PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has some limitations - it does not eliminate a hazard at source. If the PPE fails and the failure is not detected the risk increases greatly. Where used, equipment must be appropriately selected and its use and condition monitored. One of the definitions of ‘suitable’ be appropriate for the risk(s) involved and the conditions at the place where exposure may arise, meeting the appropriate rules for products, and must be carry the mark ‘CE’, European standardisation of conformity.

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, as amended, give emphasis to the use of PPE only as a last resort, but lay down certain requirements concerning suitability, compatibility, information, instruction, training, use and storage, where the provision of PPE is identified as a ‘control measure’ by the risk assessment carried out under regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

(Regulation 2) - PPE means all equipment and clothing which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which affords protection against one or more risks to health or safety. This includes clothing designed to protect against adverse weather conditions. Protective clothing includes, for example: aprons, gloves, safety footwear, safety helmets and high visibility jackets. Protective equipment includes, for example: eye protectors, safety harnesses, respirators and life jackets.

The PPE wearer - points to consider include:

• TRAINING - users (and supervisors) must know why the PPE is necessary, any limitations it has, the correct use, how to achieve a good fit and the necessary maintenance and storage for the equipment;
  
• FIT - a good fit for the individual wearer is required to ensure full protection: some PPE is available only in a limited range of sizes and designs;
  
• ACCEPTABILITY - how long will the PPE have to be worn by individuals? Giving some choice of the equipment to the wearer without compromising on protection standards will improve the chances of its correct use;
  
• WEARING PATTERN - are there any adverse health and safety consequences which need to be anticipated? (Is there any need for frequent removal of PPE which may be dictated by the nature of the work may affect the choice of design or type of PPE);

Section 9 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states:

“No employer shall levy or permit to be levied on any employee of his any charge in respect of anything done or provided in pursuance of any specific requirements of the relevant statutory provisions”.

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