• PPE only protects the person wearing it and not everyone else in the workplace.
• PPE may restrict the worker to some extent by limiting visibility or mobility.

Assessment of PPE

Employers who need to provide PPE are required to carry out an assessment in order to determine which PPE is correct for the risks involved and for the circumstances in which it is used.

The PPE assessment follows on from the risk assessment requirement of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 i.e. the requirement for PPE will be identified through the risk assessment completed in accordance with the Management Regulations and the type of PPE will be identified by the PPE Regulations assessment.

Selecting suitable PPE

The risks present in the workplace and the parts of the body endangered are the two main areas to consider.  All equipment must be ‘CE’ marked and specific information provided by the manufacturer/supplier may be necessary to be sure that the selected item of PPE will be suitable for its intended use.

It is important also to consider the nature of the job and the demands it places on the employee when selecting PPE.  For example:

• The physical effort required to do the job.
• How long the PPE needs to be worn.
• The methods of working.
• The requirements for mobility, visibility and communication.

Those employees having to use PPE should be consulted and involved in the process of selecting items of PPE as there is a good chance of it then being used effectively.

Maintaining PPE

An effective system of maintenance should be introduced, to include:

• Cleaning.
• Disinfection.
• Examination.
• Replacement.
• Repair.
• Testing.

Where necessary, records of tests and examinations should also be kept and maintenance schedules and instructions laid down by the manufacturer should normally be followed.

Storing PPE

Once provided, provision will have to be made to enable the safe storage of PPE.  The provision must be sufficient to protect the PPE from contamination, damage by harmful substances,
damp or sunlight.

Informing, instructing and training  

Employers are required to provide suitable information, instruction and training for their employees, to enable them to make effective use of the PPE provided to them.

Training should include:

• How to properly use the PPE.
• How to correctly fit and wear the PPE.
• The limitations of the PPE.
• How to check and clean the PPE.

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