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[1] has a flow chart to help you through the process, you can either:

  • Look at the COSHH Essentials guidance sheets[2] 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[3], developed by the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives, working with HSE.

Link URLs in this page

  1. HSG 53https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg53.htm
  2. COSHH Essentials guidance sheetshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/index.htm
  3. RPE Selector Toolhttps://www.healthyworkinglives.scot/resources/rpe-selector-tool/Pages/default.aspx
  4. Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guidehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg53.htm

Is this page useful?

Updated: 2025-02-05