provide Training Train all RPE users on the equipment they will use. Include practical sessions on donning, seal checking, and maintenance. Document training provided.
Step 6: Establish Maintenance Systems Implement inspection, cleaning, and maintenance schedules. Ensure adequate supplies of consumables. Keep records of maintenance activities.
Step 7: Monitor and Review Regularly review the RPE programme effectiveness. Monitor that RPE is being used correctly. Update the programme based on experience and changing circumstances.
Why It Matters
Proper respiratory protection is critical for several compelling reasons:
Occupational Lung Disease: Respiratory diseases remain one of the most significant occupational health problems. Conditions including occupational asthma, silicosis, and mesothelioma cause serious illness and death. Effective respiratory protection prevents these diseases.
Legal Compliance: The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) and other regulations require employers to provide suitable RPE where exposure cannot be adequately controlled by other means. Fit testing is a legal requirement for tight-fitting RPE.
Irreversible Harm: Many respiratory conditions are progressive and irreversible. Silicosis, asbestosis, and occupational COPD cannot be cured. Prevention through adequate protection is the only effective approach.
RPE Effectiveness: RPE only protects when properly selected, fitted, and used. Incorrect selection, poor fit, or improper use can leave workers unprotected while providing false reassurance. Following HSG53 guidance ensures RPE actually delivers protection.
Changing Hazards: New respiratory hazards continue to emerge, from nanomaterials to novel substances. Understanding RPE principles enables organisations to respond effectively to new challenges.
Worker Confidence: Workers using RPE need confidence that their equipment protects them. Comprehensive RPE programmes, including proper fit testing and training, provide this assurance.
By following the comprehensive guidance in HSG53, organisations can ensure their respiratory protection programmes are effective, compliant, and genuinely protective of worker health.