Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) are critical components of asbestos removal and
preparation operations to guarantee worker safety and physical well-being.
PPE refers to safety equipment such as steel-toed boots, high-vis jackets and vests, helmets, eye protection, and harnesses. When
working on a job site, all e4 workers are given these items as standard to keep them safe.
RPE is an abbreviation for “Re
For any asbestos-related jobs, respiratory masks are provided and necessary. There are two types of masks: half-face and full-face,
which are worn depending on the occasion. Face-fits are required for both types of masks to guarantee that the seal of the mask fits
properly around the user’s face and that no fibres penetrate the user’s face piece and are inhaled.
Half-face masks are commonly used for non-licensed employment when the risk of asbestos fibres is low and an enclosure is not
required. Up to 2 fibres per cubic millilitre of air are protected by them.
On licensable works that require an enclosure to remove the ACM, full face masks are always utilised. These battery-operated masks
protect the wearer from up to 4 fibres per cubic millilitre of air.
The Scott Vision mask is the current model used by e4 operatives (or similar). These come with a clear vision panel and a head strap that
can be tightened, and they’re powered by a battery pack. These are required to be worn for all licensable jobs, as well as on occasion as
a precaution for non-licensed employment.
Risk Evaluations
These are conducted on all sites to guarantee that PPE and RPE are only used as a last option, with all other variables being evaluated
first and these items being used only if all else fails. The removal process includes control measures such as soaking ACMs before
removal. When asbestos fibres are moist, either with water or a surfactant, they do not become airborne and provide a lower danger.
Other non-asbestos risks, such as working at heights and slips, trips, and falls, are also taken into account during the planning stage, as
well as any extra PPE that may be required.
