The penetration of respiratory protective devices by respirable solid particles

•Fifteen commercially available anti-particle RPDs have been tested.•The effectiveness of the RPDs was tested in a specially designed installation.•The results showed variation in the efficacy of the tested RPDs.•Their performance was considerably poorer than that demanded by European standards.•High dust concentration and difficulties in achieving good face seals were relevant.

In certain industrial settings, for example, mining and quarrying, people must work in atmospheres containing large amounts of dust. This increases their chances of developing pneumoconiosis in some form or another. Even after taking all possible preventive measures against lung disease, the Spanish National Institute of Safety and Hygiene at Work still recommends the use of respiratory protective devices (RPDs). Unfortunately, some workers are reticent to use these devices since they cause them thermal stress and breathing difficulties etc. The selection of RPD should be made taking into account the job to be performed, the physical condition of the user, the degree of occupational exposure, and the concentration of the contaminant to be avoided (gases, vapours, particles, etc.) Given the concern expressed by worker representatives and safety delegates with respect to the use of the most appropriate device for different activities, several RPDs were tested experimentally, simulating extreme conditions to which workers might be exposed. Unexpected significant variation was seen between devices of the same category with respect to their penetration by dust particles.

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