Getting respiratory protection right for farm workers

Getting respiratory protection right for personnel is an absolute must on the poultry farm. Virtually every stage of work across the farm can result in exposure to inhalable substances capable of causing irritation, allergic reactions or respiratory disease. For example, poultry dust is an unpleasant cocktail of bird feed, bedding material, bird droppings, feathers, dead skin, dust, storage mites, and other micro-organisms.

Inhalation of poultry dust has been linked to conditions such as asthma, ammonia poisoning, allergic reactions (from grain dust and mites), bacterial infections and long-term respiratory illnesses. Wearing the correct Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is essential to reduce workers’ exposure to this harmful dust and other toxic substances used on the farm, such as disinfectants, detergents and pesticides.

Reducing the level of exposure on your farm

RPE varies enormously and an employer has a duty, firstly, to ensure that it is adequate for the level of hazard and reduces exposure sufficiently to protect the wearer’s health. And secondly, that it is suitable for the wearer, task and environment. This is so that the wearer can work freely and without additional risks due to respiratory protection being incorrectly fitted or uncomfortable.

RPE plays a crucial role in safeguarding the health and safety of workers in environments where they may exposed to hazardous airborne contaminants. The effectiveness of RPE depends on various factors, and it is the employer’s responsibility to address them to ensure adequate protection. It is not enough to provide RPE that matches the hazard; it must also be comfortable and functional for the farm worker. Ill-fitting RPE can lead to obstructed vision and cause discomfort and fatigue, which in turn can reduce productivity and safety in the working environment.

Different types of respirators

Respirators and masks use filters to remove contaminants from the air as you breathe it in. The filter material will vary, depending on the hazardous substance and its form. There are two basic filter types available: particle filters and gas/vapour filters. It is vital that the filter in the mask used is matched to the hazard of the job – particle filters do not protect against gas or vapour and gas/vapour filters do not protect against particles. Some situations may require both types of filter.

Masks that protect against poultry dust can be disposable, or re-useable with changeable filters. The filter is an intrinsic part of the mask, whether it is powered or non-powered, disposable or re-useable. Masks have different filtering protection levels on a scale of 1-3, FFP1 being the least protective and FFP3 being the highest. Where poultry dust is present, HSE advises to always use a dust mask that is either FFP2 or FFP3.

Disposable masks come in different shapes and sizes, for example moulded, vertical fold-flat and horizontal fold-flat – it’s a good idea to stock a selection so that wearers can choose the one that fits them best.

Masks can be non-powered, which relies on the wearer’s breathing to draw air through the filter, or powered, which uses a motor to pass air through the filter to give a supply of clean air, making it more comfortable for longer, more strenuous tasks.

Face masks must be fit-tested

It is unlikely that one particular model or size of face mask will fit everyone in the team, as faces do vary. An inadequate fit will reduce the protective effect of the equipment and may even discourage the wearer from using it. A fit test according to the manufacturer’s instructions should be carried out as part of the initial selection of the RPE, and whenever there is any subsequent change to the equipment or, indeed, the wearer. This is required by law, and the supporting guidance can be found at

Comfort is an important part of safety

Where RPE is required to be worn continuously for long periods, powered air respirators are a good option. A lightweight option such as the Powercap IP Active, where everything is integral to the headpiece, is ideal. Masks with exhalation valves can help to reduce heat and moisture, making them more comfortable to wear. Because of the tight-fitting nature of face masks, it is vital that they are fitted properly and as comfortable as they can be so that they can be worn for longer periods without adjustment.

A checklist for mask care

An HSE investigation into a small sample of companies showed only around half were effective in protecting the wearer through their use of RPE. One of the key issues identified was an over-reliance on employee 'common sense' to use RPE correctly. Making employees aware of respiratory risks and reinforcing training with advisory checklists can help to address this:

  • Always wear a rated face mask that has been face-fitted
  • Wear the right mask for the right activity
  • Fit-check your RPE before entering the hazardous area
  • Don’t remove your mask until you have left the hazardous area
  • Replace a mask or filter when it is visibly dirty or damaged, or when you start to experience difficulty breathing through it
  • Replace respirator cartridges if you can smell or taste dust or chemicals when in use
  • Never wash or try to blow out respirators/masks
  • Inspect your respirator/mask for damage and store it according to the manufacturer’s instructions
  • If you’re unsure about any of these points, please ask one of our advisers

It should be noted that cloth masks, bandanas and general dust masks are not approved for filtering face pieces and do not provide adequate protection against the nanoparticles in poultry dust or other harmful substances in the shed!

The good practice of wearing respiratory protection

Persuading workers to wear RPE consistently can be a battle. It’s very easy to think that it’s not worth donning a mask for a short visit in the shed – many workers feel it is time-consuming and tedious – but lung damage from substances in the shed can be accumulative and irreversible, and maintaining a disciplined approach to wearing RPE is reasonable and responsible practice.

For further advice on protecting the health of your workforce with RPE, please contact us.