Appropriate Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) helps protect people from workplace hazards when those risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. It includes items such as safety helmets, eye protection, gloves, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and respiratory protective equipment.

PPE is important, but it is not a substitute for making work safer. Choosing and using it appropriately means identifying the hazards, selecting suitable equipment, ensuring it fits, and keeping it in good condition.

What counts as appropriate PPE?

PPE is appropriate when it is suitable for the specific task and hazards, fits the wearer, provides the required level of protection and can be used safely in the working conditions. It should also be compatible with any other PPE worn at the same time.

For example, safety glasses should not be selected solely because they are available. The type of eye protection needed depends on the risk, such as flying particles, chemical splashes or harmful radiation. Similarly, gloves must be appropriate to the substance or task: a glove that protects against one chemical may offer little protection against another.

Start with a risk assessment

Before choosing PPE, assess the work and identify who might be harmed and how. Consider the hazards, the level and duration of exposure, the people doing the work, and whether conditions could change during the task.

PPE is generally considered after other control measures. Where reasonably practicable, risks should first be eliminated or reduced—for example, by changing a process, using safer equipment, enclosing a hazard or improving ventilation. PPE may then be needed to manage any remaining risk.

Choose the right equipment

Selection should be based on the risk assessment and relevant product information. Check that the PPE:

• provides protection against the hazards identified;
• is suitable for the job, the working environment and the wearer;
• does not create additional risks or make the task unsafe;
• can be worn alongside other required PPE; and
• meets the relevant UK requirements for the product and its intended use.

Workers should be involved in the selection process where possible. Comfort, fit and ease of use matter: equipment that is uncomfortable or difficult to work in may not be worn correctly or consistently.

Make sure PPE fits and is used correctly

Provide clear instructions on how to put on, adjust, wear and remove each item. PPE only offers its intended protection when it is used properly and for the task it was chosen for. It should be worn for the full period of exposure, not just when a hazard is immediately visible.

Some equipment requires additional checks. For example, tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE), such as certain disposable masks or reusable respirators, needs to form an effective seal against the face. A face-fit test should be carried out for the specific make, model, type and size of tight-fitting RPE. Facial hair can prevent a proper seal. Users should also be trained in checking the equipment before use.

When several items are worn together, check that they do not interfere with one another. Safety glasses should fit with a helmet, for example, and ear defenders should not be displaced by other equipment.

Maintain, clean and store PPE

Inspect PPE before use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, maintenance, replacement and storage. Replace damaged, worn or contaminated items promptly. Reusable equipment should be cleaned and stored in a suitable place so that it remains effective and is not exposed to damage or contamination.

Do not modify PPE or continue using it if its condition is uncertain. Report defects, loss or poor fit to a supervisor or the person responsible for health and safety.

Training and responsibilities

Employers should assess workplace risks, provide suitable PPE where required and explain how to use and look after it. Under the UK’s Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations, employers must provide suitable PPE free of charge to workers who need it, including relevant limb (b) workers. Employers should also ensure that PPE is maintained and replaced when necessary.

Workers should use PPE in line with their training and instructions, take reasonable care of it and report any problems. PPE requirements can differ between tasks and workplaces, so follow the site’s risk assessment and procedures rather than relying on a general rule.

Key points to remember

• Use PPE to control risks that cannot be adequately managed by other measures.
• Choose it for the specific hazard and task, not simply because it is available.
• Check fit, condition and compatibility with other equipment.
• Wear it as instructed, and clean, store and replace it correctly.
• Ask for guidance if the equipment is unsuitable, damaged or difficult to use.

Appropriate PPE is one part of a safe workplace. Effective protection depends on good risk assessment, suitable equipment, proper training and consistent use.

 

Essential Tips for Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment

1. Wear PPE suited to the task and its risks.
2. Check PPE for damage before each use.
3. Make sure PPE fits properly and is comfortable.
4. Use PPE as instructed; don’t modify it.
5. Clean, store or replace PPE as directed.

Wear PPE suited to the task and its risks.

Wear PPE that is suited to the task and the risks involved. Different jobs call for different protection, so choose equipment that is designed for the specific hazard, such as eye protection for flying particles or gloves compatible with the chemicals being handled. Check that it fits properly, works with any other PPE you need to wear and does not make the task less safe.

Check PPE for damage before each use.

Check your PPE for damage before each use. Look for cracks, tears, worn straps, loose fittings or signs of contamination, and make sure it still fits and works as intended. Do not use damaged or faulty equipment, as it may not provide adequate protection. Report the problem and arrange a suitable replacement before starting the task.

Make sure PPE fits properly and is comfortable.

Make sure your PPE fits properly and feels comfortable, as poorly fitting equipment may not provide the protection you need and can be difficult to wear throughout a task. Check that it stays securely in place, allows you to move and work safely, and does not interfere with other protective equipment. If it feels uncomfortable, damaged or unsuitable, speak to your supervisor before using it.

Use PPE as instructed; don’t modify it.

Use PPE exactly as instructed by the manufacturer and your employer, making sure it is fitted, worn and maintained correctly. Never cut, alter or remove parts, or combine items in a way that could reduce their protection. If your PPE is damaged, uncomfortable or unsuitable for the task, stop and ask your supervisor for a replacement or advice.

Clean, store or replace PPE as directed.

Clean, store and replace PPE in line with the manufacturer’s instructions and your workplace procedures. Proper care helps keep equipment effective and hygienic, while suitable storage protects it from damage or contamination. Check PPE regularly and replace any item that is worn, damaged or no longer provides adequate protection.