BSIF voices support for Breathe Easy Week
25 May 2010
The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has voiced its support for this year’s Breathe Easy Week running from Monday 14th June to Sunday 20th June 2010. Organised by The British Lung Foundation this year is themed ‘Lungs are for life’.
BSIF voices support for Breathe Easy Week
The BSIF is the only trade body to provide a public service role within the health and safety industry purveying independent advice and information funded directly by the industry. Its ‘Clean Air? Take Care!’ campaign was launched in March and is designed to dramatically increase awareness of occupational respiratory diseases and ways in which they can be prevented. It is estimated that up to 12,000 deaths each year currently could be due to past exposures to hazardous substances.
Those using respiratory protective equipment (RPE) are often still not adequately protected due to poor selection, use and maintenance of the equipment, therefore a significant level of workers could experience some form of respiratory disease during their lifetime. This problem is being addressed by another BSIF campaign - Fit2Fit Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme, which is designed to confirm the competency of any person performing facepiece fit testing by passing an industry recognised exam. By substantially increasing the correct fitting of RPE, the aim is to significantly reduce the incidence of occupational respiratory injury.
David Hall, Chairman of the BSIF comments: "The BSIF is pleased to support Breathe Easy Week and welcomes the increased awareness this will bring regarding the dangers of exposure to respiratory hazards both at work and home. One of the core aims of the BSIF has always been to help improve safety and health in the work place by fulfilling a public service role to assist commercial organisations purchase appropriate safety equipment and services. Through awareness promotions such as Breath Easy Week, campaigns like ‘Clean Air? Take Care!’ and initiatives such as Fit2Fit, the BSIF hopes that people will become more aware of the issues surrounding respiratory hazards and the incorrect selection of RPE, helping to protect today’s workforce and resulting in a significant reduction in related illnesses and fatalities."
Contact Details and Archive...