ACCIDENT & INCIDENT INVESTIGATION
We will advise you on the steps that need to be taken following on from an accident/incident. That could very well involve a personal visit from one of our Consultants
Face Fit Testing
Our team of Respiratory Technicians are available to support you throughout the UK with the implementation of an effective Respiratory Management Programme
If you wear a tight-fitting respirator for protection against hazards at work, you will be required to have a face fit test to make sure the respirator fits correctly and therefore protects the wearer from the hazard.
The supporting guidance for COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), CLaW (Control of Lead at Work), CAR (Control of Asbestos Regulations) and the Ionising Radiation Regulations, stipulate that fit testing should be carried out as part of the initial mask selection process. This ensures that inadequately fitting face pieces are not selected for use. Further guidance can be found in the HSE document INDG479 and the accompanying guidance documents. These can be found here: [1] [2]
This should be done at initial selection of the Respiratory Protective Equipment or if facial configuration alters in any way such as:
-
Excessive weight gain or loss
-
Major Dentistry work
-
Changes to facial characteristics
Our team of Technicians can carry out Face Fit Testing throughout the UK and also deliver one of the few Fit2Fit approved training courses on Qualitative Face Fit Testing.
All members of our team have taken and passed the industry recognised exam and practical assessment for Face Fit Testing and are Fit2Fit Accredited. Our team work closely with the BSIF and HSE to promote best practice and to increase the awareness of Face Fit Testing.
​
Our Respiratory Specialists have over 50 years’ experience between them and are able to deliver Respiratory Training, Face Fit Testing, RPE Servicing and Maintenance and air purity testing. The team are available to deliver these services at your site.
Even with the best will in the world and the application of health and safety best practice, accidents do happen and most of the time the term accident is correct. However, regardless of how the incident occurs an investigation must be carried out to determine:
Why did the accident happen?
What could have been done differently?
Was there a breach of statutory duty?
Where, if any, fault lies?
The likelihood of a claim arising?
Is there a training issue?
What can be changed to avoid a similar situation?
What lessons can be learnt?
Largely as a result of media hype, most people will assume accident investigations are only required if someone is killed or seriously injured; but the literal meaning of accident covers any event that stops an activity from being completed and can therefore relate to a number of potential issues e.g. a weather related scaffold collapse.
Accident investigation is not about apportioning blame, it is however a key aspect to establishing cause and to prevent such reoccurrence. In some instances, fault may be determined and will be handled separately.
We believe that accident investigation is as much about learning as it is about evaluation. If nothing changes as a result of the accident, then nothing has been learned and therefore the likelihood of a reoccurrence is greater.
As independent consultants, you can be sure of our utmost impartiality in the investigation of any accident which is key to finding out the root cause, and providing a satisfactory conclusion whilst identifying areas for change. To speak to one of our consultants, get in touch now.