How do I choose the right respiratory protective equipment (RPE)?

RPE should be right for the:

  • Wearer
  • Task, and
  • Environment.

To help you choose the right RPE HSG 53 has a flow chart to help you through the process, you can either:

  • Look at the COSHH Essentials guidance sheets to see if any cover your work task and recommend a type of RPE, or
  • Look at HSG53 and follow its approach to selection.
  • Use the online RPE Selector Tool, developed by the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives, working with HSE.

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Updated: 2021-04-26