PPE Awareness and Responsibilities

PPE is the last line of defence and must be used when hazards cannot be eliminated by other controls.
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 require employers to provide suitable PPE free of charge.
Minimum site PPE typically includes a hard hat, safety boots, hi-vis vest, and safety glasses.
Additional task-specific PPE such as gloves, hearing protection, and RPE must be worn when risk assessments require it.
PPE only works if it fits correctly, is in good condition, and is worn properly at all times.
Workers have a legal duty to wear PPE provided for their protection and to report defects.
All PPE must carry CE or UKCA marking to confirm it meets the required safety standards.
Hard hats have a limited lifespan and must be replaced after any significant impact or when damaged.
RPE such as dust masks must be face-fit tested to the individual wearer to provide proper protection.
Employers must provide training on how to use, store, and maintain all PPE issued for the task.

Last line of defence	PPE protects you when all other controls are in place but residual risks remain — it is your final barrier against injury.
Legal duty	Workers must wear PPE provided under the regulations; refusal can result in disciplinary action or site removal.
Prevent long-term harm	Hearing loss, lung disease, and eye injuries develop gradually — consistent PPE use prevents irreversible damage.

Do

Don't

Wear the minimum site PPE at all times when outside the welfare facilities.
Inspect your PPE before each use and replace anything that is damaged or worn.
Wear the correct task-specific PPE as identified in the risk assessment.
Ensure your RPE has been face-fit tested and fits your face properly.
Store PPE correctly in a clean, dry place away from sunlight and chemicals.
Replace hard hats after any significant impact, visible damage, or at the manufacturer's expiry date.
Check that all PPE carries valid CE or UKCA marking before using it.
Report lost, damaged, or ill-fitting PPE to your supervisor for replacement.
Clean reusable PPE regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Attend PPE training and follow the instructions for correct use of each item.

DON'T enter the work area without wearing the required minimum site PPE.
DON'T use damaged, cracked, or worn PPE — it will not protect you properly.
DON'T substitute incorrect PPE — use only what the risk assessment specifies.
DON'T wear RPE that has not been face-fit tested to your individual face shape.
DON'T leave PPE lying in dirt, rain, or direct sunlight when not in use.
DON'T continue wearing a hard hat after a significant impact — replace it immediately.
DON'T use PPE without CE or UKCA markings — it may not meet safety standards.
DON'T modify, alter, or customise any PPE — this can reduce its protection level.
DON'T share PPE that is designed for individual use such as RPE or ear plugs.
DON'T refuse to wear PPE — it is a legal requirement and a condition of site access.

See also: Hard Hat Types & Standards | RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment)

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