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The second type of RPE supplies clean air to the wearer through an airline or from a compressed-air cylinder. The simplest type is compressed air-line equipment, whereas self-contained breathing apparatus gives the highest level of respiratory protection and is the type used by emergency services. An HSE guide gives detailed guidance on selecting the correct RPE, which says that several factors should be considered. These include whether the atmosphere contains enough oxygen, the substances present, the properties and toxic effects of the substances, the levels they are present at, and their occupational exposure limits.

As well as deciding whether to use a respirator or breathing apparatus, the minimum protection required (MPR) should be calculated (MPR = workplace concentration outside the facepiece of the RPE/maximum allowable concentration inside the facepiece). The MPR should then be compared with the assigned protection factor (APF) of various types of RPE, published in British Standards, although APFs are a rough guide, not a hard and fast rule. The nominal protection factor (NPF) used in the past is no longer valid.

The HSE guide also covers work-related factors which should be considered when selecting RPE, including the physical demands of the job, the impact of reduced visibility, compatibility with other PPE, and the need to able to communicate with other workers.

Given that the correct RPE is selected, it will only protect workers if they are trained in how and why to use it, and unless the equipment is properly maintained. According to the HSE, "Even the best equipment is unlikely to provide protection if wearers do not know how to use it properly. Similarly, protection will be affected if the RPE is not adequately maintained, or stored badly. You must provide training for your employees on how to use the equipment, before it is first put into service, and provide facilities for its storage and maintenance. In fact, everyone involved in a RPE programme must be trained. Users, managers and supervisors, and maintenance staff all need to understand their own role in the system."

RPE should always be checked before being worn, and effective maintenance is required by COSHH. RPE should also be stored correctly so that it is not damaged by heat, cold, damp or chemicals, and decontamination facilities are needed for certain substances like lead, asbestos, carcinogens, radioactive substances and pathogens. Finally, old RPE and filters must be correctly disposed of, including making sure they cannot be re-used.

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