What is RPE? – The Basics of Respiratory Protective Equipment

Overview

Working in dusty, smoky, or chemical-heavy environments? You may need RPE – that’s Respiratory Protective Equipment. This simple guide breaks down what RPE is, when to use it, and how to stay safe. If you’re in construction, engineering, or any job where the air could be dangerous, this is a must-read. Let’s make safety simple, the Risk Fluent way.

What is RPE? – The Basics of Respiratory Protective Equipment

RPE stands for Respiratory Protective Equipment. This device protects your lungs. This also protects you from breathing in dangerous things such as:

• Dust
• Fumes
• Mist
• Vapour
• Gas

You may need RPE if you’re doing jobs like cutting stone, sanding wood, welding, working with asbestos, or going into small spaces like tanks or trenches.

When Is RPE Needed?

Some jobs legally require RPE under UK law, including:

• COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
• Control of Asbestos Regulations
• Control of Lead at Work
• Ionising Radiation Regulations
• Confined Spaces Regulations

If there’s a risk of breathing in harmful substances, you have a duty to protect yourself and others.

Two Key Things You Must Know

1. RPE vs Breathing Apparatus

They’re not similar:

• RPE (Respirators): Filters the air around you
• Breathing Apparatus (BA): Gives you clean air from a tank

Important:

Never use a respirator where there’s not enough oxygen. You’ll need a breathing apparatus in those situations.

2. RPE Is the Last Line of Defence

Don’t just hand out masks and think the job’s done. Before using RPE, you should:

• Use wet cutting or drilling to reduce dust
• Use ventilation or extraction systems
• Try to remove or reduce the hazard first

RPE is for the leftover risk, not the starting point.

Types of RPE

1. Tight-Fitting Masks (Need a Seal)

These are the ones most people know, like FFP2 and FFP3 masks. You must:

• Used with a face fit test
• Wear by clean-shaven people
• Come with the right filter for the job

There are both powered and non-powered versions.

2. Loose-Fitting Masks

These include:

• Hoods
• Helmets
• Full suits

They are powered or supplied-air types and don’t rely on a tight seal around your face.

Watch Out for Fakes

Be careful when buying online! Some products look right but don’t meet UK standards.

• Check for a Certificate of Conformity
• Buy from trusted suppliers
• Don’t rely on packaging alone

Face coverings such as the ones we used during COVID are not RPE. They don’t offer enough protection for most work tasks.

Real Examples of What to Look For

Thanks to our friends at Ultimo Safety, here’s what real RPE looks like:

Half Mask

• Sits firmly on your face
• Needs filters – check if it’s for dust, gas, or fumes
• Must pass a face fit test

FFP2 and FFP3 Masks

• Disposable masks
• FFP3 offers stronger protection
• Some have filters on the front
• Look for nose bridges and seals for a good fit

FFP3 masks feel thicker and have more structure than FFP2. That helps them seal better.

Final Tips for Safe Use

• Always get a face fit test for tight-fitting masks
• Make sure the mask fits your face shape and facial hair
• Choose the right filter for the job
• Train your team on how to wear and test RPE properly

Conclusion

At Risk Fluent, we believe safety should be simple. RPE is more than a box-ticking exercise. It’s about keeping people safe.

If you take one thing away, let it be this. RPE is your last defence, not your first. Use it properly, check it fits, and make sure it’s the right tool for the job.

Do you want help choosing the right equipment or training your team? Reach out to Risk Fluent, we’ve got your back.