Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
This page provides information and advice about Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE includes protective clothing which is worn or held to protect against risks to health or safety.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) means all equipment which is worn or held to protect against risks to health or safety.
The main legislation governing PPE at work is the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992.
PPE includes protective clothing such as aprons, protective clothing for adverse weather conditions, gloves, safety footwear, safety helmets, high visibility waistcoats and so on.
For outdoor workers protective clothing should be provided for cold and wet weather and measures should be taken to protect against skin cancer. It also includes protective equipment such as eye protectors, lifejackets, respirators and safety harnesses.
However, there are some specific items of equipment which are excluded from these Regulations as they are covered by other legislation e.g. ear protectors in the Noise at Work Regulations 1989.
PPE as a 'last resort'
If an assessment of the workplace identifies a risk the most appropriate means of reducing that risk to an acceptable level must be determined.
There is in effect a descending level of control measures to protect against the risks to safety and health.
Engineering controls and safe systems of work should always be considered first and PPE should always be regarded as the last resort.
There are good reasons for this approach.
Firstly, PPE protects only the wearer whereas measures controlling the risk at source can protect everyone at the workplace.
Secondly, specified levels of protection is difficult to assess.
Employers must ensure that the equipment is readily available or, at the very least, have clear instructions on where it can be obtained.
The employer must not make a charge for the use of PPE which is required by law. PPE must provide adequate protection to control the risk.
If this is not possible e.g. fire fighters clothing then the PPE must offer the best protection practicable in the circumstances. PPE must not be worn if the risk caused by wearing it is greater than the risk against which it is meant to protect.
If more than one item of PPE is being worn they must not counteract each other and must still adequately control the risks against which they are provided to protect.
Selection and maintenance of suitable PPE
If the general risk assessment identifies PPE as the best means of control, then further assessment is needed to decide on the type of PPE required, for example when assessing the type of eye protection required, employers should first identify the types of hazard present, such as airborne dust, liquid splashes or projectiles and then assess the degree of risk.
A suitable type of PPE from the range of 'CE' marked equipment can then be selected. An effective system of maintenance of PPE is essential to make sure that PPE continues to provide the degree of protection for which it was designed, e.g. cleaning, disinfection, examination, replacement, repair and testing.
Accommodation for PPE
Storage must be provided for PPE so that it can be kept safe when it is not in use. This may be simple e.g. pegs for weather-proof clothing or safety helmets, or a suitable carrying case for safety spectacles.
The storage should be adequate to protect the PPE from contamination, loss or damage by for example harmful substances, damp or sunlight. Equipment which is ready for use must be clearly separated from that awaiting repair or maintenance.
Information, instruction and training
Employers must provide suitable information, instruction and training for their employees.
Employees must be informed of the risks present and why PPE is needed and be trained in its operation, performance limitations, how to wear it and how to recognise defects.
Use of PPE
PPE should be used in accordance with the employer's instructions, which should be based on the manufacturer's directions.
PPE should be used only by people adequately trained in its use. Adequate levels of supervision should be provided to ensure that the training and instructions are being followed.
There should be a system to ensure that employees can properly report the loss of, or defects in PPE. These arrangements should also ensure that defective PPE is repaired or replaced before it is used again.
Checklist for businesses
You can download PPE checklist with YES/NO boxes to print off for your records.
1. Is PPE that is not covered by other specific existing legislation required for work at your premises?2. Can processes or activities be changed to eliminate the need for PPE?
3. Have you assessed the PPE requirement to ensure that suitable PPE is selected and provided?
4. Where more than one piece of PPE is worn, do you take steps to ensure compatibility?
5. Does the PPE comply with UK legislation implementing EC directives concerning design and manufacture of PPE (i.e. is it CE marked?)
6. Do you have a system of maintenance and replacement for PPE, and appropriate record keeping?
7. Is suitable accommodation provided for PPE?
8. Do you provide systematic information, instruction and training on PPE for employees?
9. Do you have a PPE loss/defect reporting system?
Last updated : 15/05/2009
