RPD Selection Information

Verbal communications in a noisy environment can be difficult. Many tasks involve verbal communication between co-workers. Since RPD will in general impede communication, an assessment of the additional risks involved may be required.

When workers find communication difficult, there may be a temptation to remove RPD in work areas, resulting in exposure to contaminants. Loose-fitting respiratory interface may interfere less with speech since the whole face may be visible; however, RPD, which enclose the ears, may reduce hearing. Hearing may also be impaired by noise generated by airflow in some RPD. Communication can be improved by selecting RPD with effective speech transmitters and models incorporating microphones or radios. These should be considered where effective verbal communication is required in order to ensure the safety of workers and others.

It is important to ensure that an RPD wearer can communicate effectively when necessary. This may be especially important where safety is concerned, e.g. during confined space entry.
There are several options to improve communications when wearing an RPD given such as (but not limited to):

• Speech transmitters (diaphragm)
• RPD Microphone
• Cranial, throat or ear microphone
• Use of telephone handset
• Hand or coded signals

Reference/s for further information and detail:

AS/NZS 1715:2009 – Selection, use and maintenance – Section 4.3
SA/SNZ TS ISO 16975.1:2023 – Selection, use and maintenance – Section 7.3.2 & Annex D.2.4