Nuclear engineering and services
All you need to know about Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) class 3, Respiratory Protection Devices (RPD) and their training courses
On this page dedicated to Class 3 PPE and respiratory protective equipment (RPE), find out about their definitions, the different types of equipment, the legal framework governing them, and the associated training courses.
What is Class 3 PPE, Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)?
To better understand what class 3 PPE is, it's important to understand PPE as a whole.
Definition of PPE
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is defined by article R4311-12 of the French Labor Code as: "devices or means intended to be worn or held by a person in order to protect them against one or more risks likely to threaten their health or safety".
The design and manufacture of PPE must meet the requirements of article L.4311-1 of the French Labor Code.
PPE families
PPE is divided into 8 families, according to the part of the body it is designed to protect.
In this article, we present class 3 PPE in the respiratory protection family.
Nature of risks
Class 3 PPE, dedicated to respiratory equipment, protects against serious risks such as chemical, biological and thermal hazards. This equipment is designed to protect workers exposed to major hazards, including chemical inhalation, exposure to biological agents and the effects of extreme temperatures.
Standards
Class 3 PPE, or respiratory protective equipment, must comply with a number of standards to guarantee conformity and performance. Applicable standards may vary from one piece of respiratory protective equipment to another.
PPE classes
There are three categories of PPE classification, based on the degree of risk involved.
- Class 1 PPE (minor risks): Protect against non-serious chemical, mechanical and physical risks, without endangering vital parts. They require CE self-certification (article R.4313-2 of the French Labor Code).
- Class 2 PPE (major hazards): Protect against serious risks, with possible irreversible injuries. Subject to CE examination by an approved body.
- Class 3 PPE (irreversible or fatal risks): Protect against life-threatening hazards. This category of PPE requires CE examination by a notified body, and is subject to manufacturing quality control. Class 3 protective equipment includes fall protection, respiratory protection (APR) and hearing protection. Class 3 PPE must be inspected before each use. It is also subject to annual verification and maintenance by an authorized body.
Various class 3 PPE, respiratory protective equipment (RPA)
Class 3 PPE includes respiratory protective equipment, of which the following is a non-exhaustive list:
- Ventilated helmet: "helmet" with air induction (external source)
- Ventilated dry suit: full-body suit with air induction (external source)
- Tenue Étanche Ventilée Autonome (TEVA): waterproof integral suit with a self-contained ventilation system
- Mask with filter cartridge: face mask with filter cartridge
- Cagoule Ventilé Assistée (CAVA): balaclava covering the head and neck and equipped with an assisted ventilation system.
- Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA ): often consisting of a face mask, a pressure regulation system and a compressed air reservoir.
This equipment is mainly used in the nuclear, industrial and construction sectors.
What does PPE class 3 training involve?
Training objectives PPE class 3, breathing apparatus
The aim of these training courses for class 3 PPE, respiratory equipment, is to provide workers with the knowledge and skills they need to use and check their equipment, so that they can protect themselves against the risks the equipment protects against during their work.
Target audience
This training course is designed for anyone required to use class 3 PPE, such as breathing apparatus.
Medical fitness
To take one of these courses, trainees must be medically fit to wear respiratory protective equipment.
Prerequisite
- Over 18 years of age
- Proficiency in the language of instruction: reading, writing, speaking
Animation language
Training courses on PPE class 3 and breathing apparatus can be given in languages other than French.
Certificate of achievement
At the end of the course, the trainee receives a certificate with a positive opinion following successful completion of the assessments, specifying the type of equipment used during the course.
Certificate validity
No regulations define the period of validity of a certificate with a favorable opinion for training in PPE class 3, respiratory equipment. Consequently, it is up to the employer to decide when to renew his employee's PPE class 3 training. It is recommended that training be renewed every 5 years.
Companies concerned
In accordance with the prevention plan set out in article R.4512-6 of the French Labor Code, all companies have defined personal protective equipment for their workers, following a risk analysis.
Our training courses on PPE class 3, breathing apparatus by Onet Technologies
Onet Technologies Formation offers several training modules dedicated to the use of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE), some of which cover several items of equipment:
Training :
Wearing Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE): Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, Ventilated Heaume and Ventilated Tight Suit (MRV5 or MURU type)
⏱️ 7 hours
Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE) training covers the risks associated with hazardous atmospheres (anoxia, asphyxia, gas and liquid toxicity), as well as the specific features and uses of RPE. It covers the roles of the players involved, best practice in use and emergency procedures. Practical scenarios, including dressing and simulated intervention, are also included.
Training :
Wearing Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
⏱️ 7 hours
The "Wearing respiratory protection equipment" training course introduces the FFP3 mask, the ½ mask P3, the full mask P3, assisted ventilation, positive pressure air supply, TEV, and the ventilated helmet. It trains participants to select and wear this equipment according to environmental risks, and to carry out basic maintenance to ensure safety in high-risk environments.
Training :
Wearing the Ventilation-Assisted Balaclava (CAVA) and the Ventilation-Assisted Waterproof Suit (TEVA)
⏱️ 3.5 hours
The course teaches the use of the Cagoule Autonome à Ventilation Assistée (CAVA) and Tenue Etanche à Ventilation Assistée (TEVA) respiratory protection devices. It also covers theory and conditions of use, including components (filtration, battery, sealing) and pre-use checks. Participants will learn how to manage alarms and perform post-use operations. The course also includes practical exercises for use checks.
Training :
Wearing a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
⏱️ 3.5 hours
It focuses on the risks associated with hazardous atmospheres (anoxia, explosion, gas and liquid toxicity), and recalls essential elements of respiratory function and air composition. Participants will learn procedures for entering and intervening in a hostile environment, including risk analysis and the chronology of actions. The practical part includes respirator technology, safety rules and a simulated intervention.
Training :
Wearing a cartridge filter mask
⏱️ 3.5 hours
The course covers the theoretical aspects of filtering equipment, including general presentation, types of equipment and filters, marking and conditions of use. Participants will also learn the checks to be carried out before and after use. The practical part consists of a presentation of the equipment, usage checks and how to wear a cartridge filter mask.
Training :
Port du Heaume Ventilé
⏱️ 3.5 hours
At the end of the Ventilated Helmet training course, trainees will be able to identify the risks associated with its use, and the protection and precautions to be taken. The program covers the function and specific features of the heaume, the associated risks, the roles of those involved, and good and bad practices. Practical exercises include installation, equipment checks, and dressing and undressing procedures.
Training :
Wearing Ventilated Tight Suit (TEV)
⏱️ 3.5 hours
Training in the use of ventilated waterproof clothing covers the function, description and specific features of the equipment, as well as the risks associated with its use. Participants will learn the prescribed and prohibited uses, and the roles of the various players before, during and after the intervention. The course also includes practical exercises covering the installation and control of equipment, as well as dressing and undressing procedures, and what to do in an emergency.
Choosing a nuclear training organization
Key factors to consider
- The organization must comply with current standards for Class 3 PPE and respiratory equipment.
- Trainers must be qualified for this type of equipment.
- The organization must have a teaching platform and the necessary equipment to carry out the simulations.
Nuclear training by Onet Technologies
Specializing in regulatory training for the nuclear, industrial and construction sectors, Onet Technologies Formation has 70 training rooms spread over 14 sites in France. Each of these training centers is equipped with modern teaching platforms and the equipment essential to the smooth running of training courses. This enables trainees to immerse themselves in an environment that is as representative as possible of the one they may encounter on their professional assignments.
Our QUALIOPI-certified organization helps over 30,000 trainees develop their skills every year.
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