All personal protective equipment used on UK construction sites must carry the CE or UKCA marking to confirm it meets the essential health and safety requirements. Since leaving the EU, the UK has introduced the UKCA mark alongside CE marking during a transition period. PPE without valid marking may not provide adequate protection and is illegal to supply for workplace use. This talk explains what the markings mean and how to check your PPE is compliant.
Key Hazards
Workers injured by non-compliant PPE that fails to provide the expected protection
Prosecution for supplying or using PPE that does not carry valid certification marking
Confusion between CE and UKCA marking requirements during the transition period
Counterfeit PPE entering the supply chain with fraudulent certification marks
Control Measures
Check that all PPE carries either a valid CE mark or a UKCA mark before issuing to workers.
Verify the certification by checking the notified body number on the CE or UKCA marking.
Purchase PPE only from reputable suppliers who can provide declaration of conformity documentation.
Keep copies of the declaration of conformity and test certificates for all PPE types on site.
Replace any PPE that does not carry valid marking or where the marking has become illegible.
Stay informed about the UKCA transition timeline and update procurement procedures accordingly.
Brief operatives on how to identify valid CE and UKCA marks on their personal equipment.
Report any PPE that appears counterfeit or fails to perform as expected to the site manager.
Remember
All PPE must carry a valid CE or UKCA mark before it can be issued or used on site
Check the notified body number on the marking to verify genuine certification
Purchase PPE only from reputable suppliers who provide declaration of conformity documents
Replace PPE where the marking has become illegible or the certification cannot be confirmed
Report any suspected counterfeit PPE to the site manager immediately for investigation
Applicable Legislation: Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 · PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 · Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment) Regulations 2022 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974