RPD Selection Information

In many work environments, there will be multiple hazards and more than one item of personal protection is needed. It is important that such equipment is mutually compatible and continues to be effective against the risks.
Where industrial safety helmets, hearing protectors, eye protectors and protective clothing are required to be worn with RPD, it is important that the protection from any of these is not reduced by any possible interaction. These interactions include head harnesses passing under the hearing protector ear-muff seals, goggles dislodging respiratory interfaces, protective suits interfering with the RPD or its face seal. Preference is to be given to RPD which are intended by the manufacturer or manufacturers to be worn together.
RPDs are available for special applications, e.g. welding and abrasive blasting, which provide integrated head and/or face and eye and hearing protection.

Where more than one item of personal protection is needed, the sequence of doffing should be considered to ensure that respiratory protection is maintained where required, e.g. decontamination following asbestos abatement.

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 7.3.3 & Annex D.2.5