The provision of PPE is covered by the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations, which were amended April 2022. The types of duties and responsibilities on employers and employees under PPER 1992 now extend to limb (b) workers.
Respiratory protective equipment includes breathing apparatus
What is PPE?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are the clothes and equipment worn to protect the wearer against hazards. PPE will be used to prevent or adequately control the risk or risks involved without increasing the overall risk. Employees have a responsibility to train and instruct people how to use PPE properly. PPE should meet EU requirements and standards which confirm it meets specified safety and various test criteria.
PPE Rules
The item must:
Be suitable to protect against the risk and fit properly.
Give adequate protection.
Be compatible with other equipment worn.
Carry a CE mark.
Be cleaned and maintained regularly and be replaced if worn or broken. This includes changing filters, eye shields etc, as necessary.
Be thoroughly cleaned or washed, before removal if contaminated to avoid accidental contact by the user.
Be correctly stored in a well ventilated and clean area.
Be worn. Employers may take disciplinary action against employees who will not wear PPE.
Safety signs are displayed in the appropriate areas as a useful reminder that PPE should be worn.
Types of Personal Protective Equipment
Head - helmets
Face - visors and face shields
Eye - goggles and glasses
Ear - plugs, muffs and helmets
Hand - gloves
Respiratory system - respiratory protective equipment
Body - clothing
Foot - safety boots and gaiters
PPE identification in Risk Assessments
The use of PPE as a control measure should form part of a risk assessment and various standards cover the sustainability of PPE for use in the workplace. Those carrying out risk assessments should consider that PPE is one of the last measures in the hierarchy of controls, and as such other potential controls should be used to mitigate the risk where possible. PPE does not change the hazard in any way, it only offers protection for the wearer. If the Risk Assessment states that PPE is required, then simply list the product name in the Risk Assessment.
HFR Solutions Risk Assessments
Our teams can identify and evaluate any potential risks in your workplace and will provide a bespoke risk assessment; all of which are appropriate recommendations to mitigate risks. This will include: Fire Risk Assessments, Confined Space Risk Assessments and Working at Height Risk Assessments. We will identify which tasks require PPE from the risk assessment which will specify the suitable and appropriate PPE to be used.
We can supply a range of high-quality equipment for: fire safety, medical and first aid, PPE and rescue equipment. Your workers will have confidence that they are utilising high-quality products suitable for the tasks they undertake. Join the mailing list to be the first to know when we publish our news articles.