PPE is the last line of defence for dust. Under COSHH, you should prevent or control dust at source first, then use RPE when exposures may still exceed limits or during short high-risk tasks.

When to use RPE

• During set-up or strip-down when extraction is not yet in place.
• For brief, high-dust tasks where full engineering controls are impractical.
• As a back-up while you verify controls with monitoring.

Selecting effective RPE

• Match the Assigned Protection Factor (APF) to the risk. As a guide, FFP3 and P3 half masks typically have APF 20; full-face P3 can provide higher APF.
• Pick compatible filters (P3 for fine particulate) and ensure they are in-date.
• Consider powered air (PAPR) where heat, long wear-time, or facial hair make tight-fitting masks unreliable.

Fit, use, and care

• Face-fit testing is essential for tight-fitting masks; repeat on change of model or facial features.
• Do a seal check every time you don the mask.
• Keep a change-out schedule and store clean, dry, and protected from damage.

Reduce reliance on RPE

Improve engineering controls first: tool-mounted extraction, air scrubbers with high-efficiency filtration, and vacuum housekeeping. For example, adding a MAXVAC air cleaner to a small room can reduce background peaks so RPE becomes a short-term backup, not the primary control.

Practical takeaways

• Use RPE as part of a layered approach, not a substitute for extraction.
• Choose APF and filter type to match the task; face-fit test and seal-check.
• Maintain, store, and replace components on a schedule.

Done well, PPE bridges the gap while engineering controls do the heavy lifting to keep exposures low.