The Health, Safety, Ethical & Environmental Executive (HSE) has published extensively revised and updated guidance covering the correct and safe use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE), or dust masks.

Respiratory Protective Equipment at Work: A Practical Guide provides employers, safety reps and manufacturers who use or supply RPE with advice on ensuring it is selected and used correctly, as required by law.

The booklet features a new \'RPE Selector\' tool, which takes the user through a simple step-by-step questionnaire to allow them to decide when it is appropriate to use RPE and to select the correct level of protection, such as filter types, required for a given hazardous substance.

For ease of use, the booklet contains illustrated examples to ensure the most comfortable RPE design for each individual wearer and the environment they work in is worn.

In addition, the book describes examples of significant misuse of RPE and how to prevent it. It also includes tips and advice on ensuring RPE is adequately maintained so it continues to work safely.

Dr Bob Rajan, of the HSE Chemical Risk Assessment and Control Group, says: "Every year, UK industry spends around £250million on RPE, but a sizeable portion of this money is wasted because the equipment selected is not right for the job or is used incorrectly.

"This can result in RPE wearers being exposed to avoidable hazards to their health or even life. Chronic ill health, respiratory sensitisation and, particularly in confined spaces, deaths have all occurred because employers have failed to provide RPE matched to the risks, the work environment and the user."