Correct Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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

PPE is only effective when it is suitable for the task, fits properly and is used and maintained correctly. It should not be treated as a substitute for safer equipment, effective work procedures or other measures that remove or reduce the hazard.

Start with the risk assessment

Before selecting PPE, assess the hazards and consider how they can be eliminated or controlled at source. For example, guarding machinery or improving ventilation may provide more reliable protection than relying on PPE alone. PPE is generally used when a risk remains after other reasonably practicable controls have been considered.

The assessment should identify the type and level of protection needed, who requires it and whether different items need to be worn together. A glove, for example, must be suitable for the substance or task involved; a glove that protects against one hazard may not protect against another.

Choose suitable PPE

PPE should be appropriate to the hazard, the wearer and the working conditions. When choosing it, consider:

• the specific hazard and the level of protection required
• whether it fits the wearer and can be adjusted correctly
• comfort, including the effects of heat, movement and length of use
• compatibility with other PPE, such as safety glasses worn with a respirator
• whether it is suitable for the environment, task and any substances involved
• the manufacturer’s instructions, limitations and recommended service life

Where PPE needs to fit an individual, a generic or poorly fitting item may not provide adequate protection. Respirators, in particular, need to be selected for the hazard and wearer. Tight-fitting respirators require a suitable face-fit test, and facial hair can prevent an effective seal. Seek competent advice if there is any doubt about selection.

Use PPE correctly

Wear PPE for the tasks and areas specified by your employer, and follow the instructions provided. Check that it is the correct item, is in good condition and has been adjusted properly before use. Do not modify it or use it for a purpose for which it was not designed.

Put PPE on and take it off in the sequence recommended for the task. This is especially important where clothing or equipment may be contaminated. Avoid touching contaminated surfaces when removing PPE, and follow workplace arrangements for disposal, cleaning or storage. Wash your hands where required.

Use all required items together. If PPE interferes with another item—for example, if a helmet affects the fit of hearing protection—stop and report the problem. The combination may need to be reassessed.

Inspect, clean and store it

Check PPE before use and, where appropriate, during the task. Look for damage, wear, contamination or signs that it may no longer provide the required protection. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance and workplace procedures for cleaning, maintenance and inspection.

Store PPE in a clean, dry place where it will not be damaged or contaminated. Keep it separate from personal clothing or equipment when necessary. Do not use damaged PPE, and report defects promptly so that it can be repaired or replaced. Some items, such as filters or disposable PPE, need to be replaced according to specified limits rather than reused indefinitely.

Training and responsibilities

Employers should assess risks, provide suitable PPE where needed and ensure that workers know how to use it. This includes providing appropriate information, instruction and training, as well as arrangements for maintenance and replacement. In Great Britain, the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, as amended, set out relevant duties; employers should check the requirements that apply to their workplace.

Workers should use PPE in line with their training and instructions, look after it and report loss, damage or problems with fit. If PPE is unavailable, unsuitable or prevents the task from being carried out safely, raise the issue with a supervisor rather than carrying on unprotected.

Make PPE part of a wider safety system

Correct PPE use is an important part of workplace safety, but it works best alongside effective risk control, clear procedures and regular training. Review PPE choices when tasks, equipment or hazards change, and encourage workers to report concerns. The right equipment—properly fitted, used and maintained—can help reduce exposure, but it cannot make an unsafe task safe on its own.