308 - Effective Use and Management of Workplace RPE: Protecting Health and Ensuring Compliance
This course builds the competence needed to manage Respiratory Protective Equipment with confidence and clarity. It provides practical understanding of how to select, use, and maintain RPE as part of a defensible control strategy.
What is the Effective use and Management of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) course?
The Effective Use and Management of RPE Course is critical where workers are exposed to harmful airborne contaminants. This course focuses on the real‑world decisions that keep people safe and organisations compliant, long after the equipment has been issued.
Rather than treating RPE as a box‑ticking exercise, this programme develops practical understanding of how RPE should be selected, fitted, used, maintained, and managed as part of a wider control strategy. Learners gain clarity on legal duties, fit testing requirements, and the shared responsibilities that sit behind an effective RPE programme.
The result is confidence. Confidence to challenge poor practice, confidence to manage RPE correctly, and confidence that decisions will stand up to scrutiny.
Benefits for Learners
Make confident decisions when selecting and managing appropriate RPE
Understand legal duties and what compliance looks like in practice
Apply fit testing requirements correctly and consistently
Identify respiratory hazards and understand the risks they present
Support workplace health programmes with credible, informed judgement
Benefits for Employers
Improved compliance with HSE regulations and recognised guidance
Reduced risk of occupational respiratory illness and long‑term health claims
Stronger health and safety culture and worker confidence
Correct RPE use, reducing waste, misuse, and unnecessary replacement
Clear evidence of competence for audits, inspections, and investigations
Pass rates
With a 5/5 rating on Trustpilot, clients know that Phoenix provides an industry leading service, being one of the UK’s top health and safety providers with an above average industry pass rate.
Designed by the Experts
Each of our short online courses are designed by our experts according to health and safety legislation, providing candidates with the information needed to work in line with government guidance.
Student Support
We pride ourselves on offering the best study support in the industry. From our thriving Facebook student community to direct access to our team of experts and top-tier learning materials, we go above and beyond to ensure you have everything you need to succeed in your studies. When you choose Phoenix, you’re never alone on your journey.
This course is designed for anyone with responsibility for respiratory risk and RPE management, including:
Health and Safety Advisors and Managers
Supervisors and Team Leaders
RPE Programme Managers
Occupational Hygienists
Fit Testers
Facilities and Compliance Officers
Anyone responsible for issuing, managing, or maintaining RPE in the workplace
It’s particularly valuable where RPE is relied upon as a key control measure and decisions directly affect worker health.
Learners have access to the course materials for 4 weeks upon booking the course.
The course consists of 5 elements:
Understanding RPE and the Risks of Airbourne Hazards
Types of RPE and Their Components
Ensuring RPE Effectiveness: Fit testing and Correct Use
Maintenance, Cleaning, and Storage of RPE
Duties, Responsibilities and Compliance in RPE Management
After completing the course, learners will be able to:
Understand airborne hazards. Identify and assess risks to implement effective control measures.
Know RPE types. Select appropriate equipment based on specific workplace hazards.
Ensure proper fit. Conduct qualitative and quantitative fit testing to maintain an effective seal.
Maintain RPE properly. Clean, store, and dispose of equipment to ensure safety and compliance.
Follow responsibilities. Employers and employees must collaborate on training, supervision, and issue resolution.
Apply hierarchy of controls. Use RPE as part of a broader safety strategy to minimize exposure risks.
Learners complete an online, end‑of‑course multiple‑choice assessment at the end of the course. It tests their understanding of course material, as well as the learner's ability to apply it to real world situations.
What happens if I fail the assessment?
You can retake the assessment at no additional cost.
When and how will I receive my results and certificate?
Once you complete the course and assessment, a confirmation of results is available immediately. This certificate can be printed or saved as proof of completion.
How long do I have to complete the course?
You have 6 months from date of purchase to complete the course.
Is the course accredited?
Our health and safety short courses are not accredited. However, the certificates can be printed as evidence of health and safety training and placed in your workplace. For accredited courses, browse our NEBOSH courses.