When the disposable respirators used by Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service were no longer suitable to meet respiratory protective equipment (RPE) fit-testing requirements, diversified technology company 3M provided a tailored solution.
Mark Salter, station manager and technical support at Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service, explained: “The 700-strong team here is required to work in challenging environments that can be impossible to predict, which is why we need to be prepared for any eventuality.
“We needed a modern respiratory product that was not only compatible with the helmets the team has to wear, but also offered a high level of protection. To ensure compliance, the equipment also had to be comfortable and easy to wear. Plus, as we are required at different locations every day, it was important to have a product that was easy to transport and required minimum storage and maintenance.”
To provide advice on compatibility and comfort, 3M visited Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service to offer guidance on face fit-testing.
3M suggested its flat-fold disposable respirator range with FFP3 protection rating. Part of the 3M Comfort range, the company says the advanced three-panel design of the range accommodates a wide range of face shapes and sizes, allowing more flexibility for facial movement and excellent facial conformance for protection and added comfort.
The design of the range also features the 3M Cool Flow Valve, which, says the company, closes during inhalation and then opens to allow moist and warm exhaled air to escape. Meanwhile, the valve cover and its positioning helps direct airflow away from the eyes and thus reduce misting of any eyewear. According to 3M, the addition of the Cool Flow Valve makes the respirators more comfortable to wear, even in physically demanding conditions.
Anja Buchan, product manager for 3M Disposable and Reusable Respiratory Protective Products, commented: “The fire-fighters at Cornwall Fire & Rescue needed a disposable respirator that provided a high protection rating against potential exposure to hazardous levels of particulates. They also required a low-profile design that could sit comfortably underneath their recently issued safety helmets.
“Our range of 3M flat-fold disposable respirators met their specifications and offered optimum comfort thanks to the integral Cool Flow Valve. The respirator also met the need for convenient portability and storage due to its foldable design.”
Mark Salter continued: “The team is often racing to the scene of an accident and their number-one priority is the well-being of any potential casualties. They need to kit themselves out as quickly as possible, and the fact that these masks can fit into a pocket of their uniform instantly makes their lives easier.
“We also selected the 3M flat-fold disposable respirators because of the high face-fit success rate across our diverse workforce. I’d like to thank 3M for all the help and support they have provided – it’s going to have a huge impact on the team.”
He concluded: “As the health and safety advisor to the station, it gives me peace of mind knowing that my team will always have the right protective equipment when they need it.”
For further information on the range of 3M disposable respirators and the portfolio of maintenance-free respirators available from the company, visit www.3M.co.uk/ohes, email [email protected] or call 08705 360036.
3M and Cool Flow are trademarks of 3M Company.
Approaches to managing the risks associated Musculoskeletal disorders
In this episode of the Safety & Health Podcast, we hear from Matt Birtles, Principal Ergonomics Consultant at HSE’s Science and Research Centre, about the different approaches to managing the risks associated with Musculoskeletal disorders.
Matt, an ergonomics and human factors expert, shares his thoughts on why MSDs are important, the various prevalent rates across the UK, what you can do within your own organisation and the Risk Management process surrounding MSD’s.
