New HSE-BSIF campaign

THE joint HSE and BSIF initiative – entitled ‘Clean Air? Take Care!’ – aims to help reduce occupational respiratory disease by raising major issues surrounding this potential and growing hazard in the workplace.

A recent study found that 5.5 million workers are exposed to respiratory hazards in the workplace. Of these, approximately 50% wear respirator protective equipment (RPE) but, of this group, only half wear equipment that is correctly selected and fitted. This means that only 25% of those at risk are adequately protected, while the remaining 75% could experience a resulting degree of ill health during their lifetime.

The Clean Air? Take Care! campaign will increase awareness, highlight the problems and promote sensible solutions to respiratory protection in the workplace. Through a range of national activities and educational seminars, RPE users, employers, fit testers and advisors will be targeted with information on the correct selection, deployment, use, maintenance and storage of RPE.