Protecting respiratory health

Protecting respiratory health is an important aspect of safeguarding the health of workers and is an area of work where the IOM has been active since its inception in 1969. Although the reduction of respiratory hazards at source (e.g. through the use of dust or fume extraction systems) will always be the preferred option, it is widely recognised that personal protection, in the form of respiratory protection equipment (RPE), has an important role to play.

As part of its ongoing contribution to respiratory health, the IOM has been supporting the HSE and other groups in a number of different initiatives, including the 'Fit to Fit' scheme. As part of these efforts, the HSE has recently launched new pages on its website devoted to RPE issues. The IOM is pleased to continue to support the HSE in this vital area