Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) FAQs

PPE in the workplace refers to personal protective equipment worn to reduce the risk of injury or ill health when hazards cannot be eliminated or fully controlled. This can include items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, respiratory protective equipment and safety footwear.

The purpose of PPE in the workplace is to protect employees from health and safety risks where hazards cannot be eliminated or adequately controlled by other means.

PPE helps reduce the likelihood and severity of injury or ill health, supports compliance with UK health and safety legislation, and forms a last line of defence within the hierarchy of controls.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a control measure and last resort in reducing risk. It I provided where a risk assessment shows it is required. Examples of PPE include safety helmets, dust masks, gloves, safety goggles and safety footwear.

Our PPE Training raises awareness of how personal protective measures help to control hazards, the types of PPE available and how to use it effectively.

Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, it is a legal requirement for employers to provide suitable PPE to employees where a risk assessment shows it is required.

In the UK, employers must pay for PPE in the workplace where it is required to protect employees’ health and safety.

Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, employers cannot charge workers for essential PPE and must provide, maintain and replace it as needed, along with training on its correct use.

Yes, PPE is a legal requirement in the UK where risks to health and safety cannot be adequately controlled by other means.

Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, employers must provide suitable PPE, ensure it is properly used and maintained, and give employees appropriate training and instruction.

For more information, please read our article, How do the PPE at Work Regulations 1992 protect workplace safety?

The PPE regulations were last amended in April 2022, when the Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022 came into force. The amendment extended employers’ duties to include providing PPE to limb (workers), not just employees.

With the exception of a religious or medical reason, all employers should use PPE safely and properly. If a worker refuses to wear their PPE it should be investigated and it can be considered a disciplinary matter.

Employers are responsible for specifying and providing PPE to contend with the particular hazard. Consultation and involving employees in the selection process is a good way of ensuring use and compliance is achieved.

Employers are legally required to provide equipment that is fit for purpose, maintained and provides the right level of protection. If this is not the case, employees have the right to raise the matter with the employer and raise a grievance.

Yes – the Employment Act 1989 exempts turban-wearing Sikhs from the legal requirement to wear a safety helmet at work, including construction sites.

Yes – there is blue mandatory signage saying which PPE is required and the warning signs.

PPE should be used when workplace risks cannot be eliminated or fully controlled. It is required for:

1. Residual risks after applying other controls.
2. Legal compliance, e.g., for chemicals, noise, or dust.
3. Temporary safety gaps during work changes.
4. Specific hazards like falling objects or extreme temperatures.

Employers must assess risks, provide suitable PPE free of charge, ensure it fits properly, and train employees on its use. PPE is a last resort, complementing other safety measures.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes a wide range of gear designed to protect workers from workplace hazards:

1. Head protection: Hard hats, bump caps.
2. Eye and face protection: Safety goggles, face shields.
3. Hearing protection: Earplugs, earmuffs.
4. Respiratory protection: Masks, respirators.
5. Hand protection: Gloves for chemical, thermal, or mechanical risks.
6. Body protection: High-visibility clothing, aprons, overalls.
7. Foot protection: Safety boots, anti-slip or puncture-resistant footwear.
8. Fall protection: Harnesses, lanyards.

The correct order for putting on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) depends on the workplace setting and the type of PPE, but a general sequence recommended by safety guidelines is:

1. Hand hygiene: Wash or sanitise hands thoroughly.
2. Gown or body protection: Put on overalls, aprons, or gowns, ensuring full coverage.
3. Mask or respirator: Secure the mask or respirator, ensuring a proper fit.
4. Eye protection: Wear goggles or a face shield over the mask.
5. Gloves: Put gloves on last, ensuring they cover the cuffs of the gown or clothing.

Following the correct doffing sequence for PPE minimises the risk of contamination:

1. Gloves – remove first, as they are usually the most contaminated.
2. Apron or gown – remove carefully, avoiding contact with the outer surface.
3. Eye protection (goggles or face shield) – remove by the arms or strap.
4. Mask or respirator – remove last, handling only the straps.

Hands should be washed or sanitised immediately after removing PPE.

Employers should provide task-specific guidance, as the exact sequence may vary depending on the type of PPE and the workplace risk assessment.

Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, employers must ensure PPE is properly maintained, cleaned, repaired and replaced as needed.

PPE should be stored in a clean, dry place, such as a locker or protective case, to prevent damage or contamination. It should be kept accessible and protected from sunlight, moisture and hazardous substances.

Employees should check PPE before each use for signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, tears or worn components. Any defective or damaged equipment must be reported immediately and not used.

Yes, you can wear more than one item of PPE at the same time, provided they are compatible and do not interfere with one another.

For example, safety goggles must not prevent a hard hat from fitting properly, and a respirator must still form an effective seal if worn with ear defenders. If one item affects the fit, function or effectiveness of another, it may reduce your level of protection.

Employers should ensure that selected PPE works together safely and fits the wearer correctly.

PPE requirements are shown using mandatory safety signs under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.

Mandatory PPE signs are circular, with a blue background and white symbol. They indicate an action that must be carried out, such as wearing safety helmets, eye protection or hearing protection.

These signs are usually displayed at entrances to hazardous areas, on machinery, or in locations where a risk assessment has identified the need for specific protective equipment.

Workplace safety signs follow standard colour and shape conventions under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.

• Blue circle (mandatory sign): An action must be carried out. This is the sign used to indicate required PPE, such as helmets or eye protection.
• Yellow triangle (warning sign): Warns of a hazard or potential danger. PPE may be required in response to the risk identified.
• Red circle with diagonal line (prohibition sign): Indicates something must not be done.
• Green rectangle or square (safe condition sign): Shows safe routes or emergency facilities, such as exits or first aid.

These colours and shapes are designed to be instantly recognisable and clearly communicate safety requirements.