Health and Safety Policy Arrangements – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential in safeguarding employees from workplace hazards that cannot be completely eliminated through other control measures. PPE includes items such as helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, and respiratory protective equipment. Under the UK’s Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, employers are required to provide suitable PPE to their employees when risks to health and safety cannot be adequately controlled by other means. It’s vital that PPE is properly assessed for suitability, maintained in good condition, and employees are trained in its correct use and limitations. Effective use of PPE not only reduces the risk of injuries and illnesses but also demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.

Take a look at the information below for things you might want to include in your own H&S policy…

Feel free to copy / paste this list, and you can find out more about our full H&S policy here.

The [Proprietor / Directors] of [My Company] will ensure that;

  1. PPE will only be used as a last resort in circumstances where exposure to hazards cannot be reduced by other reasonable means, or to supplement existing control measures.
  2. PPE is provided to all employees if deemed necessary by risk assessment or current legislation
  3. Any Personal Protective Equipment selected and supplied as a last resort control measure will be assessed as to ensure its suitability to; the person, the task, the environment, combinations of PPE, etc.
  4. Specific assessments will be carried out for young persons, persons with disabilities and new or expectant mothers, 
  5. PPE will be supplied free of charge to all relevant personnel 
  6. Information, instruction and training will be given to all employees on the safe use, fitting, storage and maintenance of PPE supplied
  7. All employees are aware of their duties regarding PPE;
  8. Must be used when instructed
  9. Must be maintained in a serviceable condition
  10. Must be properly stored when not in use
  11. Report any defects found
  12. Report any loss of PPE
  13. The issue and use of PPE will be monitored and reviewed as part of the company’s overall health and safety policy

Our minimum health and safety performance standards will be obtained from; but not restricted to;

  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
  • HSE’s L25 – Personal Protective Equipment at Work
  • INDG 174 – A short guide to the PPE regulations

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Written By Ian