PPE / RPE

Some examples of industries/work where RPE may be used are (this list is not exhaustive)

• Construction – Workers in the construction industry can be exposed to many different airborne contaminants, e.g. asbestos and silica from concrete.
• Agriculture – Agricultural workers can be exposed to airborne hazardous substances, such as grain dust, pesticide and herbicide spraying, poultry dust and fungal spores.
• Healthcare – Those working in healthcare can be exposed to biological agents, e.g. viruses, transmitted via the air. They also use different chemicals and drugs that can become airborne.
• Woodworking – Workers working in woodworking can be exposed to wood dust. However, this should be controlled by other means first, e.g. extraction.
• Tradesmen – Those who are self-employed and do jobs such as plastering, carpentry, building works and insulation installation can be exposed to many hazardous substances, e.g. asbestos, plaster, insulation fibres and cement.
• Paint spraying – Workers who spray paint, e.g. on vehicles, can be exposed to different chemicals, such as solvents.
• Confined space work – Anyone working in a confined space can be exposed to hazardous substances, and there is also a risk of oxygen depletion.

It can also include animal workers, bakers, solderers, welders and engineers. Any jobs where individuals are at risk of exposure to airborne hazardous substances will need to consider the use of RPE in their risk assessments.