Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that protects workers from inhaling hazardous substances in the workplace. RPE should be used as a last resort after other control measures have been taken.
There are two main types of RPE:
- Respirator: A filtering device that removes contaminants from the air.
- Breathing apparatus: Requires a supply of breathing-quality air from an independent source, such as an air cylinder or air compressor.
Some types of respirators include:
- Particulate respirator
Protects against particles, such as dust, but not chemicals, gases, or vapors.
- Chemical cartridge/gas mask respirator
Also known as an air-purifying respirator, this type filters chemical gases out of the air.
- Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)
Uses a fan to draw air through a filter and blow it into the user's face mask.
- Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), CCBA & Airline Trolley
Provides a portable supply of clean air from a compressed-air cylinder.
