PPE Requirements

Personal Protective Equipment must be selected, issued, used and maintained properly to provide effective protection. PPE is the last line of defence and should only be relied upon after suitable controls have been considered through risk assessment, planning and safe systems of work.

All PPE requirements must be identified before work starts. The required standard of PPE should be clearly set out within the relevant risk assessment, method statement, permit, task briefing or site rules. This includes ensuring that everyone understands what must be worn, when it must be worn, and why it is required. PPE must be suitable for the task, the environment and the individual using it.

Good practice is essential when using PPE. It must be worn correctly, adjusted properly and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. PPE should not be modified, misused or worn in a way that reduces its effectiveness. Workers should check that PPE fits correctly, remains comfortable enough to wear for the duration of the task, and does not introduce additional risks.

Task-specific PPE must be selected where general site PPE does not provide sufficient protection. 

Certain activities may require additional controls such as cut-resistant gloves, eye or face protection, hearing protection, chemical-resistant clothing, fall protection equipment, arc-flash protection or specialist footwear. The level and type of PPE must match the hazards identified and should be reviewed if the task, location, substance, equipment or working method changes.

Where Respiratory Protective Equipment is required, it must be suitable for the hazard and the level of exposure. RPE must be selected based on the substance, concentration, duration of exposure and working conditions. Tight-fitting RPE must only be used by individuals who have completed a suitable face-fit test and are clean shaven where required to maintain an effective seal. Users must be trained in how to fit, check, use, remove, clean and store RPE correctly.

Records and training must be maintained to demonstrate that PPE has been properly issued, understood and used. Employees should receive appropriate information, instruction and training on the limitations, correct use, storage, inspection and maintenance of PPE. Where required, records should include issue logs, training records, face-fit test certificates, inspection records and any task-specific briefings.

PPE must be inspected, maintained and replaced when necessary. It should be checked before use for damage, wear, contamination, expiry dates or defects that could reduce protection. Defective or unsuitable PPE must be removed from use immediately and replaced. Reusable PPE should be cleaned and stored correctly to prevent deterioration, contamination or loss of performance.

Used properly, PPE supports safe working by reducing exposure to residual risks. However, it must never be treated as a substitute for good planning, effective supervision, safe systems of work and robust risk control.