Effective Use and Management of Workplace RPE: Protecting Health and Ensuring Compliance

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

Why Phoenix is different

We don’t just deliver training. We build capability under pressure.

That means:

• Learning that reflects real-world scenarios

• Decisions, not just knowledge

• Confidence that stands up under scrutiny

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 is 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.

Learners who complete the Effective use and Management of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) course can progress to a range of other training and qualifications. Courses that develop safety management capability are popular choices, helping to further learner's careers.

These include course such as:

• BOHS P405- Management of Asbestos in Buildings (including Asbestos Removal): RPE is a must when dealing with Asbestos, providing an effective progression route for anyone maintaining PPE in the workplace.

• NEBOSH National General Certificate: For facility managers looking to progress into safety roles, this qualification is the industry standard. Covering core safety legislation, risk assessments and more, the NEBOSH National General Certificate qualifies learners for roles such as safety advisor.

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.