RPE Inspections

Reusable RPE used regularly should normally be thoroughly examined at least once every month.

Where reusable equipment is used only occasionally, the interval may extend up to three months if this is justified by the risk assessment, storage conditions and manufacturer instructions. The wearer must still check the equipment before every use.

More frequent examinations may be required where RPE is exposed to heavy contamination, demanding conditions or intensive use.

• RPE inspection checks the condition and function of the equipment, including seals, valves, straps, filters, hoses and powered components.
• Face fit testing checks whether a particular tight-fitting facepiece seals adequately to an individual wearer.

A respirator can be in good mechanical condition but still be unsuitable for the wearer, so both processes may be required.

An RPE inspection checks and records the current condition, assembly and performance of the equipment. It produces a clear pass or fail result and identifies any defects requiring action.

RPE servicing involves maintenance work such as cleaning, repair, replacement of worn components and manufacturer-specific functional servicing.

If an item fails inspection, it may need servicing or replacement before it can return to use.

Yes. We inspect powered air respirators including fan units, filters, airflow, hoses, headtops, seals, batteries and chargers where applicable.

This includes inspections for JSP PowerCap Active, PowerCap Active IP and PowerCap Infinity systems.

We inspect reusable and powered RPE from many leading manufacturers, including Sundström, 3M, JSP, Moldex, Centurion and Trend.

Inspection scope depends on the equipment type, model, available manufacturer instructions and any specialist test equipment required. Contact us with the make and model if you’re unsure.

Yes. We provide documented inspections for JSP PowerCap Active, PowerCap Active IP and PowerCap Infinity systems.

Depending on the model, checks may include filters, airflow, motors, batteries, charging equipment, visors, face seals, head protection, warning functions and overall condition.

An inspection checks and records the PowerCap’s current condition, assembly and applicable operating functions.

Servicing goes further and may involve manufacturer-authorised disassembly, cleaning, repair, component replacement and model-specific maintenance. Velocity Safety provides documented inspections, manufacturer-authorised servicing and repairs for applicable PowerCap systems, with the precise scope determined by the model, condition and faults identified.

We tag the unit as Do Not Use, document the failure, and advise you on repairs, servicing or replacement. You’ll see all failures clearly in your digital report.

Yes. We carry out RPE inspections on-site nationwide, and we also offer workshop inspections for single units or small batches.

Yes. COSHH Regulation 9 requires control measures, including reusable RPE, to be properly maintained, examined and tested at suitable intervals. Our inspections provide documented findings that can support maintenance records, internal reviews and HSE inspections.

Powered air units must maintain the airflow specified by the manufacturer. We carry out airflow checks where required by the equipment’s inspection procedure and record results against the applicable operating requirements.

We inspect reusable half masks, full-face respirators, PAPR/TH/TM systems, airline-fed equipment, hoses, batteries, chargers and headtops.

Yes. We regularly inspect fleets of 20–300+ units across single or multiple sites. We provide centralised reporting, asset registers and next-due schedules.

Most inspections take 5–10 minutes per unit, depending on the type and condition. PAPR checks take slightly longer due to flow-rate and battery testing.

Yes. We inspect full airline-fed systems including hoses, regulators, connections and facepieces.

Single-use disposable respirators are not normally included within the same recorded periodic examination programme as reusable RPE.

The wearer must still inspect the mask before use, checking its condition, straps, nose clip, cleanliness and expiry information. A damaged, contaminated or previously used single-use respirator should be discarded.

Yes. Each inspected item receives a traceable digital record showing its equipment ID, inspection date, components checked, pass or fail result, defects identified and next examination date.

Reports can be consolidated into an asset register for departments, large equipment fleets and multi-site organisations.

Yes. Many clients pair RPE inspections with RPE maintenance and servicing, Face Fit Testing, LEV Testing, Breathing Air Testing or Ladder/Lifting inspections during the same visit to reduce downtime and site costs.

We do. Our RPE inspection, servicing and Face Fit Testing services are available nationwide. In the North West, we regularly support clients across Preston, Burnley, Blackpool and the Fylde Coast. Inspection, servicing and face fit testing are separate activities, and we’ll advise which are relevant to your equipment and RPE programme.