Monthly RPE Examinations: What Counts as Compliant?

Reusable respiratory protection requires ongoing attention – not just a one-off setup.

Whether you’re using tight-fitting face masks, airline-fed systems, or half-masks for spray booths or COSHH controls, RPE must be inspected regularly and thoroughly. We see this missed all the time.

Some companies do basic pre-use checks and think that’s enough. Others send equipment off for servicing once a year. But if your team uses RPE regularly, you need a documented system for monthly examinations if used frequently, or quarterly if used infrequently. Some equipment also requires servicing intervals set by the manufacturer. These requirements sit under COSHH Regulation 9 to ensure safety and compliance.

What Does a Thorough RPE Inspection Involve?

The term “thorough examination” isn’t just a fancier way of saying “have a quick look.” Here’s the inspection flow our technicians follow:

1. Is the Equipment Clean?
   If the RPE shows signs of contamination, it should be quarantined immediately. A competent person must clean and decontaminate it as per the manufacturer’s guidance before any further checks are carried out.
2. Is It Traceable?
   Each item must have a unique ID or reference number. If it doesn’t, it should be clearly marked or tagged to enable tracking, audits, and recordkeeping.
3. Has It Reached Its Service Life?
   If the item has reached its maximum working life (as stated by the manufacturer), it must be destroyed and removed from use. If you don’t know the limit, reference the manual or contact the manufacturer.
4. Has It Been Serviced Within the Right Interval?
   Some RPE has service requirements on top of inspections. If the item hasn’t had its scheduled servicing, it needs to be quarantined until this is resolved.
5. Inspection Process
   The final examination includes visual, tactile, and functional checks. Inspect components, check seals and connections, and (if applicable) remove and clean individual parts before reassembly.

What Happens After the Inspection?

• Fit for Use: The item is labelled, logged, and returned to use with its inspection records updated.
• Fault Found: If the fault can be remedied using genuine parts or manufacturer-approved servicing, the item is repaired and re-inspected. If not, it must be taken out of service permanently.

Want help setting up your inspection records or getting your first batch checked? See our RPE Examination & Servicing and our Respiratory Protective Equipment Inspections pages for what’s included.

Not Just a Box Tick

We often say no to long-term contracts for RPE checks. Why? Because in many cases, the most cost-effective option is to train your own team and implement a basic monthly examination schedule in-house. That said, getting the first thorough examination right is crucial.

When we perform initial inspections, we:

• Assign and label every item with a unique ID for traceability
• Confirm the equipment is suitable for the intended task
• Identify any servicing requirements or arrange servicing if needed
• Set up paperwork and inspection logs to maintain ongoing compliance

This foundation lets most companies manage monthly checks internally while staying safe and compliant.

A Culture of Compliance

We use this same system internally for our own gear. All our reusable masks, valves, hoses, and RPD setups go through the same monthly inspections, with traceable calibration and digital records logged. If your setup includes airline-fed systems, we also provide Breathing Air Purity Testing to keep supplied air within limits.