How should employers choose, provide and maintain PPE?

PPE needs to suit the hazard and the person

A product can look protective and still be unsuitable for a particular task. Fit, exposure, movement and compatibility with other equipment affect whether it can perform as intended.

HSE places PPE after higher-order controls. Removing the hazard, changing the process or separating people may provide stronger protection. Necessary PPE can still form part of the combined controls for remaining risks.

1. Define the protection needed before choosing a product

HSE’s selection guidance starts with who is exposed, what they encounter, how much and for how long. Explain the task to the supplier and obtain specialist advice where the selection needs it.

A supplier’s product description or conformity marking is not, by itself, the workplace assessment. Do not modify PPE simply to make a poor fit appear acceptable.

2. Provide it and explain the method

HSE says selected PPE must be provided to workers free of charge. Explain why it is needed, when to use it, how to put it on and remove it appropriately, and how to recognise a defect. Check understanding through the relevant demonstration rather than relying only on a signed issue sheet.

For Northern Ireland, HSENI’s worker and employer guidance explains local responsibilities, including provision and proper use. Use the applicable NI rules rather than assuming every GB regulation or product-marking arrangement is identical.

Worked example: gloves for a changing cleaning task

Hypothetical example. A workplace changes a cleaning product but continues issuing the same gloves because they are labelled “heavy duty”. The supervisor checks the task, exposure and manufacturer/supplier information before assuming that the gloves are suitable for the new conditions.

The review also considers fit, removal, disposal or cleaning and how workers report a problem. The example does not identify one glove material as suitable for every chemical or cleaning job.

3. Keep protection effective during use

HSE’s maintenance guidance covers care, suitable storage, cleaning, replacement parts and clear responsibility. Follow the manufacturer’s requirements and distinguish simple user checks from specialist maintenance.

• Provide a practical way to obtain a suitable replacement.
• Tell workers how to report loss, damage or an obvious defect.
• Check that reusable equipment remains clean and serviceable.
• Review whether equipment is actually worn and why use may be difficult.
• Reassess provision after changes in the task, material or method.

Common PPE mistakes

• Issuing one size to everyone. Check individual fit and the activity.
• Combining items without checking compatibility. One item may interfere with another.
• Keeping damaged equipment in circulation. Define replacement and safe arrangements.
• Treating PPE as the whole control system. Continue to address the source of exposure.
• Using a short task as an exception. Follow the assessed precautions rather than duration alone.

Next steps

1. Review the hazard and higher-order controls.
2. Choose suitable equipment with the worker and relevant supplier advice.
3. Provide instruction, checks and replacement arrangements.
4. Monitor performance and reassess after changes.

Use HSE’s PPE selection guidance — Check the exposure, fit, compatibility and instruction questions before choosing equipment.