The PPE at Work Regulations 1992 are a cornerstone of workplace safety in the UK. These regulations ensure that employees have access to appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard their health and safety.
Over the years, amendments and complementary legislation have highlighted the ongoing commitment to adapting health and safety laws to meet modern needs.
In this guide we explain everything you need to know about the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 and an employer’s and employee’s responsibilities.
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 summary
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 require employers to provide suitable PPE to employees and limb workers (we discuss limb workers further down) who may be exposed to risks that cannot be adequately controlled by other means.
Key aspects of the regulations include:
- Ensuring PPE is appropriate for the risks involved and the working environment.
- Providing PPE free of charge.
- Conducting risk assessments to determine the type of PPE required.
- Training employees and limb workers on the correct use, maintenance, and storage of PPE.
For more information, please see ‘What are an employer’s responsibilities under the PPE at Work Regulations?’ below.
This legislation applies to all employers in the UK, regardless of industry, and is instrumental in preventing workplace injuries and illnesses.
What are the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2002?
The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 were revoked on 21 April 2018 with the introduction of the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018.
The PPE regulations 2018 govern the design, manufacture, and supply of PPE in the UK. They replaced the PPE Regulations 2002 to align with the EU Regulation 2016/425 on PPE and later adapted for the UK following Brexit.
These regulations aim to ensure that all PPE sold meets essential safety and conformity requirements. Manufacturers, importers, and distributors must comply with these regulations.
Key provisions of the 2018 regulations are:
- Introduces the CE marking (or UKCA marking post-Brexit) to indicate conformity with safety standards.
- Sets responsibilities for economic operators in the PPE supply chain.
- Enforces standards through market surveillance and penalties for non-compliance.
The Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 complement the PPE at Work Regulations 1992 by ensuring the quality of equipment employers provide to workers.
Why were the PPE Regulations 1992 amended in 2022?
In 2022, a key amendment was made to the PPE at Work Regulations 1992, reflecting the evolving nature of the workforce.
The change broadened the scope of employer responsibilities to include limb (b) workers (those who work under a personal service contract but are not classified as employees). This adjustment ensures that individuals such as freelancers, contractors, and gig economy workers receive the same PPE protections as employees.
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations have several key implications for employers and employees. Under the regulations, employers must:
- Assess risks for all workers, including limb (b) workers.
- Provide appropriate PPE to these individuals free of charge.
- Ensure that limb (b) workers receive the same training and guidance on PPE use, maintenance, and limitations as employees.
Individuals working under personal service contracts are entitled to the same level of health and safety protections as employees, which is particularly relevant for high-risk industries, such as construction, healthcare, and logistics, where limb (b) workers are often hired.
What are an employer’s responsibilities under the PPE at Work Regulations?
The PPE at Work Regulations 1992 set out clear duties for employers to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their workforce. Here is a breakdown of an employer’s key responsibilities:
Conduct a risk assessment
Employers must identify workplace hazards that cannot be mitigated through other means, such as avoiding the work altogether, implementing engineering controls or safe working procedures.
PPE is the last step in the hierarchy of controls which means it is the last line of defence to protect employees from risks like chemical exposure, falls, or flying debris.
A detailed risk assessment ensures that the PPE provided is specifically suited to the nature of the risks and the working environment.
Select appropriate PPE
Employers must ensure that all PPE selected for use complies with current safety standards, as detailed in the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018, which replaced the 2002 Regulations. The chosen PPE must:
- Be suitable for the specific risks identified.
- Fit the individual worker properly to ensure maximum protection and comfort.
- Be compatible with other PPE if multiple items are required (for example, safety goggles and respiratory masks).
Employers should also consider environmental factors, such as temperature or visibility, when selecting equipment.
Provide training and awareness
Providing employees with PPE is not enough. Employers must also ensure that workers are trained to use it correctly. This includes:
- Demonstrating how to wear and adjust PPE for a proper fit.
- Explaining the limitations of the equipment and the importance of using it consistently.
- Offering guidance on cleaning, storing, and maintaining PPE to prolong its lifespan and effectiveness.
Effective PPE training reduces the risk of misuse and ensures workers understand the critical role PPE plays in their safety.
Ensuring PPE is in good condition
Employers have an ongoing responsibility to ensure that PPE remains in good working condition. This means:
- Regularly inspecting PPE for signs of wear and tear or damage.
- Repairing or replacing equipment that is no longer effective or safe to use.
- Ensuring that workers have access to replacement PPE whenever necessary.
Proper maintenance not only protects employees but also helps employers avoid penalties for non-compliance.
Protecting limb workers
Since the 2022 amendment to the PPE at Work Regulations 1992, employers must also provide PPE to limb (b) workers, including contractors, freelancers, and gig economy workers (see, ‘What are the personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002?’ above).
What are an employee’s legal responsibilities?
Employees have legal responsibilities regarding the use and care of PPE. This ensures they actively contribute to maintaining their own safety and that of others in the workplace.
Since the 2022 amendment to the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, limb workers are also obliged to follow the legal responsibilities discussed below.
Employees who fail to fulfil their legal responsibilities for PPE are likely to be subject to disciplinary action from their employer and may even face legal penalties under health and safety laws.
Proper use of PPE
Under the PPE at Work Regulations 1992, employees must use PPE in accordance with the training and instructions provided by their employer. This includes:
- Wearing PPE consistently and correctly whenever it is required.
- Using PPE only for its intended purpose (for example, wearing safety goggles for eye protection rather than as a headband). Failure to use PPE properly can not only compromise the employee’s safety but also put others at risk.
Taking reasonable care of PPE
Employees are required to take reasonable care of any PPE provided to them, as specified in the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. This means they must:
- Avoid wilful damage to equipment.
- Keep PPE clean and in good condition.
- Report any defects, damage, or loss of PPE to their employer promptly.
Proper care ensures that PPE remains effective and compliant with safety standards.
Reporting problems with PPE
Employees have a duty to notify their employer if:
- PPE is damaged, defective, or no longer fits properly.
- Additional risks or discomfort arise from the use of PPE. Employers cannot address these issues unless they are informed, making this responsibility critical to maintaining safety standards.
Cooperating with employers
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employees must cooperate with their employer’s efforts to comply with health and safety regulations.
Employees must:
- Participate in PPE training sessions.
- Adhere to workplace safety policies regarding PPE usage.
- Assist with maintaining a safe environment by following the instructions provided.
Praxis42 PPE Training
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The PPE at Work Regulations 1992 are critical to workplace safety in the UK. Developed by experienced health and safety consultants, our PPE Training ensures employees understand their responsibilities and know how to use and maintain PPE equipment.
PPE Training supports your organisation to comply with legislation by reducing the risk of accidents in high-risk environments.
To find out more, please visit the PPE Training page on our website, or contact our friendly team to discover how we can tailor training to your organisation: 0203 011 4242/ info@praxis42.com
Adam Clarke
Managing Director (Consulting)
