Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is a particular type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), used to protect the individual wearer against the inhalation of hazardous substances in the workplace air. RPE should only be used where adequate control of exposure cannot be achieved by other means, in other words, as a last resort within the hierarchy of control measures: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, PPE.
Employers are required to firstly attempt to eliminate the hazard at source. RPE should only be used after all other reasonably practicable control measures have been taken. PPE is considered a last resort because it only protects individual workers, is prone to failure or misuse, such as wearing the wrong RPE for the job, and employees wearing RPE may get a false sense of security when using RPE.
Seven Elements of a Respiratory Programme
- A written plan detailing how the programme is managed.
- A complete assessment and knowledge of respiratory hazards that will be encountered in the workplace.
- Procedures and equipment to control respiratory hazards, including the use of engineering controls and work practices designed to limit or reduce employee exposures to such hazards.
- Guidelines for the proper selection of appropriate respiratory protective equipment.
- An employee training program covering hazard recognition, the dangers associated with respiratory hazards, and proper care and use of respiratory protective equipment.
- Inspection, maintenance, and repair of respiratory protective equipment.
- Medical surveillance of employees, where necessary.
- Disposable Respirators:
- Reusable Respirators:
- Supplied Air Respirators:
- Powered Air Purifying Respirators:
- SCBA & ELBA:
FAQ
What is Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)?
A type of PPE that protects the wearer from breathing in hazardous substances in workplace air.
When should RPE be used?
As a last resort, after elimination, substitution, engineering and administrative controls, because it only protects the individual and can fail or be misused.
What makes up a respiratory programme?
A written plan, an assessment of respiratory hazards, controls to limit exposure, guidance on selecting RPE, employee training, inspection and maintenance of equipment, and medical surveillance where needed.
What types of RPE are available?
Disposable and reusable respirators, supplied air respirators, powered air purifying respirators, and SCBA and ELBA sets.
Respiratory program and equipment discussions grounded in workplace hazards and operating needs.