respiratory protective equipment

Respiratory protection (RPE)

Also known as Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE).

RPE can protect the wearers health and even save their life!

Certain gases, vapours and dusts can cause serious damage to the lungs. Therefore, many workers wear respirators or breathing apparatus to protect their health in the workplace. RPE will work to filter the air and remove harmful substances, allowing the worker to breathe clean air.

As an employer, it’s your responsibility to provide the necessary PPE to staff as the last line of defence against risks. However, the provision of RPE may be necessary as part of your control regime.

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Type of respiratory ppe

Respirators (filtering devices) use filters to remove contaminants from the air being breathed in.
Breathing apparatus needs a supply of quality air from an independent source

when to use respiratory ppe

There are two main occasions where RPE would be required;

Activities which may result in harmful substances contaminating the air could include; cutting a material, using a product containing volatile solvents, handling a dusty powder, welding stainless steel etc.
Situations where oxygen levels are or may become low, for example when working in confined spaces.

RPE can protect only the wearer of the item, and will protect them only if it is fitted, used and maintained correctly. If respiratory protection is used incorrectly, or is poorly maintained, it will not protect the worker.