Health and Safety Executive

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Respiratory protective equipment (RPE)

Man wearing protective mask

This website will provide information and tools for employers and others who may need to use RPE in the workplace.

Many workers wear facemasks or other breathing apparatus to protect their health in the workplace. These devices are known as Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE).

More on RPE basics

Health and safety made simple

The basics for your business

COSHH Essentials

Information on what respiratory protective equipment to choose.

More on COSHH Essentials

Fit testing

Fit testing ensures that you don't select ill-fitting RPE that won’t protect your workers.

Fit testing basics

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Updated: 2012-09-10