Following the removal of some coronavirus restrictions in England, we want to remind all sectors of the importance of the correct use of RPE. Employers have a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees, and others who might be affected by their business. Issues to consider when assessing risks include: - When tight-fitting RPE should be used
- How to select the right RPE for the job, and
- The importance of fit testing to ensure a good fit, including the need to be clean shaven, as part of your RPE programme
Visit our RPE basics webpage for more information.  COSHH is the law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health. Employers must assess and control the risks from any substances that could cause harm to employees, contractors and other people. Substances can take many forms and include dusts, gases, fumes and vapours, which if breathed in can cause serious, long-term lung damage. Diseases such as asbestosis, silicosis, asthma and lung cancer all cause severe and often incurable health problems that can have a devastating impact on workers' lives. HSE's website has more information about occupational lung diseases and the symptoms associated with lung disease. Hierarchy of control In line with the COSHH regulations and the hierarchy of control, workplace exposure to hazardous substances should be prevented by: - avoiding the use of a hazardous substance
- minimising exposure by modifying the process, and/or
- applying engineering controls, such as Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)
Only where adequate control of exposure cannot be achieved by these means, should RPE be used in addition to these measures to control the remaining or residual risk. If RPE is used as part of the hierarchy to control exposure, it should be suitable for the purpose. This includes consideration of how RPE fits the wearer. Information on types of RPE can be found in HSE's free to download publication, Respiratory protective equipment at work - A practical guide. | Face fit testing of tight-fitting RPE is required as a control measure to comply with health and safety law. Tight-fitting RPE, such as disposable FFP3 masks, and reusable half masks, rely on having a good seal with the wearer's face. To ensure that RPE will protect the wearer: - The wearer must be clean shaven to achieve a good seal between the tight-fitting respirator and the wearer's face. This prevents inward leakage of contaminated air from around the edges of the face seal being breathed into the lungs
- Face fit tests should not be conducted if there is any hair growth between the wearer's skin and face-piece seal, including stubble beard growth, beard, moustache, sideburns or a low hairline
It is also very important that RPE is worn correctly and checked for a good fit every time it is put on. Visit our fit testing basics webpage for more information. Further guidance is also available in our free to download publication, Guidance on respiratory protective equipment (RPE) fit testing. When tight-fitting RPE is not suitable It is vital that the selected RPE is adequate. Tight-fitting respirators are not the only option; powered respirators with loose fitting head tops (e.g. powered hoods) can be worn as an alternative and do not need to be fit tested before use. This option may be considered for wearers of beards due to faith, through personal, non-religious choice, or when required to be worn with a compatible voice communication system. See Respiratory protective equipment at work - A practical guide for more information. England has moved to Step 4 of the UK government's COVID-19 roadmap. This has meant the removal of many restrictions. Our webpage on keeping workplaces safe outlines some of the changes you need to know about: - controls to use after some restrictions are removed
- other measures to help reduce workplace transmission
- different approaches and timescales for removal of restrictions in Scotland and Wales
Despite these changes, you must still control risk and review and update your risk assessment. Find a full range of COVID-19 related information and advice on HSE's coronavirus pages. | 
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