What to consider when providing PPE

PPE should only be a last line of defence. Businesses should deal with any risks at the source, however, where this is not possible PPE plays an essential role in protecting the health & safety of workers.

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 state: “Every employer shall ensure that suitable personal protective equipment is provided to his employees who may be exposed to a risk to their health or safety while at work except where and to the extent that such risk has been adequately controlled by other means which are equally or more effective.”

What is PPE? All equipment worn or held by a person at work which protects them against risks to their health and safety such as safety helmets and footwear. It also includes clothing to protect against the weather.

When must you provide it? Wherever there is a risk to an employee’s health and safety that cannot be adequately controlled in other ways.

It’s not enough to simply have the equipment on the premises. It must be readily available at all times, or at the very least you should provide clear instructions on where it can be found. Who bears the cost? If your employee only uses the PPE at work, you cannot charge them for it.

What else do I need to do? Before you provide any equipment you should ensure it has been properly assessed to ensure it’s suitable. Not only is inappropriate equipment a waste of money, it also puts workers at serious risk when they think they are being protected – the result of which can be devastating.

Once provided, PPE must be properly stored and maintained to ensure it continues working effectively. You should also provide instructions on how to use it safely and, crucially, it is your responsibility to check it is being used correctly. If an employee develops a health condition because they are using PPE in the wrong way, it is the employer who is responsible.

Choosing PPE To make sure you choose the right PPE for the job, you should carefully consider the different hazards in your workplace. Choosing the right equipment will protect workers while allowing them to get on with their job. Speak to the manufacturer or supplier for further advice. Another important consideration is whether PPE can be adjusted to fit the wearer correctly. This is particularly important for many masks and eye protection, as ill-fitting equipment can significantly reduce the benefits they afford.It must also be compatible with any other PPE you provide.
Sarah Martindale, HSE’s Workplace and Leisure Team

Further information on providing PPE is available in A short guide to the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdf or the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended) Guidance on Regulations Second Edition www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l25.pdf

Other Regulations
The PPE at Work Regulations do not apply where the following regulations require the provision and use of PPE against specific hazards: Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002, Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999, Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended), Noise at Work Regulations 1989 , Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989