A Guide to…

Personal Protective

Equipment (PPE)

Definition

“all equipment which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects him against one or more risks to his health and safety”

What is PPE?

Regulations

Employers have basic duties concerning the provision and use of PPE equipment at work.

This guide explains what you need to do to meet the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended).

Types of PPE

PPE includes…

• Safety Helmets

• Eye Protection

• Gloves

• Hi-Vis Clothing

• Safety Footwear

• Safety Harnesses

• Hearing Protection

Regulations

Hearing protection and respiratory protective equipment for most work situations are not covered by these regulations because other regulations apply.

Regulation Requirements

Regulations require that PPE:

Is assessed before use to ensure it’s suitable

Is maintained and stored properly

Is provided with instructions on how to use it safely

Is used correctly by employees

Assessing the Hazards

To choose the right PPE, carefully consider the different hazards in the workplace and assess which types of PPE are suitable to protect against the hazard

Assessing Suitable PPE

Consider the following when selecting PPE…

Is it appropriate for the risk involved and the conditions?

Does it prevent or control the risks involved?

Can it be adjusted to fit the wearer properly?

What are the needs of the job and the demands it places on the wearer?

If more than 1 item of PPE is required, are they compatible?

Eye Protection

Hazards:# Chemical Splash

# Metal Splash

# Dust

# Projectiles

# Gas & Vapour

# Radiation

Options:Safety Spectacles

Goggles

Faceshields

Visors

Head Protection

Hazards:# Impact from falling or flying objects

# Risk of bumping head

# Hair Entanglement

# Gas & Vapour

# Radiation

Options: Hard Hats

Hard Caps

Bump Caps

Protecting the Body

Hazards:# Adverse weather

# Impact

# Penetration

# Contaminated dust

# Excessive wear

# Entanglement of own clothing

# Chemical/metal splash

# Extreme Temperatures

Options: Conventional overalls

Disposable overalls

Boiler suits

Specialist clothing (e.g. chainmail aprons, hi-vis clothing)

Hand & Arm Protection

Hazards:# Abrasion

# Cuts & punctures

# Impact

# Chemicals

# Electric shock

# Skin infection

# Disease

# Contamination

Options: Gloves

Gauntlets

Mitts

Wristcuffs

Armlets

Foot & Leg Protection

Hazards:# Wet

# Slipping

# Cuts and punctures

# Falling objects

# Metal splash

# Chemical splash

# Abrasion

# Electrostatic build-up

Options: Safety boots and shoes

Protective toe caps

Penetration resistant mid-sole

Gaiters

Leggings

Spats

Hearing Protection

Hazards:# Intrusive noise

# Noisy power tools

# Noisy machinery

# Noise from impact (e.g. hammering)

# Explosive sources (such as cartridge-operated tools)

Options: Ear plugs

Ear muffs

Semi inserts/caps

Breathing Protection

Hazards:# Dust

# Vapour

# Gas

# Oxygen deficient atmospheres

Options: Disposable filtering respirators

Half or full face respirators

Air-fed helmets

Breathing apparatus

Can I be charged for PPE?

No!An employer cannot ask for money from an employee for PPE, whether it is returnable or not.

Training

PPE users should be aware of:

• Its limitations

• Why PPE is needed

• When it should be used

• When it should be repaired or replaced

Training

Managers or supervisors should:

• Train and instruct people how to use it properly

• Check regularly that PPE is being used

• Investigate if PPE is not being used correctly

• Position safety signs as a useful reminder

Maintenance

Make sure equipment is:

Well looked after and properly stored after use

Kept clean and in good repair

Always readily available

CE Marking

Ensure any PPE you buy is ‘CE’ Marked and complies with the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002

Other Regulations

• The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002

• The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999

• The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002

• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended)

• The Noise at Work Regulations 1989

• The Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989

Key Points to Remember

Check that…

• PPE is provided

• It offers adequate protection for its intended use

• Those using it are trained in its safe use

• It is returned to its proper storage after use

• It is properly maintained and defects are reported

Questions

1. Give 5 examples of PPE equipment

5. Give 3 examples of PPE that will protect the eyes from hazards.

3. What mark should all PPE carry to ensure it complies with regulations?

4. To select the correct PPE what do you need to consider and assess?

2. Which 2 types of equipment are not covered by the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992?

Further Information

This presentation contains notes on good practice which are not compulsory but which you may find

helpful in considering what you need to do.

Source: HSE