Employers are legally obligated to provide and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect workers from health and safety risks.
What is PPE?
PPE is any equipment used to reduce risk and protect workers from injury. It includes items like:
Safety helmets
Gloves
Eye protection
High-visibility clothing
Safety boots
Safety harnesses
Respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
Real Example: Why PPE Matters
A commercial gardener used a petrol strimmer when he hit a hidden object. The object flew into his eye and caused permanent vision loss. He wasn’t wearing protective goggles, which the manufacturer had recommended.
How this could have been prevented:
Train workers on PPE use
Always wear goggles when using strimmers or similar tools
Why PPE is Important
Even when safety systems and equipment are in place, some risks remain. PPE helps prevent:
Lung damage from breathing in harmful air
Head or foot injuries from falling objects
Eye injuries from flying debris or splashes
Skin irritation from dangerous chemicals
Burns or frostbite from extreme temperatures
Employer Responsibilities
Use PPE only after other safety measures are in place
Provide PPE for free
Select the right equipment and train staff on proper use
Keep PPE in good condition and store it correctly
Choosing and Using PPE: What to Consider
Who is exposed, and to what risks?
How long and how often is the exposure?
What is the intensity of exposure?
Tips:
Use CE-marked PPE
Make sure it fits properly
If wearing multiple items, ensure they’re compatible
Train staff on when and how to use PPE correctly
Maintenance & Monitoring
Store PPE in a dry, clean area
Use correct replacement parts
Assign responsibility for maintenance
Check that employees are using PPE correctly
Update equipment as work methods change
Types of PPE
Eyes: Protect against splashes, dust, and projectiles. Use safety goggles or face shields.
Head & Neck: Helmets and bump caps protect from impact or chemical exposure.
Ears: Use earplugs or earmuffs to guard against loud noise.
Hands and arms: Gloves protect against cuts, chemicals, and heat, but avoid wearing them near rotating machinery.
Feet & Legs: Safety boots protect from heavy objects, sharp items, and chemical spills.
Lungs: Use RPE for dusty or oxygen-poor environments. It must fit properly, and the correct filter must be used.
Whole Body: Overalls or suits protect against heat, chemicals, or impacts. Consider high-visibility or flame-retardant options.
Emergency Gear: Ensure escape equipment, such as breathing masks or harnesses, is available and staff are trained to use it.
Legal Requirements
The primary laws that apply are:
Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002
PPE at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended)
Other rules apply for specific risks like asbestos, noise, or radiation.
Mary Watson
