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In light of this increase, the customer undertook a risk assessment – and the risk assessment indicated they needed a dust survey.  

There are specific risks associated with dusty environments, says John Bardsley, Account Manager at RS Safety Solutions. “You’ve got to make sure you have the right PPE because if you’re exposed to dust all day, every day, it’s going to have an effect on your respiratory system,” he explains. “It has a long-term impact.” 

The customer’s dust survey revealed their risk level had increased to an exposure factor of eight, meaning the face masks they provided were no longer providing adequate protection for employees. “FFP3 masks were not suitable,” recalls the facilities manager, “and we were looking into powered units.”  

During this process, they encountered a range of extra hurdles. They struggled to identify what Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) was required and the right brand for their needs, with most manufacturers having long lead times and offering little in the way of support. The customer couldn’t, for example, secure any equipment for a trial so wouldn’t have been able to identify any potential issues before making an investment.  

The customer already sourced footwear from RS Safety Solutions and during a regular call happened to ask about powered respirators. “They know we understand the PPE market because it’s our area of expertise,” states Bardsley. “We’ve built a relationship with them and they trust us.”  

Bardsley utilised this expertise to find the right RPE solution for this situation. He conducted a site survey to fully understand the customer’s needs then recommended three units and bought those suppliers in with samples for the customer to try out. “This gave them a better idea of which direction to go in,” says Bardsley. “Operatives trialled units and then the customer purchased JSP PowerCap Active respirators.” 

Bardsley also arranged a second meeting to find an alternative option that was suitable for staff who wear turbans and after a demonstration and trial, the customer bought a quantity of JSP Jetstream Switch and Go units too.  

“The customer is now able to maintain safety and wellbeing in the workplace,” observes Bardsley. “The JSP PowerCap Active respirators help to minimise risk to staff at a good cost while those staff for whom these aren’t suitable also have an appropriate solution.” 

The customer highlights the instrumental role that Bardsley and the RS Safety Solutions team played in finding a suitable solution. “We chose to work with RS due to the fact we were able to demo multiple brands,” says the facilities manager. “Other manufacturers or suppliers were not keen to let us trial products or help us out other than give us prices.” 

The outcome has been positive. “We have high usage rate with the team benefitting and understanding the values of what these units provide,” adds the facilities manager. “The staff are happy that the unit meets their needs and are comfortable to wear.” 

Now Bardsley has also arranged for a footwear supplier to visit the customer. “This brand has bought out a new safety shoe so they are taking that in and doing a site survey as it’s time to start looking at footwear again,” he says. “At the end of the day, they feel they trust RS so we’re doing the work for them and getting people to come in and see them. They feel valued.”