ADVICE & OPINION
COMPLIANCE
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
(PPE) IN THE WORKPLACE
In the hierarchy of risk control, PPE is considered to rank lowest
and represents the option of last resort. PPE is only appropriate
where the hazard in question cannot be totally removed or
adequately controlled by other means (for example by isolating
the hazard or reducing the risk at source to an acceptable level). www.barbour-ehs.com
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is:
‘all equipment (including clothing a ording
protection against the weather) which is
intended to be worn or held by a person at work
and which protects the user against one or more
risks to their health or safety.’
Examples include:
Safety helmets
Gloves
Safety boots or other footwear
Eye protection and face shields
High-visibility clothing
Warm and weatherproof clothing
Safety harnesses or fall arrest systems
Hearing protection
Respiratory protective equipment.
When choosing PPE make sure it:
Is appropriate for the risks and the working
environment. For example, eye protection for
the avoidance of splashing with agricultural
pesticides may not o er adequate face
protection when using an angle grinder to cut
steel.
Takes into account the needs of the job and
the demands it places on the wearer; such
as the length of time it needs to be worn, the
physical e ort required to do the job and the
requirements for visibility and communication.
Adequately controls the risk presented by
the hazard without increasing overall risk
experienced by the worker. (eg. Ear-defenders
that reduce the level of noise impacting on the
worker may make it di icult to hear audible
alarms.)
Takes into account the user’s health, ergonomics,
physical and other factors.
Can be adjusted to fit the wearer correctly.
12 FEBRUARY 2020
Is compatible when more than one item of PPE is
being worn. For example, does a particular type
of respirator make it di icult for eye protection to
be fitted properly?
Recommendations for employers:
Assess the risks to employee’s health and safety
arising from the work activities.
Organise work activities so that PPE is not
necessary, eg introduce engineering controls to
remove hazards.
Where PPE is necessary (because all risks can’t be
controlled), select appropriate items that suit the
wearer and are made to the required standard.
Supply employees with the necessary PPE free
of charge.
Train employees to use PPE, and explain any
limitations of the equipment.
Ensure compatibility if more than one item of
PPE is worn.
Ensure that PPE is maintained and inspected.
Replace defective or lost PPE.
In addition:
Investigate when PPE is not being used and take
appropriate action.
Ensure safety signs are displayed to users to
wear PPE.
In association with
Training on the use of PPE must include:
The circumstances in which PPE is required and
how to use it e ectively.
Awareness of why PPE is needed, when it is to be
used, repaired or replaced and its limitations.
The dangers of working without PPE.
The procedure for replacing PPE.
LEGAL DUTIES
Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work
Regulations 1992: ‘Every employer shall ensure
that suitable personal protective equipment is
provided to his employees who may be exposed to
a risk to their health or safety while at work except
where and to the extent that such risk has been
adequately controlled by other means which are
equally or more e ective’.
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
(HSWA) places a general duty of care on employers
for ensuring the safety of their employees and
others and requires that no charge may be made for
providing PPE (section 9).
CASE LAW
The costs of not providing the correct PPE can far
outweigh the costs of buying it.
A farmer was prosecuted for failing to provide
adequate training in the safe use of All Terrain
Vehicles (ATVs) following an accident to an
employee. The investigation revealed that the
employee had not received any training in the safe
operation of ATVs and at the time of the accident
was not wearing a safety helmet, although one was
available. It also appeared that other employees
had operated the ATV without training and without
using the PPE provided. A fine of £350 together with
£1,006 costs resulted.
Large civil liability claims for injuries arising from
a failure to provide appropriate PPE can also be
brought against the employer.
/www.barbour-ehs.com
