Last Updated on October 6, 2025 by Phil Collins

COVID changed a lot about workplace safety. Suddenly, everyone was talking about masks, air quality and respiratory protection (even though Face Fit Testing has actually been a legal requirement since the late 90’s). Three years on and companies are still catching up with what this means for their workers.

If you are responsible for health and safety at your workplace, you have probably noticed that RPE training is not just nice-to-have anymore, it is a legal requirement, especially if your team works around dust, chemicals or other nasty stuff they should not be breathing in.

What Actually Happens Without Correct Fitting of RPE?

Here’s the thing, you can buy the most expensive respirator on the market, but if it does not fit correctly, it is useless. Workers think they are protected when they are not which is a problem waiting to happen.

We have seen this countless times; someone puts on a dust mask, feels safe, but because nobody showed them how to check the fit, contaminated air is sneaking in around the edges. In industries like construction, manufacturing or anywhere asbestos might be present, this is not just giving a false sense of security, it is potentially very dangerous.

What Good Training Actually Covers

Appropriate RPE training is not just “put this on and you’re done.” It covers the basics that actually matter.

Several types of masks and respirators exist for different jobs. Your training should explain which ones work for what situations. Workers need to understand what they actually need, not every dusty job requires the same level of protection.

The training should show people how to do fit checks (seal checks) every time they put on a mask. These quick tests can spot problems before workers head into hazardous areas. Just as important is recognising when equipment is not working correctly anymore.

Storage and maintenance might sound boring, but a mask that has been chucked in a toolbox all week will likely be damaged or misshapen and will not protect anyone.

Beyond Ticking Boxes

Yes, training helps you meet legal requirements, but there is more to it than that. Workers who understand their protective equipment actually use it correctly. That means fewer health problems, less time off sick and people who feel confident about their safety at work.

In our experience, teams that receive good face fitting training become more aware of safety generally. They start spotting potential problems and speaking up about them. That is exactly the kind of safety culture most companies want to build.

Getting It Right

The key is finding the correct trainers (and trainers with experience in multiple fields) like us here at Armco. Please call us for more information or to book your course.

Published Sep 26, 2025