Personal protective equipment (PPE) is anything which may be used by a person at work to
protect against risks to health and safety.
This course will explain your obligations as a user of PPE under the Personal Protective
Equipment at Work Regulations (1992).
Legislation Overview
The PPE at Work Regulations are based on a European Union Directive requiring similar basic
laws throughout the European Union on the use of PPE in the workplace. Infringement is a
criminal offence.
The PPE at Work Regulations extend to users of PPE at the place of
work. Workers on oil rigs are included but not the crews of ships.
Trainees, people on work experience, other temporary workers and the self-employed are
also included.
Some PPE falls outside the scope of the PPE at Work Regulations,
usually because it is covered comprehensively by other legislation.
Ear protectors and most respiratory protective equipment are examples of PPE covered
elsewhere.
Where there are existing but not comprehensive regulations requiring the use of PPE, the
PPE at Work Regulations will apply and complement the requirements of the existing regulations.
Employers' Duties
Your employer is required to identify and assess the risks to health and safety present in
the workplace.
PPE must only be provided as a last resort. PPE protects only the person wearing it,
whereas measures controlling the risk at source can protect everyone in the workplace.
No charge can be made to any worker for PPE used at work.
Proper accommodation must be provided for PPE. Serviceable PPE must not be stored with that
awaiting repair. PPE must not be stored with ordinary clothing.
PPE must be inspected, cleaned and if necessary repaired before re-issue.
Your employer must provide comprehensible training and information to enable employees
to make effective use of the PPE provided.
Employees' Obligations
Items of PPE which are worn together must be compatible. Make sure your PPE fits properly.
Use PPE issued to you correctly. Follow manufacturers instructions or your PPE training.
Always take care of any PPE provided. Examine it before use and report any defects
immediately. Don't mark it with paint.
Report the loss of your PPE immediately and make sure you know to whom you should report
loss or defects.
Return PPE to proper accommodation after use and keep separate from home clothes,
ordinary work clothes and unserviceable PPE.
Training Requirements
Employers must provide suitable information, instruction and training for their employees.
Users must be trained in the proper use of PPE, how to correctly fit and wear it and
what its limitations are.
Training should include elements of theory as well as practice in using the equipment.
Any training should be carried out in accordance with the recommendations and
instructions supplied by the PPE manufacturer.
Refresher training is important, particularly after time off work.
General Points
This module contains important reminders, under the following headings: