Depending on the purpose for which respiratory protective equipment is to be used, a wide variety of RPE devices are available which have to be selected in line with the following criteria:
- Ambient atmosphere (oxygen content, type and concentration of pollutants, temperature, etc.);
- Location and type of use (work in containers, necessary freedom of movement, ambulance services, etc.);
- Prevailing conditions of work (duration and severity of work, additional personal protective equipment, etc.); All RPE devices must bear the CE marking and have been tested by an (accredited) testing institution.