What personal protective equipment do I need to provide to my employees?

The types of personal protective equipment (PPE) required will depend on the different hazards present in the workplace. Use the findings of your risk assessment to help you determine this.

You do need to give consideration to the following:-

• Is the PPE appropriate for the risks that are present?
• Is the PPE appropriate for the conditions it is to be used in?
• Will the PPE help to prevent or control the risk without increasing the overall level of risk?
• Can the PPE be adjusted to fit the wearer correctly?
• Does wearing PPE place demands on the wearer eg physical effort required to wear for long periods of time?
• If more than one item of PPE is required, are they compatible?

Why, When, How

It is important that all users of PPE know why they need to wear it, when they need to wear it and how they need to wear it. Train and instruct staff on how to use PPE properly and ensure they follow this. Make sure suitable replacement PPE is always readily available.

It is good practice for employers to keep a record of any PPE they issue to their employees. Employers CANNOT ask for money from their employee for PPE

'A short guide to the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations' (142KB) gives more information.