RPE: PROTECTING OUR MEMBERS, PROTECTING OUR FUTURE

If we cannot breathe safely, we cannot work safely – so respiratory protective equipment and its correct usage is vital to our health in contaminated environments

Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is not something most of us think about every day. Yet across the prison estate, secure healthcare settings and other detention environments, our members are increasingly being exposed to a range of airborne hazards that pose serious risks to their health and wellbeing.

Whether it is exposure to synthetic drugs, bodily fluids, dust, smoke, industrial cleaning products or other hazardous substances, the reality is simple: if we cannot breathe safely, we cannot work safely.

THE GROWING RISK TO POA MEMBERS

Over recent years, the dangers associated with exposure to psychoactive substances and synthetic cannabinoids have become well documented. Incidents involving contaminated environments have left staff suffering adverse effects, requiring medical treatment and, in some cases, significant periods away from work.

Too often, officers find themselves entering areas where airborne contaminants are suspected, but where adequate protection may not be immediately available. No member should ever feel pressured into putting their health at risk in order to carry out their duties.

Our members come to work expecting to protect others, not to compromise their own long-term health.

WHY RPE MATTERS

Respiratory protective equipment is designed to reduce the wearer’s exposure to harmful substances in the air during fire incidents and other hazardous situations. However, simply issuing a mask is not enough.

RPE must be suitable, properly fitted, maintained, and supported by appropriate training if it is to provide effective protection. Employers also have a duty to ensure suitable protective equipment is available where workplace risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means.

The equipment can only protect you if it is used correctly and staff are confident in its operation.

TRAINING SAVES LIVES

Training should ensure staff understand:

• When RPE should be used
• How to correctly don and doff the equipment
• How to carry out pre-use checks
• How to identify defects
• How and when filters should be replaced
• How equipment should be cleaned and stored

During training, every individual should be assessed at each stage of the process. Every participant should wear and operate a smoke hood, complete buddy checks, and demonstrate competence in the various tasks required of them.

RPE refresher training should take a minimum of two hours of actual training time. This does not include time spent moving around the establishment or travelling between locations. Nor does it take into account the additional time that may be required to ensure every participant has been properly assessed on each element of the package.

Training hoods also need to be kept in good order again if this isn’t the case please refer this on to relevant parties

Remember, you are signing to confirm that you have completed the RPE refresher. If your training has been rushed, fails to cover all required elements, or falls below the expected standard, you must raise your concerns.

HOLDING ESTABLISHMENTS TO ACCOUNT

All staff working night duties should be 100% in date for RPE training. Establishments should also be maintaining at least 80% overall compliance across operational staff.

Where this is not being achieved, members should seek assurances from management regarding how the risk is being managed and contact their local Health and Safety Representative or POA Representative for support.

Training compliance is not simply a performance measure; it is a safety measure.

A TRADE UNION ISSUE

Health and safety has always been at the heart of the trade union movement. Every improvement in workplace safety has been achieved because workers stood together and demanded better protections.

The POA will continue to challenge any practices that place members at unnecessary risk and will continue to advocate for the highest possible standards across the Prison Service, secure healthcare, and other custodial environments.

WHAT MEMBERS CAN DO

• Report concerns through local health and safety channels.
• Speak to your local POA representative.
• Ensure your training is current and recorded correctly.
• Report damaged or defective equipment immediately.
• Never use equipment that you do not believe provides adequate protection.
• Challenge inadequate or incomplete training.

CONCLUSION

Every member has the right to go home in the same condition they arrived for work. Effective respiratory protective equipment, backed by robust training, proper maintenance, and competent supervision, is an essential part of achieving that goal.

Your health matters. Your safety matters. And as a union, we will continue to fight to ensure both are protected. l

TYLER TIERNEY,
COOKHAM WOOD POA BRANCH SECRETARY