Respiratory protective equipment


Respiratory protective equipment, also called protective breathing equipment in the US, is a form of personal protective equipment designed to protect the wearer from a variety of airborne hazards in the form of a gas, fume, mist, dust or vapour. Respirators filter the air to remove harmful particles and alongside the breathing apparatus provides clean air for the worker to breathe.

UK legislation

RPE is covered by a number of UK laws including:
The Health and Safety Executive advises that RPE should be appropriate for the needs of the wearer, the task they are undertaking and the environment in which it takes place.