A Guide to…
Personal
Protective
Equipment (PPE)
Definition
What is PPE?
“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”
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…
• Hi-Vis Clothing
• Safety Footwear
• Safety Harnesses
• Eye Protection
• Gloves
• Safety Helmets
• 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: Options:
# Chemical Splash ✓Safety Spectacles
# Metal Splash ✓Goggles
# Dust ✓Faceshields
# Projectiles ✓Visors
# Gas & Vapour
# Radiation
Head Protection
Hazards: Options:
# Impact from falling ✓ Hard Hats
or flying objects
✓ Hard Caps
# Risk of bumping
head ✓ Bump Caps
# Hair Entanglement
# Gas & Vapour
# Radiation
Protecting the Body
Hazards: Options:
# Adverse weather ✓ Conventional
# Impact overalls
# Penetration ✓ Disposable
overalls
# Contaminated dust
✓Boiler suits
# Excessive wear
✓ Specialist
# Entanglement of own clothing (e.g. chainmail
clothing aprons, hi-vis clothing)
# Chemical/metal splash
# Extreme Temperatures
Hand & Arm Protection
Hazards: Options:
# Abrasion ✓ Gloves
# Cuts & punctures ✓ Gauntlets
# Impact ✓ Mitts
# Chemicals ✓ Wristcuffs
# Electric shock ✓ Armlets
# Skin infection
# Disease
# Contamination
Foot & Leg Protection
Hazards: Options:
# Wet ✓ Safety boots and
# Slipping shoes
# Cuts and punctures ✓ Protective toe caps
# Falling objects ✓ Penetration
resistant mid-sole
# Metal splash
✓ Gaiters
# Chemical splash
✓ Leggings
# Abrasion
✓ Spats
# Electrostatic build-up
Hearing Protection
Hazards: Options:
# Intrusive noise ✓ Ear plugs
# Noisy power tools ✓ Ear muffs
# Noisy machinery ✓ Semi inserts/caps
# Noise from impact
(e.g. hammering)
# Explosive sources
(such as cartridge-
operated tools)
Breathing Protection
Hazards: Options:
# Dust ✓ Disposable
# Vapour filtering respirators
# Gas ✓ Half or full face
respirators
# Oxygen deficient
atmospheres ✓ Air-fed helmets
✓ Breathing
apparatus
Can I be charged for PPE?
An employer cannot ask for money from an employee
for PPE, whether it is returnable or not.
Training
PPE users should be aware of:
• Why PPE is needed
• When it should be used
• When it should be repaired or replaced
• Its limitations
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 properly maintained and defects are reported
• It is returned to its proper storage after use
PPE Supplies
Seton can supply everything
you need to comply with PPE
regulations…
Call FREE on:
0800 585501
Go online to:
www.seton.co.uk
Questions
1. Give 5 examples of PPE equipment
2. Which 2 types of equipment are not
covered by the Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations
1992?
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?
5. Give 3 examples of PPE that will protect
the eyes from hazards.
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
