What is a particulate ...and why is it important to protect ourselves from them?

Dust is a type of particulate, but not all particulates are dust

Dust is a generic term for very small solid particles (known as particulate matter or PM) found in the air, but particulates can be made up of many different types of material, solid or liquid. Particulates in the atmosphere arise from a wide variety of sources and both the size and composition can vary greatly depending on the source. The term “dust mask” is often used when we want to protect ourselves from particulates, but actually "dust" is one of many different types of particulate. Disposable respirators, as well as particulate filters for reusable RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment), filter not just dust but particulates – so what is a particulate?

Particulates are separated into 3 key areas:

DUSTS: Dust forms when a solid material is broken down into tiny fragments. The finer the dust, the higher the risk.

MISTS: Mists are tiny droplets that are formed from liquid materials by atomisation and condensation processes.

FUMES: Fumes are formed when a solid material is vaporised by the high heat and condenses into very fine particles, for example, welding fume.

Germs and viruses can also be particulates. The main types of germs are:

bacteria
viruses
fungi
and protozoa.

A virus is an infectious microbe consisting of a segment of nucleic acid (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat.

Asbestos

Silica

Welding fumes

Hay bales

Wood

Flour

Why is Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) important?

12,000 people die each year currently from occupational lung diseases linked to past exposures at work*. That’s 12,000 families devastated simply because their loved one went to work and was not sufficiently protected. With occupational lung diseases, it might not be right away; many of the 12,000 deaths are linked to past exposure to asbestos**. It could take years for the affects to become apparent, so it is important to protect yourself every day.

The Hidden Killer - Jean Morgan's Story
Jean's husband Christopher was diagnosed in November 2008 with mesothelioma - an incurable cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Here Jean movingly describes how Christopher's diagnosis has impacted on their family and their lives.

Watch on YouTube

12,000 people die each year currently from occupational lung diseases

Protecting you the uvex way: WEARABILITY

We design WEARABILITY into every product we make. But what do we mean by that?
WEARABILITY = Compliance = Safety. It’s PPE that doesn’t get in the way allowing you to focus on the task at hand. Ultimately, it’s the perfect balance of four main factors:

Find out more

Fit

Proper fit
RPE is available in different sizes to ensure that the sealing surface of the respirator matches different facial features. Compatibility with other PPE also determines if a mask remains worn, helping to avoid accidents, reduce discomfort, and give wearers confidence.

Comfort

All day comfort
One of the most important aspects of wearing PPE is that it should be comfortable to wear. It is only when PPE fits well, is comfortable and works in conjunction with other required PPE that it can fully protect the individual.

Performance

Product performance
Particle-ﬁltering face masks offer effective protection against dust, mist, fumes and microorganisms from the air flowing through them. uvex face masks can reliably filter particles and droplets from the air and comply with the European standard DIN EN 149.

Style

Modern style
Lightweight and nice-looking PPE that feels good is more likely to be worn. It is possible to have high-performing, comfortable, properly fitted PPE in a style and design that appeals to the wearer. As a result, the mask is more likely to be worn and employees will remain safe.

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)

It is incredibly important that the RPE chosen is suitable for the hazard but also for the wearer.

HSE Guidance Document HSG53 provides essential guidance on why respiratory protective equipment (RPE) should be used, what the law says, how to select RPE that is adequate and suitable, and advice with regards to management and supervision of RPE use.

The fitting of RPE is of paramount importance. Some of these particles are so small they are smaller than a strand of hair! So, it is vital to be clean shaven. A face fit test will determine whether the RPE (respiratory protective equipment) fits the wearer and that there are no gaps for hazardous substances to enter the lungs and cause damage and ill-health.

HSE Guidance Document INDG 479 gives advice on RPE fit testing for the employer, and those conducting fit tests. It also provides information on RPE fit testing methods, what can be achieved from a fit test and the core information to be included in a fit test report.

Fit testing should be conducted by a competent person. Competence can be demonstrated by accreditation under the Fit2Fit RPE Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme. This scheme has been developed by the BSIF, together with industry stakeholders, and is supported by HSE. At uvex, we work in partnership with an independent Fit2Fit accredited provider of face fit testing and training services; Harrisons of Hull. Other fit testers are available.

Recommended RPE Fit Test Provider

Don’t forget

- Disposable masks (RPE) are only suitable for particulate protection.
- They come in various protection levels from FFP1 to FFP3, but, certain particulates have a minimum protection level, for example, silica is a minimum of FFP3 protection.
- Disposable masks (RPE) are not to be reused.
- Disposable masks (RPE) are for short term duration use only.
- Disposable masks (RPE) still require the wearer to be clean shaven and to be face fit tested.
- When you change the make and model of your mask, substantially gain or lose weight or have any facial surgery that you will need to re-face fit test.

What about wearing a mask with eye protection?

Where there are particulates present, it maybe that you need to protect your eyes and/or face too. This is important as some airborne particulates are smaller than a strand of hair so having eye protection that fits is important to protect the eyes from any damage.

Fit testing on eye protection is not a legal requirement as it is for face fit testing, but with uvex, we offer an award-winning eye protection fit clinic to ensure that the eye protection chosen fits the individual and is also compatible with other forms of PPE required for the hazard, reaffirming our WEARABILITY principles.

To support equity in the workplace and the uniqueness of us as individuals, we offer safety glasses and goggles in various sizes. The uvex pheos family of safety glasses is available in 4 width fittings:

And goggles in 5 different widths and heights!

uvex Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)

To help support, not only the fitting of RPE, but equity in the workplace, and the uniqueness of us as individuals, uvex we can support with masks in two sizes and also in cupped and fold flat shapes.