Selecting the right Respiratory Protective
Equipment (RPE) for the job
This is the RPE Selector Tool. By answering a few questions about the job, substance,
and the wearer, this Tool will help you find the right RPE to protect you and your
employees.
RPE used at work must be CE marked to confirm it has been designed to meet at least
the minimum requirements laid out in law. However, employers are responsible for
selecting the right RPE for their task, substance, work environment and the wearer.
By answering a few questions about your work area, the hazardous substance and the
task for which RPE is needed, this Tool will help you find the right RPE for your
workers.
The Tool was jointly developed by the Health and Safety Executive, NHS Health Scotland
and Healthy Working Lives (HWL) based on HSE’s RPE guidance HSG53.
To move from one step to another click the orange button at the bottom of the page.
Types of Respiratory Protective Equipment
Types of respirator
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1. Disposable half mask respirator
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2. Reusable half mask respirator
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3. Full face mask respirator
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4. Fan-powered reusable full-face mask respirator
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5. Fan-powered respirator with reusable hood, helmet or visor
Types of Breathing Apparatus (BA)
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6. Unpowered fresh air hose breathing apparatus (FAHBA) with full face mask
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7. Compressed airline breathing apparatus (CABA) with half mask
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8. CABA or powered FAHBA with full face-mask
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9. CABA or powered FAHBA with hood, helmet or visor
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10. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or CABA with a demand valve full-face
mask
- These are the types of RPE most commonly used at work
- The RPE you use may look slightly different depending on the manufacturer
