Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)

RPE protects your lungs from hazardous dusts, fumes, gases, and vapours that cause serious occupational lung disease.
RPE is the last line of defence — engineering controls such as extraction and suppression should always be used first.
Disposable filtering face pieces (FFP masks) are the most common RPE type on construction sites, rated FFP1, FFP2, or FFP3.
FFP2 masks protect against most construction dusts; FFP3 masks are required for respirable crystalline silica and asbestos work.
All tight-fitting RPE must be face-fit tested to the individual wearer — an ill-fitting mask provides little or no protection.
Facial hair including stubble, beards, and sideburns prevents a seal and makes tight-fitting RPE completely ineffective.
Powered air-purifying respirators provide an alternative for workers who cannot achieve a face seal with tight-fitting RPE.
RPE must be selected based on the specific hazard, the concentration of contaminant, and the protection factor required.
RPE must be stored clean and dry, away from contaminants, and inspected before every use for damage or degradation.
Employers must provide RPE free of charge, ensure face-fit testing, and train workers in correct use and maintenance.

Lung disease prevention	Construction dust, fumes, and vapours cause silicosis, asthma, and lung cancer — RPE is your last barrier against these diseases.
Face-fit is critical	An RPE mask that does not seal to your face leaks contaminated air directly into your lungs — face-fit testing is mandatory.
Facial hair defeats RPE	Even one day's stubble breaks the seal of tight-fitting RPE — you must be clean-shaven in the seal zone for it to work.

Do

Don't

Wear the correct RPE grade specified in the COSHH assessment for your task.
Ensure your tight-fitting RPE has been face-fit tested to your individual face.
Carry out a fit check every time you put on your RPE to confirm the seal.
Keep the seal zone of your face clean-shaven when using tight-fitting RPE.
Replace disposable RPE masks at the intervals specified by the manufacturer.
Inspect reusable RPE for damage, degradation, and filter condition before each use.
Store RPE in a clean, dry place away from dust, chemicals, and direct sunlight.
Use powered air respirators if you cannot achieve a seal with tight-fitting masks.
Attend RPE training to understand correct fitting, use, maintenance, and limitations.
Report any breathing difficulty, unusual taste, or smell while wearing RPE immediately.

DON'T use RPE without checking the COSHH assessment for the correct grade required.
DON'T wear tight-fitting RPE that has not been face-fit tested to your face.
DON'T skip the fit check — an unsealed mask provides virtually no protection.
DON'T wear tight-fitting RPE with stubble, a beard, or sideburns in the seal area.
DON'T continue using disposable masks beyond their recommended single-use lifespan.
DON'T use damaged, degraded, or contaminated RPE — replace it immediately.
DON'T store RPE loose in your pocket or toolbag where it becomes crushed and dirty.
DON'T remove your RPE while still in the dusty or contaminated work area.
DON'T assume all masks are the same — FFP2 and FFP3 offer very different protection levels.
DON'T ignore breakthrough smells or tastes — they indicate the RPE is not working properly.

See also: COSHH Awareness | Construction Dust Awareness

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