Training, refresher training and instruction in respiratory protection
Respiratory protective equipment only protects when it is selected appropriately, put on correctly and used safely. Our courses prepare you for handling the apparatus intended for your operation and combine theoretical fundamentals with apparatus-specific practical exercises.
DGUV Rule 112-190 supports the selection, deployment and use of respiratory protective equipment. DGUV Principle 312-190 sets out the requirements for the training, refresher training and instruction of equipment users and other functional roles in respiratory protection.
Training is required before first use. After that, equipment users are instructed at least annually in relation to the apparatus and their tasks. For people with rescue duties, instruction is required at least every six months.
Respiratory protection for escape or self-rescue
Escape apparatus serves solely to leave a hazardous area safely. In this instruction you get to know the apparatus intended for your operation and practise the actions that must be carried out quickly and safely in an emergency.
The instruction must be carried out before first use and thereafter at least once a year. It covers theoretical content and practical exercises with the intended type of apparatus.
Respiratory protection with filtering and airline apparatus
In this course you learn the safe handling of the filtering and compressed-air airline apparatus used in your operation. You look at pollutants, apparatus selection, protective effect and physical strain. Practical wearing and movement exercises build confidence in putting on and using the apparatus.
Filtering apparatus must not be used where there is oxygen deficiency, unknown pollutants or conditions beyond its permitted limits of use.
Respiratory protection with self-contained apparatus and SCBA
In this training you learn the safe handling of the self-contained (isolating) apparatus used in your operation. You look at hazards from pollutants and oxygen deficiency, physical strain and the correct response to faults and emergencies. Practical wearing and movement exercises train safe use.
Training is required before first use. After that, apparatus- and task-specific instruction must take place at least annually. Where rescue duties are involved, instruction is required at least every six months.
Apparatus groups and occupational health care
AMR 14.2 (a German occupational-medicine rule) distinguishes respiratory protective equipment by weight and breathing resistance into three groups: Group 1 covers apparatus with low strain, for example certain particle-filtering and powered devices. Group 2 covers apparatus with increased breathing resistance, for example P3, gas and combination filter apparatus. Group 3 covers heavy apparatus with increased strain, in particular free-carried self-contained apparatus such as compressed-air breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Whether mandatory or offered occupational health care is required is determined by the employer on the basis of the risk assessment, the ArbMedVV (the German Ordinance on Occupational Health Care) and AMR 14.2. A fitness-for-work assessment is to be distinguished from occupational health care.
The specific training depends on the apparatus type, the task, the operating instructions and the risk assessment. A general training record replaces neither the apparatus-specific familiarisation nor the operational authorisation.
Course offerings
- Respiratory protection for escape or self-rescue
- Filtering apparatus and airline apparatus
- Self-contained apparatus, in particular compressed-air breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Frequently asked questions
How often must respiratory protection users be instructed?
After apparatus-specific training, instruction is required at least annually. For people with rescue duties, an interval of at least every six months applies.
When must a filtering apparatus not be used?
Filtering apparatus must not be used where there is oxygen deficiency, unknown pollutants or conditions beyond the limits of use set by the manufacturer and the risk assessment.
What is the difference between filtering apparatus and self-contained apparatus?
A filtering apparatus cleans the surrounding air. A self-contained apparatus supplies breathing air independently of the surrounding atmosphere, for example as compressed-air breathing apparatus (SCBA).
What occupational health care is required?
The employer determines the required occupational health care on the basis of the ArbMedVV, AMR 14.2 and the risk assessment. A fitness-for-work assessment is to be distinguished from this.