ABSTRACT
The hazards are usually obvious and programs to use personal protective equipment can be implemented with relative ease. The wrong choice of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) could expose workers to excessive lead levels, resulting in possible long-term illness, as well as regulatory actions or fines, civil action by employees, and other unnecessary economic costs to the business. The health and safety practitioner should resort to personal protective equipment only when other means of exposure control are impracticable. Use of any protective equipment places restrictions upon workers, reduces the flexibility of their operation and affects their performance. Suppliers will be able to provide details of suitable maintenance programs for their particular equipment. Where possible, each wearer should be provided with individual RPE. Tests for the correct fitting of RPE can only be achieved using the proper equipment. Use of RPE must be strictly monitored to ensure the equipment is not used for purposes beyond those designated.
