PPE Needed: A Practical Guide to Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) helps protect people from health and safety risks that cannot be adequately controlled in other ways. The PPE needed will depend on the task, the working environment and the hazards identified. There is no single set of equipment that is suitable for every job.

How to decide what PPE is needed

Start with a risk assessment. Employers should first consider whether a hazard can be removed or reduced through safer equipment, work methods or other controls. PPE is generally used when a risk remains after these measures have been considered.

The assessment should identify the hazard, the part of the body at risk and the level of protection required. PPE must be suitable for the person wearing it and compatible with any other equipment they need to use. For example, safety glasses should fit properly with a respirator and not prevent it from sealing.

Common types of PPE

• Head protection: Safety helmets may be needed where there is a risk of falling objects or head impact.
• Eye and face protection: Safety glasses, goggles or face shields can help protect against flying particles, chemical splashes, dust or intense light.
• Hearing protection: Earplugs or earmuffs may be required in noisy environments. They should be selected according to the noise risk and must not prevent essential communication.
• Respiratory protective equipment: Masks or respirators may be needed where workers could breathe in harmful dust, fumes, vapours or biological agents. The type must match the hazard, and some respirators require face-fit testing.
• Hand protection: Gloves should be chosen for the specific risk, such as cuts, heat, cold or chemicals. No glove protects against every hazard, and the wrong type may increase risk.
• Protective clothing: Coveralls, aprons or specialist garments can help protect against contamination, chemicals, heat or other workplace hazards.
• Foot protection: Safety footwear may be needed to protect against impact, punctures, slips, wet conditions or other hazards.
• Fall protection: A suitable harness and associated equipment may be required for certain work at height, alongside appropriate planning and other fall-prevention measures.
• High-visibility clothing: This can help workers be seen by vehicle operators or others, particularly in low light or around moving traffic and machinery.

Employer and employee responsibilities

In the UK, employers must assess workplace risks and provide suitable PPE where it is required to protect employees. Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, as amended, PPE supplied to employees must generally be provided free of charge. Employers should also explain how to use it, ensure it is maintained and replaced when necessary, and check that it remains suitable.

Employees should use PPE in line with their training and workplace instructions, report defects or loss, and look after the equipment. PPE should not be altered or shared where doing so could make it unsafe or unhygienic.

Check, maintain and replace PPE

Before use, check PPE for damage, wear, contamination and correct fit. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, storage and inspection. Replace equipment that is damaged, out of date or no longer provides the protection required. Reusable items should be stored properly so they remain clean and ready for use.

Choose PPE for the task

The right PPE depends on the specific hazards—not simply the job title. A construction worker, cleaner, laboratory technician and warehouse operative may each need different protection, even when they work in similar surroundings. If the risks or the correct equipment are unclear, seek advice from a competent health and safety professional and consult the relevant product instructions and workplace procedures.

 

Essential Information on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Your Top 7 Questions Answered

1. What does PPE stand for?
2. What PPE is needed for my job?
3. How do I know which type of PPE is suitable for a particular hazard?
4. Do employers have to provide PPE free of charge in the UK?
5. When should PPE be worn at work?
6. How often should PPE be checked, cleaned or replaced?
7. What should I do if my PPE is damaged or does not fit properly?

What does PPE stand for?

PPE stands for personal protective equipment. It means clothing or equipment worn to help protect someone from health and safety risks at work, such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, safety footwear and respirators. The type of PPE needed depends on the hazards involved and should be chosen following a suitable risk assessment.

What PPE is needed for my job?

The PPE needed for your job depends on the hazards you may encounter, so there is no single set of equipment that suits everyone. Your employer should assess the risks and provide suitable PPE where needed, such as safety footwear, gloves, eye protection, a hard hat, hearing protection or a respirator. Always use equipment as instructed, check that it fits and is in good condition, and ask your manager or health and safety representative if you are unsure what is required.

How do I know which type of PPE is suitable for a particular hazard?

To identify suitable PPE for a particular hazard, start with a risk assessment that considers the type of hazard, how exposure could occur and which parts of the body need protection. Choose equipment designed for that specific risk—for example, chemical-resistant gloves for a particular substance, rather than general-purpose gloves—and check that it fits properly and works with any other PPE being worn. PPE should be selected after considering whether the hazard can be eliminated or reduced through other safety measures. If you are unsure, consult your employer, a competent health and safety professional or the manufacturer’s guidance.

Do employers have to provide PPE free of charge in the UK?

Yes. In the UK, employers must provide suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) free of charge when it is needed to protect employees from workplace risks. They must also ensure it fits properly, is maintained and replaced when necessary, and that employees know how to use it safely. PPE should be provided only after risks have been assessed and, where possible, reduced through other control measures.

When should PPE be worn at work?

PPE should be worn at work whenever a risk assessment identifies that it is needed to protect against hazards that cannot be adequately controlled by other measures. This may include tasks involving falling objects, harmful substances, excessive noise, airborne dust or moving vehicles. Employers should explain when and how to use the equipment, and workers should wear it as instructed, check it before use and report any damage or defects.

How often should PPE be checked, cleaned or replaced?

PPE should be checked before each use for damage, wear, contamination and correct fit, with more detailed inspections carried out as often as the risk assessment and manufacturer’s instructions require. Clean reusable equipment after use, following the manufacturer’s guidance, and store it in a clean, dry place. Replace PPE straight away if it is damaged, no longer fits properly, has been contaminated or has reached its stated expiry date; never use equipment that may not provide adequate protection.

What should I do if my PPE is damaged or does not fit properly?

If your PPE is damaged, worn or does not fit properly, stop using it and tell your supervisor or employer as soon as possible. Do not try to repair or adjust it unless you have been authorised and trained to do so. Ask for suitable replacement equipment before continuing work that requires protection, and follow your workplace’s reporting and inspection procedures.