Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations: What Employers Must Do
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (amended in 2022 to extend duties to limb (b) workers such as some agency and casual staff) require employers to provide suitable PPE free of charge wherever a risk to health and safety hasn't been adequately controlled by other means. PPE sits at the bottom of the hierarchy of control — the regulations expect employers to have already considered eliminating, substituting or engineering out the risk before relying on PPE, but where residual risk remains, suitable PPE (correctly selected, fitted, maintained and used) becomes a legal requirement, not an optional extra.
What it requires
- PPE must be provided free of charge wherever risks aren't adequately controlled by other means (Regulation 4)
- PPE must be suitable for the risk, the work involved and the wearer, including correct fit (Regulation 4)
- Where more than one item of PPE is worn, they must be compatible with each other (Regulation 5)
- Employers must assess the risk and confirm the PPE selected actually addresses it before issuing it (Regulation 6)
- PPE must be properly maintained, stored and, where necessary, replaced (Regulation 7)
- Employees must receive adequate information, instruction and training in the use of PPE provided (Regulation 9)
Who it applies to
The regulations apply to all employers across all sectors, and since the 2022 amendment, extend the same duties to certain limb (b) workers (such as some casual and agency staff who aren't full employees but work under the employer's control). Construction, quarrying, forestry and plant operation sites all rely heavily on PPE for residual risks like head impact, foot injury, noise and eye/face hazards from cutting or grinding.
Duties touching plant training & competence
- Employees must be trained in why the PPE is needed, how to fit and adjust it correctly, and its limitations
- Training should cover inspection for damage or wear before each use, and when to report PPE for replacement
- Operators using specific plant (e.g. chainsaw operators needing cut-resistant PPE, or MEWP operators needing appropriate fall protection) need PPE training specific to that equipment's risks
- Refresher instruction is good practice when PPE type changes or after any incident revealing a gap in understanding
What inspectors & client auditors look for
- Whether PPE issued actually matches the assessed risk, rather than a generic standard kit regardless of task
- Whether PPE is being worn correctly and is in good condition, not damaged or improvised
- Whether employees can explain why they're wearing specific PPE and its limitations, evidencing real training rather than a signature on a form
- Whether PPE has been provided free of charge, including to agency and casual workers where duties apply
Courses that map to PPE Regs
FAQs
Can an employer charge staff for PPE?
No — PPE required to control a risk must be provided free of charge; charging for it, or for replacements of damaged PPE, is not permitted under the regulations.
Do the 2022 changes affect who's covered?
Yes — the 2022 amendment extended employer duties to cover certain 'limb (b)' workers, broadening protection beyond employees in the strict sense to some casual and agency staff working under the employer's control.
Is PPE the first control an employer should consider?
No — PPE sits at the bottom of the hierarchy of control; employers should first try to eliminate, substitute, or engineer out the risk (e.g. guarding, ventilation) before relying on PPE for what remains.
What training is required alongside issuing PPE?
Employees need adequate instruction in correct use, fitting, limitations, and maintenance or inspection of the PPE provided — simply handing out equipment without this training doesn't satisfy the regulations.
This page provides general guidance for site managers and duty holders and does not constitute legal advice. Always refer to the current legislation, associated Approved Codes of Practice and HSE guidance, or seek professional legal advice for your specific circumstances.
Need training that maps to PPE Regs?
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