Online Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) Training

25.00+ VAT

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) Training Course

4.6 (40 reviews)

Understand the use of Respiratory Protective Equipment

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£25.00 +VAT per person

Course information

Certificate on Successful Completion
Access course on Desktop, Laptop or Tablet
15 Multiple Choice Questions
Course Duration: 45 Minutes
CPD Points: 1

This online Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) Training course introduces learners to the different types of RPE, the airborne hazards they protect against, and the legislation governing their use in the workplace. Learners will understand when RPE may be required and the factors to consider when selecting suitable respiratory protection.

The course also covers the principles of safe RPE use, inspection and maintenance, alongside the responsibilities of employers and employees in protecting workers from hazardous airborne substances, including dust, fumes, gases and vapours.

Respiratory protective equipment plays an important role in workplace safety when exposure to airborne hazards cannot be adequately controlled by other measures alone. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), approximately 11,000 deaths from occupational lung disease each year are linked to past workplace exposures. These diseases include lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), highlighting the importance of effective exposure controls and appropriate respiratory protection.

Work towards compliance with UK Health and Safety legislation
Train online at your own pace with a full audio voiceover
Assured by RoSPA & Accredited by CPD
Certificate on successful completion
Course duration: 45 minutes
Unlimited resits at no cost

Who is this online Respiratory Protective Equipment course for?

This online RPE Training course is suitable for employees who use, or may be required to use, respiratory protective equipment at work, including construction workers, welders, spray painters and industrial cleaners. It is also relevant to employers, managers and supervisors responsible for workplace respiratory protection.

Where applicable, employers must comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. Our online COSHH Training course provides further guidance on hazardous substances and workplace exposure controls.

Course Screenshots

Course Aim

This online course aims to provide learners with a fundamental understanding of respiratory protective equipment (RPE), including its role in controlling exposure to hazardous airborne substances. Learners will develop awareness of the principles of correct RPE selection, safe use, inspection and maintenance in the workplace.

For those working in environments where asbestos fibres may be present, our Asbestos Awareness Course provides further information on the risks of asbestos exposure and the precautions needed to avoid disturbing asbestos-containing materials.

Learning Objectives Course Content Assessment

Learning Objectives

On completion of the course, you should be able to:

Identify the purpose of RPE and its use in the workplace
List the different forms of hazardous
Identify the main regulations that govern the use of RPE at work
State the different types of RPE
Identify the use and function of respirators

Identify the use and function of breathing apparatus
List the factors to consider when choosing RPE – the hazard, the environment, task and the user
State the key points for safe use of RPE
List the requirements for proper maintenance of RPE
Identify the general roles and responsibilities relating to RPE

Course Content

This course is made up of the following modules:

Module 1 - RPE Regulations and when it should be used

This section of the course concentrates on the main regulations which govern the requirements for RPE and when it should be used.
Module 2 - Hazards that RPE protects against - Types of RPE and Selecting the correct RPE

This section of the course covers hazards and the effects of exposure to hazardous substances. The main two types of RPE, Respirators and Breathing Apparatus. How to select the correct RPE adequate to the hazard, environment/task and the individual wearer of the RPE.
Module 3 - Using and Maintaining RPE – Roles and Responsibilities

This final section covers using RPE and the requirements for safe use. Maintenance of RPE the frequency in which maintenance should be carried out and key tasks required. Roles and Responsibilities covers both employees and employers responsibilities for the safe and correct use of RPE.

Download Course Overview (PDF)

Assessment

On completion of the course lessons and training material an online assessment will automatically unlock. The assessment will contain 15 multiple-choice questions and a mark of 75% or above will be required to pass.

The assessment will be marked instantly and so you will know straight away if you have passed or not. If you don't pass first time there's no need to worry. Unlimited resits at absolutely no additional charge are available so you can retake the assessment again as many times as you need to.

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) Training Certificate

Our entire library of training courses is accredited by the CPD Certification Service as adhering to the universally recognised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) guidelines.

This training course and its content has also been assured by RoSPA, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) Cerificate - Example

Upon passing the online assessment you will have the options to both print and download your Respiratory Protective Equipment Training Certificate in PDF format. In addition to this an automated email will also be sent to your chosen email address containing a link to your certificate ensuring you always have access to a copy.

Furthermore, a QR code is displayed on each certificate which when scanned by a smartphone links to our certification database. This allows employers, auditors and local authority inspectors, for example, to establish a certificates validity instantly and at any time.

Common RPE Training Questions

Yes. Where respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is required to protect employees from workplace hazards, employers must provide suitable information, instruction and training to ensure it is used correctly.

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, employers must ensure workers understand how to use RPE safely, recognise its limitations and maintain it appropriately. Additional requirements may apply depending on the workplace hazards involved.

RPE training may be required for employees working in environments where hazardous airborne substances, such as dust, fumes, gases or vapours, pose a risk to their health.

This can include workers in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, laboratories and waste management. The need for RPE training depends on the hazards identified through workplace risk assessments and whether respiratory protective equipment is required to control exposure.

No. This online RPE Training course provides knowledge of respiratory protective equipment, including its selection, safe use and maintenance, but does not include practical face-fit testing.

Face-fit testing is a separate process used to check whether tight-fitting RPE provides an adequate seal against the wearer's face. Where tight-fitting RPE is required, employers must ensure suitable face-fit testing is carried out by a competent person.

The Importance of RPE Training

Choosing the correct respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is essential to ensure workers are adequately protected against hazardous airborne substances.

Different workplace hazards require different types of respiratory protection. For example, equipment suitable for protecting against dust may not protect against chemical vapours. This RPE Training course helps learners understand the factors involved in selecting suitable equipment, including the type of hazard, level of exposure and importance of achieving a proper fit.

Regular inspection and maintenance help ensure respiratory protective equipment (RPE) remains in good working condition and provides adequate protection against hazardous airborne substances.

For example, damaged straps, worn seals or blocked filters can reduce the effectiveness of RPE and leave workers exposed to harmful substances. This RPE Training course helps learners understand the importance of checking equipment before use, recognising signs of damage and following appropriate maintenance and storage procedures.

Employers must ensure that respiratory protective equipment (RPE) provided to employees is suitable for the workplace hazards, offers adequate protection and is properly maintained.

Their responsibilities include providing appropriate RPE free of charge, ensuring employees receive suitable training, arranging face-fit testing where required and making sure equipment is inspected, cleaned and stored correctly. This RPE Training course helps learners understand these responsibilities and the importance of using respiratory protection safely in the workplace.

Workplace Scenario

1 / 3

Using the Wrong Respiratory Protection

Situation

A worker in a manufacturing facility wears a disposable dust mask while using a cleaning product that releases hazardous chemical vapours.

What went wrong?

The worker assumed the mask would protect against all airborne hazards without checking whether it was suitable for the chemical involved.

Key takeaway

Different airborne hazards require different types of respiratory protection. RPE must be selected according to the workplace risk assessment and the protection required.

Workplace Scenario

Failing to Check RPE Before Use

Situation

A construction worker uses a reusable respirator during a dusty task without noticing that one of its straps is damaged.

What went wrong?

The damaged strap prevented the respirator from fitting securely, potentially allowing contaminated air to enter.

Key takeaway

RPE should be checked before use. Damaged or defective equipment must not be used until it has been repaired appropriately or replaced.

Workplace Scenario

Inadequate RPE Training

Situation

A new employee is issued a tight-fitting respirator for work involving airborne contaminants but receives no instruction on how to wear it correctly.

What went wrong?

The employee uses the respirator without understanding how to check its fit or recognise when it may not provide adequate protection.

Key takeaway

Employers must provide suitable RPE training and arrange face-fit testing where required. Workers need to understand how to use their equipment correctly before undertaking hazardous tasks.

Course Reviews

4.6.

(40 reviews)

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