Attainment and test targets for Respiratory ProtectionA (RP-A instruction list)

Legend: K =Knowledge

U = Understanding (incl. Knowledge)

A = Application (incl. Knowledge and Understanding)

The Respiratory ProtectionA (RP-A) candidate must master the following attainment and test targets.

The test is based on the following attainment and test targets. For this test, all the attainment and test targets are about knowledge, understanding and application of the SIR guidelines.

General

1How respiration works

1.1.☐ KThe RP-A candidate can describe the composition of breathing air under normal circumstances, in terms of both the elements and the percentages by volume.

1.2.☐ KThe candidate can describe what the effect on humans is when the oxygen level is lower than normal.

1.3.☐ KThe RP-A candidate can describe the best way to breathe when using respiratory protection.

1.4.☐ KThe RP-A candidate can indicate what a respiratory crisis is, how to recognise one and whenit can occur.

1.5.☐ KThe RP-A candidate can state the correct actions to be taken in the event of a respiratory crisis.

2.Dependent respiratory protection: scope of application, how it works and restrictions

Dependent respiratory protection

2.1☐ KThe RP-A candidate can describe what dependent respiratory protection is.

2.2☐ KThe RP-A candidate can list various types of dependent respiratory protection and canname two examples of dependent respiratory protection.

2.3☐ KThe RP-A candidate can describe the conditions under which dependent respiratory protection may be used, and when it definitely may not.

2.4☐ KThe RP-A candidate can describe what the benefits and disadvantages of dependent respiratory protection are.

2.5☐ KThe RP-A candidate can describe:

  1. what dust filters are
  2. when dust filters may be used
  3. what the three types of dust filters are
  4. what dust particles these filters protect against
  5. what the function of the filter is, based on the filter code and the colour code
  6. what additional possibilities there are for filter masks (D, R/NR,V).

2.6☐ KThe RP-A candidate can describe:

  1. what gas filters are
  2. when gas filters may be used
  3. the ways gas filter cartridges can work (adsorption, chemisorption, specific chemical reaction)
  4. the percentage volumes of contaminants that the three classes of gas filters protect against (one class without a motor unit and two classes with)
  5. what the function of the filter is, based on the filter code and the colour code (A(X):brown, B:grey, E:yellow, K:green, Hg-P3:red/white)
  6. what factors can affect the lifespan of a filter

2.7☐ KThe RP-A candidate can describe what combination filters are.

2.8☐ KThe RP-A candidate can describe the factors affecting the usage time of a canister filter (gas and combination filter).

2.9☐ UThe RP-A candidate can explain why a combination filter does not usually last as long as a gas filter under the same circumstances.

2.10☐ KThe RP-A candidate can name the various parts of the filter mask (harness/headband, outer mask, inner mask, connector, exhalation valve).

2.11☐ KThe RP-A candidate can describe:

  1. What a continuous flow breathing air line system with loose fit helmet or hood is
  2. When this type of equipment may be used
  3. What this equipment is used for

2.12☐ KThe RP-A candidate can state what types of breathing air line system there are and which may be used for SIR risk category A-1 or A-2.

Legislation – SIR and VCA regulations

The candidate can correctly interpret the basic regulations and the SIR guidelines regarding the use of dependent respiratory protective equipment.

3.Tasks/responsibilities

3.1☐ KThe RP-A candidate can state the responsibilities of both the client and the contractor in cases of work involving respiratory protection.

3.2☐ KThe candidate can describe what obligations a user of breathing air has.

  1. Following the instructions and SIR guidelines.
  2. Using the equipment according to the instructions for use.

4.First use of equipment

4.1☐ KThe RP-A candidate can state that respiratory protective equipment must be CE certified and that there are regulations for this.

5.Medical examination and age

5.1☐ KThe RP-A candidate can explain why they must undergo a medical examination before being allowed to work with independent respiratory protection.

5.2☐ KThe RP-A candidate can state the fact that you must be aged at least 18 to be allowed to use respiratory protection and/or operate breathing air units.

6Classification into SIR risk categories

6.1☐ KThe RP-A candidate can describe the SIR risk categories and name the associated target groups and respiratory protective equipment.

7.Selection of respiratory protective equipment

7.1☐ UThe RP-A candidate can explain which analyses (adequacy and suitability) and which factors can be used for choosing the correct respiratory protection equipment.

8.Face-fit test (leak test)

8.1☐ UThe RP-A candidate can explain the importance of a face-fit test and what is being tested.

8.2☐ KThe RP-A candidate can state the SIR guidelines with regard to face-fit tests.

9.Wearing periods and workloads

9.1☐ KThe RP-A candidate can state which factors influence the wearing and recovery periods for SIR classA respiratory protective equipment.

9.2☐ AThe RP-A candidate can check if the respiratory protective equipment to be used is the most suitable type, looking at the wearing periods and workload.

Safety

10.The candidate can recognise and state the risks and can state and/or implement the associated control measures

10.1☐ KThe RP-A candidate can recognise and name the general risks of hazardous substances (lack of oxygen, explosion hazard, toxicity, limit values, etc.).

10.2☐ UThe candidate can explain the meaning of the term ‘limit value’ (or ‘threshold value’) and what the basic principles for determining it are.

10.3☐ KThe candidate can describe what classification of protection factors is used by SIR and what the maximum protection factor is for SIR risk categoryA equipment.

10.4☐ KThe RP-A candidate can state the ways toxic substances can be absorbed by the body.

10.5☐ KThe RP-A candidate can describe working conditions under which there is a low acute risk, an average to high acute risk and a very high acute risk.

11.PPE

11.1☐ UThe RP-A candidate can use the work order to explain why the selected PPE should be used for work with dependent respiratory protection.

11.2☐ AThe RP-A candidate can check if the PPE is suitable (scope of application, validity, condition) for the assigned work with dependent respiratory protection (e.g.filter, mask).

11.3☐ AThe RP-A candidate can correctly use the PPE for work with dependent respiratory protection.

12.The candidate can name the factors that have an influence on the protection level of respiratory protective

equipment

12.1☐ KThe RP-A candidate can list the factors that can influence the protection level, such as beard growth, glasses, hairstyle, hygiene and correctly putting on the mask.

13.The candidate knows how and when a last-minute risk analysis (LMRA) has to be carried out

13.1☐ UThe RP-A candidate can explain why and when an LMRA has to be carried out.

13.2☐ AThe RP-A candidate can list the three steps of an LMRA and carry them out.

13.3☐ AThe RP-A candidate can say which possible dangers or risks can be identified during an LMRA.

Professional expertise

14.The candidate can explain how respiratory protective equipment has to be maintained, checked, prepared and used

14.1☐ UThe RP-A candidate can explain how respiratory protective equipment has to bemaintained.

14.2☐ UThe RP-A candidate can explain how respiratory protective equipment is checked for validity (filters).

14.3☐ AThe RP-A candidate can prepare dependent respiratory protective equipment for use and can correctly change a filter.

14.4☐ AThe RP-A candidate can use dependent respiratory protective equipment.

14.5☐ AThe RP-A candidate can take the correct actions when ending the work (tidying up the workplace, notification of completion, handing in used respiratory protective equipment).

15.The candidate can apply the instructions for using dependent respiratory protection

15.1☐ AThe RP-A candidate can apply the instructions (do’s and don’ts) for using various forms of dependent respiratory protection.

15.2☐ TThe candidate can take the correct actions if the continuous-flow breathing air line system with a hood or loose-fit helmet fails.

PRACTICAL

1.Dependent respiratory protection equipment

1.1☐ AThe RP-A candidate can indicate the scope of application for various types of respiratory protective equipment, recognise the right type and put it on correctly. The following points require attention:

  1. Checking if the right type of filter is available (dust, gases or vapours)
  2. Correctly putting on a filter mask and a half-face mask or full-face mask
  3. Checking the respiratory protective equipment to be used for leaks
  4. Fitting a gas or dust filter
  5. Checking the validity of the filter