Respiratory protective equipment
Equipment worn to protect the wearer from inhalation of hazardous atmospheres. RPE is a last resort in the hierarchy of controls and must be suitable, properly maintained, and fitted to the individual wearer.
Also known as
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“respiratory protective equipment”RPESharedCOSHH 2002 regulation 7(1) requires employers to prevent exposure to hazardous substances by means other than personal protective equipment wherever reasonably practicable, and regulation 7(3)(c) permits RPE as a control measure of last resort. HSE guidance (HSG53) covers selection, use and maintenance of RPE. Face fit testing is required for tight-fitting facepieces.
Irish HSA
“respiratory protective equipment”SharedRequired under the Chemical Agents Regulations 2001 and the General Application Regulations 2007. RPE must be suitable for the purpose, properly maintained and used correctly. The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1993 (as amended by the General Application Regulations) set out general PPE duties.
US OSHA
“respiratory protection”RPPSharedOSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 covers respiratory protection in general industry. Employers must implement a written respiratory protection programme when respirator use is required. The programme must cover respirator selection, medical evaluation, fit testing, use, and maintenance. Voluntary respirator use has lighter requirements.
Practitioner note: Face fit testing is specific to both the wearer and the model. Facial hair at the seal defeats tight-fitting RPE regardless of the filter chosen.