Fit-Test New Zealand recommends that all businesses whose workers need to wear respiratory protection have in place a Respiratory Protection Programme (RPP).
Although not a legislative requirement in New Zealand, having an RPP is a critical part of AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment and ISO/TS 16975-1 Respiratory protective devices – Selection, use and maintenance – Part 1: Establishing and implementing a respiratory protective device programme.
The primary elements of such a program include:
- Management responsibility
- Designation and role of the administrator
- RPE selection process
- Medical screening of RPE users
- Training in proper selection, usage, storage, inspection and maintenance
- Issue of equipment
- Fitting of equipment
- Respiratory testing
- Cleaning, disinfection inspection, maintenance and repair
- Storage
- Record keeping
- Programme auditing/evaluation and implementation of any corrective action
The requirements outlined in AS/NZS/ISO 16975-1, titled “Respiratory Protective Devices – Selection, Use and Maintenance – Part 1: Establishing and Implementing a Respiratory Protective Device Programme,” are similar. Fit-Test New Zealand can assist with the establishment of an RPP if necessary.
Both these standards can be purchased from the Standards New Zealand website.