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These Regulations set out sound principles for selecting, providing, maintaining and using personal protective equipment (PPE). They do not replace specific legislation dealing with PPE (for example the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health or Noise at Work Regulations) and they do not apply where specific Regulations cover PPE provision. However, they may apply in conjunction with the specific Regulations with regard to PPE provision for activities not covered by the specific Regulations.

PPE is defined 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 and safety". (Regulation 2). This includes most types of protective clothing, and equipment such as eye, foot and head protection, safety harnesses, life jackets and high visibility clothing. There are some exceptions, for example, ordinary working clothes and uniforms (including clothing provided only for food hygiene), PPE for road transport (for example, crash helmets) and sports equipment.

PPE should be relied upon only as a last resort. But where risks are not adequately controlled by other means, employers have a duty to ensure that suitable PPE is provided, free of charge , for employees exposed to these risks.

The Regulations require that "suitable" PPE, is both suitable for the user and for the risks it protects against. PPE will only be suitable if it is appropriate for the risks and the working conditions; takes account of worker's needs and fits properly; gives adequate protection; and is compatible with any other item of PPE required to be worn.

Employers have duties to:

* Provide suitable PPE to employees who may be exposed

to risks to their health and safety at work, except where

those risks have been effectively controlled. (Regulation 4).

Suitability should take into account:

o Appropriateness for the risks and working conditions.

o Ergonomic requirements and the user’s state of health.

o Capability of fitting the wearer.

o Effectiveness in preventing or controlling the risks.

o That it does not increase the overall risk.

o That it complies with any enactment which applies to a

designer or manufacturer.

* Ensure the compatibility of PPE and its continued effectiveness

when more than one item of PPE has to be worn or used

simultaneously. (Regulation 5).

* Assess the suitability of the PPE to be provided. (Regulation 6).

* Maintain, clean and replace PPE to ensure that it is in an efficient

state, in efficient working order and in good repair. (Regulation 7).

* Provide accommodation for PPE when it is not being used. (Regulation 8).

* Provide training, information and instruction to employees on the risks,

the use of PPE and action needed by the employee to ensure the PPE remains effective. Such information must be comprehensible to the

persons to whom it is provided. (Regulation 9).

* Ensure that any PPE provided is properly used. (Regulation 10).

The Regulations also place duties upon employees with regard to:

* Using any PPE provided in accordance with the instruction

and training received. (Regulation 10).

* Reporting any loss or obvious defect to the employer. (Regulation 11).

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