Ultimo Safety are a UK manufacturer and supplier of respiratory protective equipment, and supply a range of RPE products including both half-face respirator masks and full-face respirator masks, as well as a range of particle filters and other RPE accessories, providing a high level of protection. Working closely with wearers of respiratory protection in all types of industries has enabled us to design and develop quality products with the end user in mind.
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) refers to a variety of devices designed to protect the wearer’s respiratory system from inhaling harmful airborne contaminants, such as dust, particles, gases, vapours, and pathogens.
RPE is necessary in workplaces or environments where airborne hazards exist. It helps prevent the inhalation of harmful substances that could cause respiratory diseases, lung damage, or other health issues.
Choosing the right RPE depends on the hazards present, the concentration of contaminants, the level of protection required, and the comfort and fit for the wearer. A proper risk assessment should guide the selection process.
Our RPE products include Japan’s leading respiratory protective equipment manufacturer, Shigematsu. This top quality brand, offers unrivalled respiratory protection with its range of reusable half and full face masks through a simple lightweight design, easy filter attachment and availability in a range of sizes, whilst giving high performance results at all times.
We undertake to supply only RPE products and related services that fully comply with the standards and regulations made relating to those products and services. Where appropriate, we will maintain up-to-date technical files and associated documentation to ensure that regulatory compliance information can be supplied upon request. Find out more here.
The law requires all employers to prevent the exposure of hazardous substances to employees and other members of the public. Respiratory protection should only be used as a last choice when working with hazardous substances and exposure should also be controlled by other measures. When you might still breathe in contaminated air, despite other measures being in place such a extraction systems, then respiratory protective equipment should be used.
It may also be used when there is a risk of short-term exposure and/or using other measures may be seen as impractical, or whilst you are putting other measures in place. Respiratory protection may also be provided for safe exit in emergencies, when there is a temporary failure of controls and when emergency rescue by trained personnel is necessary.
The first step should be to assess the risks that are presented in the environment by exposure to hazardous substances. The next step is to identify what must be done to adequately control the risks. Providing respiratory protection may be one of the control measures.
If you are providing respiratory protection, you must ensure that you have selected the correct RPE that protects the individual wearer against the hazardous substance within the environment that it is going to be used, and while performing the tasks required. You may find that offering a choice of several correctly specified types of respiratory protection to the wearer’s a good option, so that they are able to choose the type that they prefer.
You should also take measures to train users of the respiratory protective equipment, maintain it in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, supervise the wearers of the RPE to ensure that they are using it correctly, and safely dispose of any damaged or used RPE, along with its components.
RPE should be replaced or upgraded according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, regulatory guidelines, and any changes in workplace conditions. Regular inspections and maintenance are also essential to ensure the equipment remains effective.
Particle-filtering respirators are designed to provide protection against hazardous particles. This type of respirator is typically made from multiple layers of a filter material and fitted with an exhalation valve. The different layers within the filter each serve a different purpose, including providing shape retention, tear resistance and filtration.
Breathing resistance is one of the most important aspects of comfort when wearing a respirator. Breathing resistance refers to the resistance that the wearer of the mask feels when inhaling and exhaling. A higher breathing resistance means the wearer’s lungs must work harder. In order to keep the breathing resistance low, the filter material should be air-permeable on one side while still filtering particles on the other.
Yes, face fit testing is a legal requirement, Under the regulations for COSHH, all tight fitting Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) worn as Person Protective Equipment (PPE) requires that the designated RPE is adequate and suitable for the wearer, task, and environment. In order to fully conform to the legal requirements, a face fit test is required. People come in all shapes and sizes, so it is not very likely that any one type, or size, of RPE will fit everyone. Face fit testing helps ensure that the respiratory equipment chosen is suitable for the wearer.
