FAQs > Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guide

Employers have basic duties concerning the provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at work and this document, explains what you need to do to meet the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended).

Under the 1992 Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations employers have a basic requirement to provide the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

What is PPE?

PPE is defined in the Regulations as ‘all equipment (including clothing affording protection against the weather) which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects him against one or more risks to his health or safety’, e.g. safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses.

Hearing protection and respiratory protective equipment provided for most work situations are not covered by these Regulations because other regulations apply to them. However, these items need to be compatible with any other PPE provided. Cycle helmets or crash helmets worn by employees on the roads are not covered by the Regulations. Motorcycle helmets are legally required for motorcyclists under road traffic legislation.

To view the read the full PDF guide for employers as laid out by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) Click Here.