PPE/Specific/TBT-PPE-029

PPE Selection and Use

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PPE Selection and Use

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-PPE-029  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: April 2026
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What?

  • Personal Protective Equipment is the last line of defence after all other control measures have been applied.
  • The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 require employers to provide suitable PPE free of charge.
  • Minimum site PPE on most UK construction sites includes hard hat, safety boots, hi-vis vest, and safety glasses.
  • Task-specific PPE such as hearing protection, RPE, gloves, or face shields must be identified in the risk assessment.
  • All PPE must carry the CE or UKCA mark confirming it meets the relevant British or European standard.
  • PPE only works when it fits correctly, is worn properly, and is maintained in good condition at all times.
  • Workers have a legal duty to wear the PPE provided and to report any defects or damage immediately.
  • PPE must be compatible — for example, a hard hat must not prevent hearing defenders from sealing properly.
  • Hard hats have a limited lifespan and must be replaced after any impact or as per manufacturer guidance.
  • Employers must provide training on how to use, fit, store, and maintain every item of PPE issued.

Why?

Last line of defencePPE does not remove the hazard — it reduces the consequence if all other controls fail, so correct selection is critical.
Legal dutyEmployers must provide suitable PPE and workers must wear it — both sides face prosecution for non-compliance.
Correct fit mattersIll-fitting PPE gives a false sense of security — loose gloves or unfit RPE provide reduced or zero protection.
Prevent serious injuryHead injuries, hearing loss, eye damage, and foot crush injuries are all preventable with correctly selected PPE.
Do Don't
  • Wear the minimum site PPE at all times when outside the welfare facilities.
  • Check your PPE before each use for damage, wear, cracks, and expiry dates.
  • Select task-specific PPE based on the risk assessment and method statement.
  • Ensure your RPE has been face-fit tested and the certificate is current.
  • Store PPE in a clean, dry place away from sunlight and chemical contamination.
  • Replace any PPE that is damaged, degraded, or has been subjected to impact.
  • Report PPE shortages to your supervisor before starting the task.
  • Fit your hard hat chin strap when working at height or in windy conditions.
  • Attend PPE training and understand the protection level each item provides.
  • Use compatible PPE combinations that do not interfere with each other.
  • DON'T treat PPE as a substitute for eliminating or reducing the hazard at source.
  • DON'T modify, paint, drill holes in, or attach unauthorised stickers to helmets.
  • DON'T share RPE with other workers — face-fit testing is individual to each person.
  • DON'T wear trainers or any footwear without protective toecaps on site.
  • DON'T leave your hard hat on the dashboard — UV sunlight degrades the shell.
  • DON'T continue using scratched safety glasses that reduce your vision clarity.
  • DON'T wear loose clothing, jewellery, or lanyards near rotating machinery.
  • DON'T assume one type of glove protects against all hazards on site.
  • DON'T skip task-specific PPE because the job will only take a few minutes.
  • DON'T remove hearing protection in noisy areas — damage is cumulative and permanent.

See also: RPE Selection and Face Fit Testing | Glove Selection for Construction Hazards
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