RPE and face masks are different in the form of protection they offer.
RPE are a type of personal protective equipment that protects the wearer from airborne particles.
Surgical masks are used mainly in healthcare settings, and their purpose is to protect the patient from being infected by healthcare personnel. They do not protect the wearer from airborne pathogens and particles.
For more information, see the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (TTL) website and the announcement by the Finnish Work Safety Association (in Finnish).