Ask an expert: Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) and silica dust

In this webinar, hear from Mark Reggers, an expert occupational hygienist in respirator equipment. The webinar dives into everything you need to know about respirators, how to use them, and which are the best for certain circumstances in the workplace. The webinar ends with a short Q&A discussion. In this webinar, Mark discusses respiratory protective equipment in the context of silica dust and silica exposure. Mark provides information on the Hierarchy of Control, identifying the importance of ensuring that personal protective equipment is implemented effectively.

This means that the equipment, and in this case respirators, fit each individual and are worn properly each time. Mark provides some do’s and don’ts when it comes to respirators and gives an overview on how respirators work. Mark discusses that a respirator should be chosen depending on the hazard or material being used in each workplace. This webinar was recorded during Lung Foundation Australia’s annual National Silicosis Prevention and Awareness campaign.

About our expert speaker:

Mark Reggers is a Certified Occupational Hygienist (COH MAIOH). His current role as a Specialist Application Engineering role at 3M Australia (Personal Safety Division) focuses on providing technical end-user guidance and advice around the selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment. Mark is the Chair of RESP-FIT, which is a respiratory fit testing training and accreditation program run by the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH). Mark is also a current member of the SF-010 Respiratory Protection, ISO TC94 SC15 Respiratory Protection and SF-006 Eye & Face Protection Australian Standard committees.