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Policy Online NHS Lothian | Policy Online

Respiratory Protective Equipment

Executive Summary

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to provide and maintain a safe working environment, so far as is reasonable practicable. Additionally, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 (as amended) provides a legal framework to protect people against health risks arising from hazardous substances used or encountered at work. COSHH Regulations sets eight generic principles of good practice for the control of exposure to substances hazardous to health. One of these principles is that where adequate control of exposure cannot be achieved by other means, provide, in combination with other control measures, suitable personal protective equipment.

In addition to COSHH Regulations 2002, Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) may need to be used to meet requirements in the following pieces of legislation, such as: Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002, Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 and Confined Spaces Regulations 1997. For RPE use that is not covered by any of the above Regulations employers and employees have duties under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.
NHS Lothian recognises its legal and moral obligations on the provision, instruction, training, supervision and use of RPE.
This Policy establishes the framework which such management can take place and the responsibilities of managers and staff in the implementation of the Policy within NHS Lothian.