Personal protective equipment at work (Second edition) Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended)

Health and Safety Executive

Personal protective equipment

at work

(Second edition)

Personal

Protective

Equipment

at

Work

Health and Safety Executive

Personal protective equipment

at work

(Second edition)

Personal

Protective

Equipment

at

Work

Regulations

1992

(as

amended)

Guidance

on

Regulations

©Crowncopyright2005

Firstpublished1992 Secondedition2005

ISBN0717661393

Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybe

reproduced,storedinaretrievalsystem,ortransmitted

inanyformorbyanymeans(electronic,mechanical,

photocopying,recordingorotherwise)withouttheprior

writtenpermissionofthecopyrightowner.

Applicationsforreproductionshouldbemadeinwritingto:

LicensingDivision,HerMajesty’sStationeryOffice,

StClementsHouse,2­16Colegate,NorwichNR31BQ

Contents

PART1:GUIDANCEONTHEPERSONALPROTECTIVEEQUIPMENTAT

WORKREGULATIONS1992 2

Regulation1 Citationandcommencement 2 2

2 5

9 10

Regulation2 Interpretation

Regulation3 DisapplicationoftheseRegulations

Regulation4 Provisionofpersonalprotectiveequipment

Regulation5 Compatibilityofpersonalprotectiveequipment

Regulation6 Assessmentofpersonalprotectiveequipment

Regulation7

Regulation8 Accommodationforpersonalprotectiveequipment 12 13 15 15 16 16 17 18 18 21

Regulation9 Information,instructionandtraining

Regulation10 Useofpersonalprotectiveequipment

Regulation11 Reportinglossordefect

Regulation12 Exemptioncertificates

Regulation13 ExtensionoutsideGreatBritain

Regulation14 Modifications,repealandrevocations

Schedule1 RelevantCommunityDirectives

Schedule2 Modifications

Schedule3 Revocations

Maintenanceandreplacementofpersonalprotective

equipment 11

PART2:SELECTION,USEANDMAINTENANCEOFPERSONAL

PROTECTIVEEQUIPMENT 23

Introduction 23

Headprotection 24

Eyeandfaceprotection 26

Handandarmprotection 27

Protectiveclothing(includingthelegs) 29

High­visibilityclothing 31

33

Footprotection 32

Drowningprotection–Buoyancyaids,lifejacketsandimmersionsuits Personalfallprotection 34

Hearingprotection 36

Respiratoryprotectiveequipment 36

References 38

Furtherreading 39

Introduction

1January1993.TheyhavesubsequentlybeenamendedbythePolice(Healthand

Safety)Regulations1999(SI1999/860),theHealthandSafety(Miscellaneous

Amendments)Regulations2002(SI2002/2174)andtheIonisingRadiations

Regulations1999(SI1999/3232).Thisrevisedpublicationsetsoutchangesto

regulations3,4,6and9andprovidesnewguidanceonthese changes.Italso

reflectsthelatestdevelopmentsinmostpersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE).

Part1setsouttheRegulations,followedbyguidanceoneachregulation.Part2

includesmoredetailsonthetypesofPPEavailable,hazardsthatmayrequirePPE

tobeusedandadviceonselection,useandmaintenance.

2 TheRegulationsaremadeundertheHealthandSafetyatWorketcAct1974

(HSWAct)andapplytoallworkplacesinGreatBritain.

3 TheRegulationsarebasedonEuropeanCommunity (EC)Directive

89/656/EECrequiringsimilarbasiclawsthroughouttheCommunityontheuseof

PPEintheworkplace.

4 TherevisedguidanceontheRegulationshasbeenpreparedbytheHealth

andSafetyExecutive(HSE)onbehalfoftheHealthandSafetyCommission(HSC)

afterconsultationwithindustry.Itsetsoutthemainstepsrequiredtocomplywith

theRegulations.

Consulting employees and safety representatives

5 Whenimplementinghealthandsafetymeasures,whichincludestheselection

anduseofPPE,youmustconsult:

(a) safety representativesappointedbyrecognisedtradeunions;and

(b) wherethereareemployeeswhoarenotrepresentedbysuchrepresentatives,

thoseemployees,eitherdirectly,orindirectlythroughelectedrepresentatives.

6 SeethefreeHSEleafletINDG232Consultingemployeesonhealthand

1

safety:Aguidetothelaw.

7 ConsultationwiththosewhodotheworkandwearPPEiscrucialtomake

surethecorrectPPEischosenandthatitisusedandmaintainedproperly.Proper

consultationcanmakeasignificantcontributiontocreatingandmaintaininga

safeandhealthyworkingenvironmentandaneffectivehealthandsafetyculture.

Thiscanalsobenefitbusinessbyreducingthenumberofaccidentsandcasesof

1

2

PART

1

Regulation

1

Regulation

Regulation

2

Regulation

Regulation

3

Regulation

GUIDANCE

ON

THE

PERSONAL

PROTECTIVE

EQUIPMENT

AT

WORK

REGULATIONS

1992

Citation

and

commencement

TheseRegulationsmaybecitedasthePersonalProtectiveEquipmentatWork Regulations1992andshallcomeintoforce on1stJanuary1993.

Interpretation

(1) IntheseRegulations,unlessthecontextotherwiserequires,“personal protectiveequipment”meansallequipment(includingclothingaffording

protectionagainsttheweather)whichisintendedtobewornorheldbyaperson atworkandwhichprotectshimagainstoneormoreriskstohishealthorsafety, andanyadditionoraccessorydesignedtomeetthatobjective.

(2) AnyreferenceintheseRegulationsto–

(a) anumberedregulationorScheduleisareferencetotheregulationor ScheduleintheseRegulationssonumbered;and

(b) anumberedparagraphisareferencetotheparagraphsonumberedin theregulationinwhichthereferenceappears.

Disapplication

of

these

Regulations

(1) TheseRegulationsshallnotapplytoorinrelationtothemasteror crewofasea­goingshiportotheemployerofsuchpersonsinrespectofthe normalship­boardactivitiesofaship’screwunderthedirectionofthemaster.

(2) Regulations4to12shallnotapplyinrespectofpersonalprotective equipmentwhichis–

(a) ordinaryworkingclothesanduniformswhichdonotspecifically protectthehealthandsafetyofthewearer;

(b) anoffensiveweaponwithinthemeaningofsection1(4)ofthe PreventionofCrimeAct1953usedasself­defenceorasdeterrent equipment;

(c) portabledevicesfordetectingandsignallingrisksandnuisances;

(d) personalprotectiveequipmentusedforprotectionwhiletravellingona roadwithinthemeaning(inEnglandandWales)ofsection192(1)of theRoadTrafficAct1988,and(inScotland)ofsection151ofthe Roads(Scotland)Act1984;

(e) equipmentusedduringtheplayingofcompetitivesports.

(3) Regulations4and6to12shallnotapplywhereanyofthefollowing Regulationsapplyandinrespectofanyrisktoaperson’shealthorsafetyfor whichanyofthemrequiretheprovisionoruseofpersonalprotectiveequipment, namely–

3

Regulation

(b) [theIonisingRadiationsRegulations1999[SI1999/3232];(b)

(c) theControlofAsbestosatWorkRegulations1987;(c)

(d) theControlofSubstancesHazardoustoHealthRegulations1988;(d)

(e) theNoiseatWorkRegulations1989;

(f) theConstruction(HeadProtection)Regulations1989.

(a)NowreplacedbytheControlofLeadatWorkRegulations2002.

(b)Paragraph3(b)wordsinsquarebracketssubstitutedbySI1999/3232regulation41(1),Schedule9, paragraph3.

(c)NowreplacedbytheControlofAsbestosatWorkRegulations2002.

(d)NowreplacedbytheControlofSubstancesHazardoustoHealthRegulations2002(asamended).

3

Guidance

Clothing

8 TheRegulationsdonotapplytothefollowingtypesofclothing:

(a) uniformsprovidedfortheprimarypurposeofpresentingacorporateimage;

(b) ordinaryworkingclothes;and

(c) ‘protectiveclothing’providedinthefoodindustryprimarilyforfoodhygiene

purposes.

9 However,whereanyuniformorclothingprotectsagainstaspecificriskto

healthandsafety,forexamplehigh­visibilityclothingwornbytheemergency

services,itwillbesubjecttotheRegulations.Weatherprooforinsulatedclothingis

subjecttotheRegulationsifitisworntoprotectemployeesagainstriskstotheir

healthorsafety,butnototherwise.

Helmets

10 TheRegulationsdonotcovertheuseofPPEsuchascyclehelmetsorcrash

helmetswornbyemployeesontheroads.Motorcyclecrashhelmetsarelegally

requiredformotorcyclistsunderroadtrafficlegislation.TheRegulationsdoapply

totheuseofsuchequipmentatworkelsewhereifthereisarisktohealthand

safety,forexample,farmworkersridingmotorcyclesor‘all­terrain’vehicles

shouldusecrashhelmets.

Professional sports people

11 TheRegulationsdonotrequireprofessionalsportspeopletousePPEsuchas

shinguardsorheadprotectionduringcompetition.However,theydoapplyto

sportsequipmentusedinotherworkcircumstances,forexample,lifejacketsworn

byprofessionalcanoeinginstructors,ridinghelmetswornbystablestaff,or

3

Guidance

Risk of physical violence

12 TheRegulationsapplytotheprovisionofPPE(suchashelmetsorbody

armour)wherestaffareatriskfromphysicalviolence.Whereariskassessment

considerspersonalsirensoralarmsshouldbeprovidedthey wouldbecoveredby

theProvisionandUseofWorkEquipmentRegulations1998.

Radiation dosemeters

13 TheRegulationsdonotcoverpersonalgasdetectorsorradiationdosemeters.

AlthoughthisequipmentwouldcomewithinthebroaddefinitionofPPE,itis

excludedasmanyoftheRegulationswouldnotbeappropriatetoit(forexample,

thefittingandergonomicrequirementsofregulation4).However,employerswill

haveadutytoprovidesuchequipmentundersection2oftheHSWActifitsuse

isnecessarytoensurethehealthandsafetyofemployees.

Application to merchant shipping

14 Sea­goingshipsaresubjecttoseparatemerchantshippinglegislation,

administeredbytheDepartmentofTransport,whichgivesprotectiontopeopleon

board.Regulation3(1)disappliestheRegulationsinrespectofthenormalship­

boardactivitiesofaship’screwunderthedirectionofthemaster.Butitdoesnot

disapplytheminrespectofotherworkactivities,forexample,whereashore­

basedcontractorgoeson­boardshiptocarryoutworkonthatship.Thatperson’s

activitieswillbesubjecttotheRegulationswithinterritorialwatersasprovided

forbyregulation13.Regulation3(1)referstothecrewofsea­goingshipsonly.

TheRegulationswillapplytoPPEusedonshipsthatonlyoperateoninland

waters.

Application to aircraft

15 AircraftaresubjecttotheseRegulationswhileonthegroundandinairspace

overGreatBritain.

Application of other regulations

16 Thesetsofregulationslistedinregulation3(3)requiretheprovisionanduse

ofcertainPPEagainstparticularhazards,andthePPEatWorkRegulationswill

notapplywheretheseregulationsremaininforce.TheRegulationsdonotapply

tohearingprotectorsandmostrespiratoryprotectiveequipment(RPE).For

example,apersonworkingwithasbestoswould,wherenecessary,havetouse

RPEandprotectiveclothingundertheControlofAsbestosatWorkRegulations

2002,ratherthanthePPEatWorkRegulations.However,evenifthePPEatWork

Regulationsdonotapply,theadvicegiveninthisguidancemaystillbeuseful,as

thegeneralprinciplesofselectingandmaintainingsuitablePPEandtraining

employeesinitsusearecommontoallregulationswhichrefertoPPE.

17 Therearespecific PPErequirementssetoutinregulationsrelatingtooffshore

installations,minesanddocks.Employers(andotherswithdutiesunderthe

Regulations)willhavetocomplywithboththesespecificregulationsandthePPE

atWorkRegulations.

Application to non­employees

18 TheseRegulationsdonotapplytopeoplewhoarenotemployees,for

examplevoluntaryworkers,childrenwhileinschool,studentsatuniversityand

3

Guidance

ensure,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,thatpersonsnotinhisemployment

whomaybeaffectedtherebyarenotexposedtoriskstotheirhealthandsafety’,

willstillapply.IfanemployerneedstoprovidePPEtocomplywiththisduty,

then, byfollowingtherequirementsoftheseRegulationshe/shewillfullysatisfy

thisduty.TheseRegulationsdoapplytotraineesandstudentsonworkexperience

programmes.

Regulation

4

Provision

of

personal

protective

equipment

Regulation

personalprotectiveequipmentisprovidedtohisemployeeswhomaybeexposed toarisktotheirhealthorsafetywhileatworkexceptwhereandtotheextent thatsuchriskhasbeenadequatelycontrolledbyothermeanswhichareequallyor moreeffective.

(1A)Where thecharacteristicsofanypolicingactivity aresuchthat compliancebytherelevantofficerwiththerequirementinparagraph(1)would leadtoaninevitableconflictwiththeexerciseofpolicepowersorperformanceof policeduties,thatrequirementshallbecompliedwithsofarasisreasonably practicable.(b)

(2) Every self­employedpersonshallensurethatheisprovidedwith suitablepersonalprotectiveequipmentwherehemaybeexposedtoarisktohis healthorsafetywhileat workexceptwhereandtotheextentthatsuchriskhas beenadequatelycontrolledbyothermeanswhichareequallyormoreeffective.

(3) Withoutprejudicetothegeneralityofparagraphs(1)and(2),personal protectiveequipmentshallnotbesuitableunless–

(a) itisappropriatefortheriskorrisksinvolved,theconditionsatthe placewhereexposuretotheriskmayoccur,andtheperiodforwhichit isworn;(c)

(b) ittakesaccountofergonomicrequirementsandthestateofhealthof thepersonorpersonswhomay wearit,andofthecharacteristicsofthe workstationofeachsuchperson;(d)

(c) itiscapableoffittingthewearercorrectly,ifnecessary,after adjustmentswithintherangeforwhichitisdesigned;

(d) sofarasispracticable,itiseffectivetopreventoradequatelycontrol theriskorrisksinvolvedwithoutincreasingoverallrisk;

(e) itcomplieswithanyenactment(whetherinanActorinstrument)which implementsinGreatBritainanyprovisionondesignormanufacture withrespecttohealthorsafetyinanyrelevantCommunitydirective listedinSchedule1whichisapplicabletothatitemofpersonal protectiveequipment.

(a)Paragraph(1):words‘Subjecttoparagraph(1A),’insquarebracketsinsertedbySI1999/860, regulation4(1)(2).

(b)Paragraph(1A):insertedbySI1999/860,regulation4(1)(3).

(c)Paragraph3:sub­paragraph(a)substitutedbySI2002/2174regulation5(a). (d)Paragraph3:sub­paragraph(b)substitutedbySI2002/2174regulation5(a).

(4) Whereitisnecessarytoensurethatpersonalprotectiveequipmentis

Regulation

hygienicandotherwisefreeofrisktohealth,everyemployerandeveryself­ employedpersonshallensurethatpersonalprotectiveequipmentprovidedunder thisregulationisprovidedtoapersonforuseonlybyhim.(a)

4

4

Guidance

Providing personal protective equipment

19 UndertheseRegulations,PPEshouldberegardedasthelastresorttoprotect

againstriskstohealthandsafety.Engineeringcontrolsandsafesystemsofwork

shouldbeconsideredfirst.HSE’spublicationINDG163(rev1)Fivestepstorisk

assessment2_{setsouttheprinciplesforcontrollingrisks.Intakingactionask}

yourself:

(a) CanIgetridofthehazardaltogether?

(b) Ifnot,howcanIcontroltheriskssothatharmisunlikely?

20 Incontrollingrisksthefollowingprinciplesshouldbeapplied,ifpossiblein

thefollowingorder:

(a) Tryalessriskyoption,eguselower­voltagetools.

(b) Preventaccesstothehazard,egbyguarding.

(c) Organiseworktoreduceexposuretothehazard,egifthereisariskof

fallingobjects,ensurerestrictedentrytothatareaifpossible.

(d) Ifafteralltheabovethereisstillaresidualrisk,youwillneedtoprovide

PPE,eginareaswherefumesarepresent.

21 ThereareanumberofreasonsformakingPPEthelastresort.FirstlyPPE

protectsonlythepersonwearingit,whereasmeasurescontrollingtheriskat

sourcecanprotecteveryoneattheworkplace.Secondly,maximumlevelsof

protectionareseldomachievedwithPPEinpracticeandtheactuallevelof

protectionisdifficulttoassess.Effectiveprotectionisonlyachievedbysuitable

PPE,correctlyfittedandmaintainedandproperlyused.Finally,PPEmayrestrict

thewearertosomeextentbylimitingmovementorvisibility.

22 PPEisnotnecessarywherethelikelihoodofaworkerbeingmadeillor

injuredbyawork­basedhazardissolowastobeinsignificant.Forexample,in

mostworkplacestherewillbesomeriskofpeopledroppingobjectsontotheir

feet,butitisonlywhenthereismanualhandlingofobjectswhichareheavy

enoughtoinjurethefeetthattheriskwillbehighenoughtorequiretheprovision

ofsafetyfootwear.

23 WhenprovidingPPEfortheiremployees,employersneedtoensurethat

equipmentisreadilyavailable,andemployeeshaveclearinstructionsonwhere

theycanobtainit.MostPPEisprovidedonapersonalbasis,butmaybeshared

byemployees,forexamplewhereitisonlyrequiredforlimitedperiods.When

shared,employersneedtoensuresuchequipmentisproperlycleanedand,where

required,decontaminatedtoensuretherearenohealthriskstothenextperson

4

Guidance

thepoliceforce.TheywillhavetoprovidesuitablePPE(unlesstherearestrong

goodoperationalreasonsnotto)andcomplywiththeprovisionssetoutinthese

Regulations.

25 ThePPEusedshouldadequatelycontrolrisks.However,noPPEwillprovide

completeprotectionagainsttherisk(forexamplefirefighters’protectiveclothing

cangiveonlylimitedprotectionfromradiantheatandflames).

26 TheuseofPPEmustnotincreasetheoveralllevelofrisk,iePPEmustnotbe

worniftheriskcausedbywearingitisgreaterthantheriskagainstwhichitis

meanttoprotect.

Mobile/agency workers

27 Insomeindustries,particularlythosewheremobileandagencyworkersare

engaged underacontractofemployment(suchascontractmaintenanceworkers

orbuildingworkers)thesiteoperatormay bebetterplacedtoprovidethe

appropriatePPEthanthemobileworker’semployerortheagency.Althoughunder

these circumstancesthemobileworker’semployeroragencydoesnothaveto

repeattheprovisionofsuitablePPE,itisstilltheirresponsibilitytoensurethat

suitablePPEisprovided.Similarly,thesiteoperatormayinpracticetakethe

actionnecessarytomeettherequirementsoftheRegulations,butthemobile

worker’semployeroragencystillremainsresponsibleforensuringthatthishas

beendone.

Charging for providing PPE

28 Undersection9oftheHSWAct,nochargecanbemadetotheworkerfor

theprovisionofPPEwhichisusedonlyatwork.Section9oftheHSWActstates:

‘Noemployershalllevyorpermittobeleviedonanyemployeeofhisanycharge

inrespectofanythingdoneorprovidedinpursuanceofanyspecificrequirement

oftherelevantstatutoryprovisions’.Section9appliestotheseRegulations

becausetheyimposea‘specificrequirement’,ietoprovidePPE.Italsorelatesto

allchargesincludingreturnabledeposits.Anemployercannotaskformoneytobe

paidtothembyanemployeefortheprovisionofPPEwhetherreturnableor

otherwise.

29 IfemploymenthasbeenterminatedandtheemployeekeepsthePPEwithout

theemployer’spermission,thenprovidedithasbeenstipulatedinthecontractof

employment,theemployermaybeabletodeductthecostofreplacementfrom

anywagesowed.

30 Youcannotchargeagencyworkerswhoareyouremployees(orwhomaybe

legallyregardedasyouremployees)forPPE,oraskthemtopayarefundable

depositonPPEyouarelendingthem.YoucanchargeaworkerforPPEiftheyare

genuinelyself­employed.IfyouareahirerprovidingPPEtoaworkeremployed

byanemploymentbusinessyoucanmakeachargingarrangementwiththe

employmentbusiness,buttheemploymentbusinesscannotpassthechargeonto

theworkerorpermityoutochargetheworkerdirectly.

Suitability of PPE

31 Regulation4(3)(a)to(e)listsfactorswhichdeterminewhetherPPEis

suitable.WhenselectingPPEyoushouldconsiderandtakeaccountofthe

4

Guidance

thereisariskfromfallingobjects,considerprovidingsuitableindustrial

safetyhelmets.Otherfactorstoconsiderare,forexample,thephysicaleffort

neededtodothejob,howlongthePPEneedstobeworn,andthe

requirementsforvisibilityandcommunication.

(b) Theenvironment.Considerthesurroundingconditions,forexamplethe

weatherifworkingoutside,heating,noise,atmosphericconditionsetc.

(c) Theperson.ConsiderthehealthofthepersonwearingthePPEandits

ergonomiceffects.PPEmadeofcertainmaterialsshouldnotbeissuedto

workersiftheyareknowntocauseallergies,forexamplelatexgloves.Heavy

orbulkysuitscancauseormakeworseexistingmusculoskeletalproblems

andcausethermalcomfortproblems.TheaimshouldbetochoosePPE

whichwillgivemaximumprotectionwhileensuringminimumdiscomfortto

thewearer,asuncomfortableequipmentisunlikelytobewornproperly.

32 Thosewhodothejobareusuallybestplacedtoknowwhatisinvolved,and

theyshouldbeconsultedandinvolvedintheselectionandspecificationofthe

equipment–thereisabetter chanceofPPEbeingusedeffectivelyifitisaccepted

byeachwearer.

33 Therewillbeconsiderabledifferencesinthephysicaldimensionsofdifferent

workersandthereforemorethanonetypeorsizeofPPEmaybeneeded.The

requiredrangemaynotbeavailablefromasinglesupplier.

Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 and CE marking

34 EmployersshouldensurethatanyPPEtheybuybearsa‘CE’markand

complieswiththePersonalProtectiveEquipmentRegulations2002(SI2002/1144)

concerningthedesignormanufactureofPPEwithregardtohealthandsafety.

TheseRegulations,whichrevokedthePersonalProtectiveEquipment(EC

Directive)Regulations1992anditsamendments,implementthePersonal

ProtectiveEquipment(PPE)Directive89/686/EECwhichrequiresmanufacturers

toCEmarktheirproducts(whetherintendedforpeopleatworkorthewider

public)toshowcompliancewiththeDirective.Furtherinformationisavailableon

theDTIwebsite(http://www.dti.gov.uk/strd/cemark.html).

35 ProductsmaybegivenaCEmarkingunderanumberofDirectivesandPPE

couldhavebeencertifiedunderanotherDirectiveandCEmarkedaccordingly.

IfyouusePPEforprovidingprotectionagainsthealthandsafetyhazards,you

shouldseekconfirmationfromthesupplierthatthePPEcertifiedsatisfiesthe

requirementsofthePPEDirective.

36 PPEdesignedandmanufacturedspecificallyforusebythearmedforcesorin

themaintenanceoflawandorder(helmets,shieldsetc)andPPEintendedforthe

protectionorrescueofpeopleonvesselsoraircraft,whichisnotwornallthe

time,donotneedtobeCEmarked.

37 PPEwhichwasplacedonthemarketbefore1July1995andisstillsuitable

fortheusetowhichitisbeingputandisproperlymaintaineddoesnotneedtobe

CEmarked.

38 TheuseofsuitablePPEshouldcausenoproblemtohealthyadults.Where

problemsoccur,employersshouldseekmedicaladviceastowhethertheindividual

cantoleratewearingthePPE.TherequirementforCEmarkingmayberelaxedto

4

Guidance

Regulation

5

Regulation

5

Guidance

better protectthem.However,thereisnoexceptionfromtheRegulationsfor

disabledpeople,butPPEmustbeprovidedandworniftheriskassessment

indicatesthatiswhatisrequired.Forexample,someonewithonelegshorterthan

theothermayrequirethemanufacturertoadaptthesafetyshoewitharaisedsole

andthiswouldbecountedasmanufacturinganewarticleofPPE.Inthiscase,

underaproposedamendmenttotheECDirective,thecustom­madearticlewould

notneedthespecificconformityassessmentprocedurethatwouldnormallybe

requiredforaCEmark.Whiletheproposedamendmenthasstilltobenegotiated

andtransposedintoUKlaw,enforcingauthoritieswillnottakeanyactionagainst

organisationswhoadaptPPEforlegitimatereasons.Theindividualorcompany

thatcustomisesanarticleofPPEneedstodrawupastatement thatcontainsthe

following:

(a) DataallowingidentificationofthespecificarticlesofPPE.

(b) AstatementthatthePPEisintendedforexclusiveusebyaparticular

intendeduser,togetherwiththenameoftheintendeduser.

(c) Thenameandaddressofthemanufacturer.

(d) TheparticularfeaturesofthePPE.

(e) AstatementthatthePPEinquestionconformstotheprincipleslaiddownin

Annex IIofthePPEDirective.

(f) Astatementofthemedicalortechnicalgroundsforthecustom­madePPE

togetherwiththescopeandnumberofPPEitemsconcerned.

39 ThestatementmustbekeptforatleasttenyearsafterthePPEisplacedon

themarket.

Compatibility

of

personal

protective

equipment

(1) Every employershallensurethatwherethepresenceofmorethanone risktohealthorsafety makesitnecessaryforhisemployeetowearoruse simultaneouslymorethanoneitemofpersonalprotectiveequipment,such equipmentiscompatibleandcontinuestobeeffectiveagainsttheriskorrisksin question.

(2) Every self­employedpersonshallensurethatwherethepresenceof morethanonerisktohealthorsafetymakesitnecessaryforhimtowearoruse simultaneouslymorethanoneitemofpersonalprotectiveequipment,such equipmentiscompatibleandcontinuestobeeffectiveagainsttheriskorrisksin question.

40 IfmorethanoneitemofPPEisbeingworn,thedifferentitemsofPPEmust

becompatiblewitheachother.Insuchcases,whenselectingPPEitshouldbe

ensuredthatallitems,whenusedtogether,wouldadequatelycontroltherisks

againstwhichtheyareprovidedtoprotect.Forexample,certaintypesofhalf­

maskrespiratorandgogglesworntogethercanpreventoneorbothitemsfitting

correctly,leadingtoincreasedriskofeyeinjuryand/orrespiratoryexposure.

6

Regulation

6

Assessment

of

personal

protective

equipment

(1) Beforechoosinganypersonalprotectiveequipmentwhichbyvirtueof

Regulation

regulation4heisrequiredtoensureisprovided,anemployerorself­employed personshallensurethatanassessmentismadetodeterminewhetherthepersonal protectiveequipmentheintendstoprovidewillbesuitable.

(2) Theassessmentrequiredbyparagraph(1)shallinclude–

(a) anassessmentofanyriskorriskstohealthorsafetywhichhavenot beenavoidedbyothermeans;

(b) thedefinitionofthecharacteristicswhichpersonalprotectiveequipment musthaveinordertobeeffectiveagainsttherisksreferredtoinsub­ paragraph(a)ofthisparagraph,takingintoaccountanyriskswhichthe equipmentitselfmaycreate;

(c) comparisonofthecharacteristicsofthepersonalprotectiveequipment availablewiththecharacteristicsreferredtoinsub­paragraph(b)ofthis paragraph;

(d) anassessmentastowhetherthepersonalprotectiveequipmentis compatiblewithotherpersonalprotectiveequipmentwhichisinuse andwhichanemployeewouldberequiredtowearsimultaneously.(a)

(3) Everyemployerorself­employedpersonwhoisrequiredbyparagraph (1)toensurethatanyassessmentismadeshallensurethatanysuchassessmentis reviewedif–

(a) thereisreasontosuspectthatitisnolongervalid;or

(b) therehasbeenasignificantchangeinthematterstowhichitrelates,

andwhereasaresultofanysuchreviewchangesintheassessmentarerequired, therelevantemployerorself­employedpersonshallensurethattheyaremade.

(a)Paragraph(2):sub­paragraph(d)insertedbySI2002/2174,regulation5(c).

6

Guidance

theemployerwhoneedstoprovidePPEchoosesPPEwhichiscorrectforthe

particularrisksinvolvedandforthecircumstancesofitsuse.Paragraph31sets

outthefactorswhichneedtobeconsideredwhenchoosingPPE.

42 Inthesimplestandmostobviouscases,whichcaneasilyberepeatedand

explainedatanytime,theassessmenttoidentifysuitablePPEneednotbe

recorded.Inmorecomplexcases,however,theassessmentwillneedtoberecorded

andkeptreadilyaccessible.

Selection of suitable PPE

43 Oncepotentialhazardsareknown,theremaybeseveraltypesofPPEthat

wouldbesuitable.Forexample,whenassessingtheneedforeyeprotection,

employersshouldfirstidentifythetypesofhazardpresent,suchasliquidsplashes

andprojectiles,andthenassessthedegreeofrisk,forexamplethelikelysizeand

7

6

Guidance

Regulation

7

Regulation

7

Guidance

rangeofCEmarkedequipmentavailable.Inthiscase,eyeprotectiondesignedfor

chemicalsplashprotectionandfordifferentlevelsofimpactresistanceshouldbe

selected.

44 OnceatypeofCEmarkedPPEhasbeenselectedforagivenapplication,

furtheradviceandinformationmaybenecessarytoensurethattheequipmentcan

providetherequiredprotectiontoallthosewhoneedtowearitinthegiven

workingconditions.ManufacturersandsuppliershavedutiesunderthePersonal

ProtectiveEquipmentRegulations2002andundersection6oftheHSWActto

provideinformationwhichwillhelptheemployerinthisduty.Thisinformation is

usuallyintheformofaperformancespecificationbasedontheessentialhealth

andsafetyrequirementsoftheEuropeanPPEDirective.Thisisusually

demonstratedbyconformingtoEuropean(EN)orInternational(ISO)standards.

KeyPPEdesignrequirementsinclude:

(a) testsofPPEperformance;

(b) howthePPEshouldbelabelled;and

(c) whatinstructionsshouldbesuppliedwiththePPE.

45 Attheendofthisprocess,arangeofpotentiallyadequateandsuitablePPE

shouldbeidentified.Involvingtheend­userswithregardtofit,comfortand

wearabilityislikelytoleadtobetterlevelsofuseracceptanceandthereforebetter

protection.

46 Selection shouldbeseenasonlythefirststageinacontinuingprogramme

whichisalsoconcernedwiththeproperuseandmaintenanceoftheequipment,

andthetrainingandsupervisionofemployees.

Maintenance

and

replacement

of

personal

protective

equipment

(1) Every employershallensurethatanypersonalprotectiveequipment providedtohisemployeesismaintained(includingreplacedorcleanedas appropriate)inanefficientstate,inefficientworkingorderandingoodrepair.

(2) Every self­employedpersonshallensurethatanypersonalprotective equipmentprovidedtohimismaintained(includingreplacedorcleanedas appropriate)inanefficientstate,inefficientworkingorderandingoodrepair.

47 Aneffectivemaintenancesystemincludesthefollowing:

(a) examination–checkingforfaults,damage,wearandtear,dirtetc;

(b) testing –toensurePPEisoperatingasintended;

(c) cleaning–includingdisinfectionifappropriate;

(d) repair;

(e) replacement.

48 Ingeneral,PPEshouldbeexaminedtoensureitisingoodworkingorder

beforebeingissuedtotheuser.Suchexaminationsshouldbecarriedoutby

7

Guidance

Regulation

8

Regulation

8

Guidance

mostPPEwillbeprovidedonapersonalbasis,someitemsmaybeusedbya

numberofpeople.Thereshouldbearrangementsforcleaninganddisinfectingthe

PPEsotherearenohealthriskstothenextpersonusingit.

49 Theresponsibilityforcarryingoutmaintenancetogetherwiththedetailsof

theprocedurestobefollowedandtheirfrequencyshouldbeputdowninwriting.

Whereappropriate,recordsoftestsandexaminationsshouldalsobekept.The

maintenanceprogrammewillvarywiththetypeofequipmentandhowitisused.

Forexample,mechanicalfall­arrestorswillrequirearegularplannedpreventative

maintenanceprogrammewhichwillincludeexamination,testingandoverhaul,

andrecordkeeping.However,abrasion­resistantglovesmayonlyrequireperiodic

inspectionbytheuser.Manufacturers’maintenanceschedulesandinstructions

shouldbefollowed.

50 TheRegulationsdonotforbidemployersaskingemployeestocleantheir

ownPPE(forexamplepeopleworkingfromhome)butthisshouldbestipulatedin

theperson’scontractofemployment.Theemployerwouldneedtoensureproper

cleaninginstructionsareprovidedsothereisnodamageandtheemployershould

arrangeforspotcheckstoensurePPEissuitable.Assection9oftheHSWAct

states‘Noemployershalllevyorpermittobeleviedonanyemployeeofhis

chargeinrespectofanythingdoneorprovidedinpursuanceofanyspecific

requirementoftherelevantstatutoryprovisions’.Thiswouldmeanthatanycosts

ofthecleaningmaterialshouldbebornebytheemployer.

51 Simplerepairscanbecarriedoutbythetrainedwearer,forexample

replacingbrokenlacesonsafetyshoes.Moreintricaterepairsshouldbedoneby

personnelwiththerequiredskillsandtechnicalknowledge.Onlythecorrectspare

partsasrecommendedbythemanufacturershouldbeused.Itisagoodideato

keepastockofspareparts.Ifthetechnicalknowledgeisnotavailableinsidethe

businessthencontractservicesareavailablefrommostmanufacturersand

suppliersofPPEaswellasfromspecialistmaintenancefirms.

52 PPEwillhaveauseable‘shelflife’.Whenitexceedsitsshelflifeorissobadly

damagedthatrepairisnotpossibleortoocostlythenitneedstobereplaced.In

certaincircumstancesitmaybeappropriatetoprovideasupplyofdisposablePPE

(egsingle­usecoveralls).IfdisposablePPEisuseditisimportantthatusersknow

whenitshouldbediscardedandreplacedandhowtodisposeofitsafely.

Accommodation

for

personal

protective

equipment

Whereanemployerorself­employedpersonisrequired,byvirtueofregulation4, toensurepersonalprotectiveequipmentisprovided,heshallalsoensurethat appropriateaccommodationisprovidedforthatpersonalprotectiveequipment whenitisnotbeingused.

53 Storageisneededasitpreventsagainst:

(a) damagefromchemicals,sunlight,highhumidity,heatandaccidentalknocks;

(b) contaminationfromdirtandharmfulsubstances;

(c) thepossibilityoflosingthePPE.

54 Accommodationmaybesimple,forexample,pegsforweatherproofclothing

orsafetyhelmets.Itneednotbefixed,forexample,safetyspectaclescouldbekept

bytheuserinasuitablecarryingcase,andPPEusedbymobileworkerssuchas

9

8

Guidance

Regulation

9

Regulation

9

Guidance

forestryworkerscanbestoredinsuitablecontainersintheirvehicle.WherePPE

becomescontaminatedduringuse,itshouldbecleanedanddecontaminatedbefore

storage,otherwisetheaccommodationmayitselfbecomecontaminatedandwill

alsorequiresuitablecleaninganddecontamination.PPEwhichisreadyforuse

shouldbeclearlysegregatedfromthatwhichisawaitingrepairormaintenance

andclearlylabelledassuchsothecorrectPPEischosen.

Information,

instruction

and

training

(1) Where anemployerisrequiredtoensurethatpersonalprotective equipmentisprovidedtoanemployee,theemployershallalsoensurethatthe employeeisprovidedwithsuchinformation,instructionandtrainingasis adequateandappropriatetoenabletheemployeetoknow–

(a) theriskorriskswhichthepersonalprotectiveequipmentwillavoidor limit;

(b) thepurposeforwhichandthemannerinwhichpersonalprotective equipmentistobeused;and

(c) anyactiontobetakenbytheemployeetoensurethatthepersonal protectiveequipmentremainsinanefficientstate,inefficientworking orderandingoodrepairasrequiredbyregulation7(1),

[andshallensurethatsuchinformationiskeptavailabletoemployees;](a)

(2) Withoutprejudicetothegeneralityofparagraph(1),theinformation andinstructionprovidedbyvirtueofthatparagraphshallnotbeadequateand appropriateunlessitiscomprehensibletothepersonstowhomitisprovided.

(3) Withoutprejudicetothegeneralityofparagraph(1)theemployershall, whereappropriate,andatsuitableintervals,organisedemonstrationsinthe wearingofpersonalprotectiveequipment.(b)

(a)Paragraph1words‘andshallensurethatsuchinformationiskeptavailabletoemployees’insquare bracketsinsertedbySI2002/2174,regulation5(d).

(b)Paragraph3insertedbySI2002/2174regulation5(e).

55 TheRegulationsrequireemployerstoprovidesuitableinformation,

instructionandtrainingfortheiremployees,toenablethemtomakeeffectiveuse

ofthePPEprovidedtoprotectthemagainstworkplacehazardstotheirhealthand

safety.Asystematicapproachtotrainingisneeded–thismeansthateveryonewho

isinvolvedintheuseormaintenanceofPPEshouldbetrainedappropriately.

56 UsersmustbetrainedintheproperuseofPPE,howtocorrectlyfitandwear

it,andwhatitslimitationsare.Managersandsupervisorsmustalsobeawareof

whyPPEisbeingusedandhowtouseitproperly.Peopleinvolvedinmaintaining,

repairingandtestingtheequipmentandinitsselectionforusewillalsoneed

training.Trainingshouldincludeelementsoftheoryaswellaspracticeinusingthe

equipment,andshouldbecarriedoutinaccordancewithanyrecommendations

andinstructionssuppliedbythePPEmanufacturer.

57 Theextentoftheinstructionandtrainingwillvarywiththecomplexityand

performanceoftheequipment.ForPPEwhichissimpletouseandmaintain,such

9

Guidance

dependonanadequateunderstandingoftheprinciplesbehindthem.The

instructionandtrainingshouldincludeboththeoryandpractice.

Theoretical training

58 Theoreticaltrainingshouldinclude:

(a) anexplanationoftheriskspresentandwhyPPEisneeded;

(b) theoperation,performanceandlimitationsoftheequipment;

(c) instructionsontheselection,useandstorageofPPE.Writtenoperating

proceduressuchaspermitstoworkinvolvingPPEshouldbeexplained;

(d) factorswhichcanaffecttheprotectionprovidedbythePPEsuchasother

protectiveequipment,personalfactors,workingconditions,inadequate

fitting,anddefects,damageandwear;

(e) recognisingdefectsinPPEandarrangementsforreportinglossordefects.

Practical training

59 Practicaltrainingshouldinclude:

(a) practiceinputtingon,wearingandremovingtheequipment;

(b) practiceininspectionand,whereappropriate,testingofthePPEbeforeuse;

(c) practiceinhowtomaintainPPE,whichcanbedonebytheuser,suchas

cleaningandthereplacementofcertaincomponents;

(d) instructioninthesafestorageofequipment.

60 Theextentofthetrainingthatisrequiredwilldependonthetype of

equipment,howfrequentlyitisusedandtheneedsofthepeoplebeingtrained.

ManymanufacturersofPPEruntrainingcourses forusersoftheirequipmentand

thesecoursesmaybeofparticularbenefittosmalluserswhodonothavetraining

facilities.

61 Aswellasinitialtraining,usersofPPEandothersinvolvedwiththe

equipmentmayneedrefreshertrainingfromtimetotime.Recordsoftraining

detailsshouldbekepttohelpwiththeefficientadministrationofthetraining

programme.

62 Employersmustensure,notonlythattheiremployeesundergothe

appropriatetraining,butalsothattheyunderstandwhattheyarebeingtaught.

Employeesmayhavedifficultyinunderstandingtheirtrainingforanumberof

reasons.Forexample,therisks(andprecautions)maybeofaparticularlycomplex

nature,makingitdifficultforemployeestounderstandtheprecisenatureofthe

protectivemeasurestheymusttake.Englishmaynotbethefirstlanguageofsome

11

10

Regulation

10

Regulation

Guidance

10

Regulation

11

Regulation

Guidance

11

Use

of

personal

protective

equipment

(1) Every employershalltakeallreasonablestepstoensurethatany personalprotectiveequipmentprovidedtohisemployeesbyvirtueofregulation 4(1)isproperlyused.

(2) Every employeeshalluseanypersonalprotectiveequipmentprovidedto himbyvirtueofthese Regulationsinaccordancebothwithanytrainingintheuse ofthepersonalprotectiveequipmentconcernedwhichhasbeenreceivedbyhim andtheinstructionsrespectingthatusewhichhavebeenprovidedtohimbyvirtue ofregulation9.

(3) Everyself­employedpersonshallmakefullandproperuseofany personalprotectiveequipmentprovidedtohimbyvirtueofregulation4(2).

(4) Everyemployeeandself­employedpersonwhohasbeenprovidedwith personalprotectiveequipmentbyvirtueofregulation4shalltakeallreasonable stepstoensurethatitisreturnedtotheaccommodationprovidedforitafteruse.

63 PPEshouldbeusedinaccordancewiththeemployer’sinstructions,which

shouldinturnbebasedonthemanufacturer’sinstructionsforuse.Itshouldbe

usedonlyafteradequatetrainingandinstructionshavebeengiventotheuserso

they understandwhy,how,whereandwhenitistobeused.

64 SupervisionisalsovitaltoensurePPEisproperlyusedbothonandoffsite.

Itisimportantthatthosewithasupervisoryrolearealsoprovidedwithadequate

trainingandinstructionssothattheyhavethenecessaryskillstocarryoutthejob.

SpotchecksareausefulwayofmonitoringhowwellPPEisusedandcorrective

actioncanthenbetakenifspotchecksrevealmisuse.

65 MostPPEshouldbereturnedafterusetothestorageplaceprovidedunder

regulation8.However,theremaybecircumstanceswheretheemployeemaytake

PPEawayfromtheworkplace,forexamplemobileworkersnotimmediately

returningtothepremisesmaytakeprotectivefootwear,overallsetchome.

Equipmentusedorwornintermittently,forexampleweldingvisors,needonlybe

returnedattheendoftheworkingperiod,shiftorassignment.

Reporting

loss

or

defect

Every employeewhohasbeenprovidedwithpersonalprotectiveequipmentby virtueofregulation4(1)shallforthwithreporttohisemployeranylossofor obviousdefectinthatpersonalprotectiveequipment.

66 Employersshouldmakearrangementstoensurethattheiremployeescan

reporttothem(ortheirrepresentative)thelossofordefectsinPPE.These

arrangements shouldalsoensurethatdefectivePPEisrepairedorreplacedbefore

theemployeeconcernedre­startswork.

67 EmployeesmusttakereasonablecareofPPEprovidedandreporttotheir

employeranylossorobviousdefectassoonaspossible.Ifemployeeshaveany

concernsabouttheserviceabilityofthePPE,theyshouldimmediatelyconsulttheir

Regulation

12

Exemption

certificates

(1) TheSecretaryofStateforDefencemay,intheinterestsofnational

Regulation

security,byacertificateinwritingexempt–

(a) anyofthehomeforces,anyvisitingforceoranyheadquartersfrom thoserequirementsoftheseRegulationswhichimposeobligationson employers;or

(b) anymemberofthehomeforces,anymemberofavisitingforceorany memberofaheadquartersfromtherequirementsimposedbyregulation 10or11;

andanyexemptionsuchasisspecifiedinsub­paragraph(a)or(b)ofthis

paragraphmaybegrantedsubjecttoconditionsandtoalimitoftimeandmaybe revokedbythesaidSecretaryofStatebyafurthercertificateinwritingatany time.

(2) Inthisregulation–

(a) “thehomeforces”hasthesamemeaningasinsection12(1)ofthe VisitingForcesAct1952;

(b) “headquarters”hasthesamemeaningasinarticle3(2)oftheVisiting ForcesandInternationalHeadquarters(ApplicationofLaw)Order 1965;

(c) “memberofaheadquarters”hasthesamemeaningasinparagraph 1(1)oftheScheduletotheInternationalHeadquartersandDefence OrganisationsAct1964;and

12

Regulation

13

Extension

outside

Great

Britain

Regulation

outsideGreatBritaintowhichsections1to59and80to82oftheHealthand SafetyatWorketc.Act1974applybyvirtueoftheHealthandSafetyatWork etc.Act1974(ApplicationOutsideGreatBritain)Order1989(a)_astheyapply

withinGreatBritain.

(a)NowreplacedbytheHealthandSafetyatWorketcAct1974(ApplicationOutsideGreatBritain)

13

Order2001.

Guidance

13

68 TheRegulationsapplytocertainworkactivitiescarriedoutintheterritorial

seaadjacenttoGreatBritainandindesignatedareasoftheUKContinentalShelf

exceptwheredisappliedbyregulation3.TheseactivitiesarelistedintheHealth

andSafetyatWorketcAct(ApplicationOutsideGreatBritain)Order2001.

69 Thisappliestooffshoreinstallations,wells,pipelines,andactivitiescarried

outbyvessels inconnectionwithanoffshoreinstallationorawellsuchas

construction,repair,dismantling,loading,unloadinganddiving.Alsocoveredare

14

Regulation

14

Modifications,

repeal

and

revocations

(1) TheActandRegulationsspecifiedinSchedule2shallbemodifiedtothe

Regulation

extentspecifiedinthecorrespondingPartofthatSchedule.

(2) Section65oftheFactoriesAct1961isrepealed.

(3) Theinstrumentsspecifiedincolumn1ofSchedule3arerevokedtothe extentspecifiedincolumn3ofthatSchedule.

Guidance

14

70 TheRegulationsspecifiedinSchedule2havebeenamendedtoensurethat

they areconsistentwiththerequirementsofthePPEatWorkRegulations,

particularlywithregardtotheassessmentandprovisionofsuitablePPE,and

Schedule

1

Relevant

Community

Directives

Schedule

Regulation 4(3)(e)

1 CouncilDirectiveof21December1989ontheapproximationofthelawsof theMemberStatesrelatingtopersonalprotectiveequipment(89/686/EEC),as amendedbyCouncilDirective93/95/EECof29October1993andArticle7of CouncilDirective93/63/EECof22July1993.

1

Schedule

2

Modifications

Schedule

Regulation 14(1)

Part I

The Factories Act 1961

Section30oftheFactoriesAct1961,amendedbySchedule2paragraph1,has beenrepealedbytheConfinedSpacesRegulations1997(SI1997/1713).

Part II

The Coal and Other Mines (Fire and Rescue) Order 1956

TheCoalandOtherMines(FireandRescue)Regulations1956(SI1956/1768), amendedbySchedule2paragraphs2­4,havebeenrevokedbytheEscapeand RescuefromMinesRegulations1995(SI1995/2870).

Part III

The Shipbuilding and Ship­Repairing Regulations 1960

TheShipbuildingandShip­RepairingRegulations1960(SI1960/1932),amended bySchedule2paragraph5,havebeenrevokedbytheDangerousSubstancesand ExplosiveAtmospheresRegulations2002(SI2002/2776).

Part IV

The Coal Mines (Respirable Dust) Regulations 1975

6 Inregulation10(a),for“dustrespiratorsofatypeapprovedbytheExecutive forthepurposeofthisRegulation”,substitute“suitabledustrespirators”.

Part V

The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 1980

TheControlofLeadatWorkRegulations1980(SI1980/1248),amendedby

Schedule

Part VI

The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1985

Theformerparagraphs13­15referringtotheIonisingRadiationsRegulations 1985havebeenrevokedbytheIonisingRadiationsRegulations1999.

Part VII

The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987

TheControlofAsbestosatWorkRegulations1987(SI1987/2115),amendedby Schedule2paragraphs16­18,havebeenrevokedbytheControlofAsbestosat WorkRegulations2002(SI2002/2675).

Part VIII

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988

TheControlofSubstancesHazardoustoHealthRegulations1988(SI1988/1657), amendedbySchedule2paragraphs19­21,havebeenrevokedbytheControlof SubstancesHazardoustoHealthRegulations1994(SI1994/3246).

Part IX

The Noise at Work Regulations 1989

22 Addthefollowingnewparagraphattheendofregulation8–

“(3) Anypersonalearprotectorsprovidedbyvirtueofthisregulationshall comply withanyenactment(whetherinanActorinstrument)whichimplements inGreatBritainanyprovisionondesignormanufacturewithrespecttohealthor safety inanyrelevantCommunitydirectivelistedinSchedule1tothePersonal ProtectiveEquipmentatWorkRegulations1992whichisapplicabletothoseear protectors.”.

Part X

The Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989

23 Addthefollowingparagraphsattheendofregulation3–

“(3) Anyheadprotectionprovidedbyvirtueofthisregulationshallcomply withanyenactment(whetherinanActorinstrument)whichimplementsany provisionondesignormanufacturewithrespecttohealthorsafetyinanyrelevant CommunitydirectivelistedinSchedule1tothePersonalProtectiveEquipmentat WorkRegulations1992whichisapplicabletothatheadprotection.

(4) Before choosingheadprotection,anemployerorself­employedperson shallmakeanassessmenttodeterminewhetheritissuitable.

2

Schedule

involve–

(a) thedefinitionofthecharacteristicswhichheadprotectionmusthavein ordertobesuitable;

(b) comparisonofthecharacteristicsoftheprotectionavailablewiththe characteristicsreferredtoinsub­paragraph(a)ofthisparagraph.

(6) Theassessmentrequiredbyparagraph(4)shallbereviewed if–

(a) thereisreasontosuspectthatitisnolongervalid;or

(b) therehasbeenasignificantchangeintheworktowhichitrelates,

andwhereasaresultofthereviewchangesintheassessmentarerequired,the relevantemployerorself­employedpersonshallmakethem.

(7) Everyemployerandeveryself­employedpersonshallensurethat appropriateaccommodationisavailableforheadprotectionprovidedbyvirtueof theseRegulationswhenitisnotbeingused.”.

24 Forregulation6(4),substitutethefollowingparagraph–

“(4) Everyemployeeorself­employedpersonwhoisrequiredtowear suitableheadprotectionbyorundertheseRegulationsshall–

(a) makefullandproperuseofit;and

(b) takeallreasonablestepstoreturnittotheaccommodationprovidedfor itafteruse.”.

25 Inregulation9(2),omitthefullstopandadd“andthatanyprovision imposedbytheEuropeanCommunitiesinrespectoftheencouragementof improvementsinthesafetyandhealthofworkersatworkwillbesatisfied.”.

Schedule

3

Revocations

Schedule

Regulation 14(3)

(1) (2) (3)

Title Reference ExtentofRevocation

Regulations dated 26th February 1906 in respect of the processes of spinning and weaving of flax and tow and the processes incidental thereto (the Flax and Tow­ Spinning and Weaving Regulations 1906).

Order dated 5th October 1917 (the Tin or Terne Plates Manufacture Welfare Order 1917).

Order dated 15th August 1919 (the Fruit Preserving Welfare Order 1919). Order dated 23rd April 1920 (the Laundries Welfare Order 1920).

Order dated 28th July 1920 (the Gut­Scraping, Tripe Dressing, etc. Welfare Order 1920).

Order dated 3rd March 1921

SR & O 1906 by SI 1988/

SR & O 1917

SR & O 1919 amended by Sl 1988

SR & O 1920

SR & O 1920

SR & O 1921

/177, amended In regulation 9, the words 1657. “unless waterproof skirts,

and bibs of suitable material, are provided by the occupier and worn by the workers”. Regulation 13.

/1035. Paragraph 1.

/1136, Paragraph 1. /1657.

/654. Paragraph 1.

/1437. Paragraph 1.

/288. Paragraph 1.

/1932; The whole Regulations. /686

/860. Paragraph 1.

/534. Paragraph 1.

/94. Paragraph 1.

/312. Paragraph 1 and the Schedule.

(the Glass Bevelling Welfare Order 1921).

The Aerated Water Regulations 1921. The Sacks (Cleaning and Repairing) Welfare Order 1927.

The Oil Cake Welfare Order 1929.

The Cement Works Welfare Order 1930.

The Tanning Welfare Order 1930.

SR & O 1921 amended by SI 1981 SR & O 1927

SR & O 1929

SR & O 1930

SR & O 1930

Schedule

Title Reference ExtentofRevocation

The Magnesium (Grinding of Castings and Other Articles) Special Regulations 1946.

SR & O 1946/2107. Regulation 12.

The Clay Works (Welfare) Special Regulations 1948.

SI 1948/1547. Regulation 5.

The Iron and Steel Foundries Regulations 1953.

SI 1953/1464 amended by SI 1974/1681 and SI 1981/1332.

Regulation 8.

The Shipbuilding and Ship­ Repairing Regulations 1960.

SI 1960/1932; amended by SI 1974/1681.

Regulations 73 and 74.

The Non­Ferrous Metals (Melting and Founding) Regulations 1962.

SI 1962/1667; amended by SI 1974/1681.

Regulation 13.

The Abstract of Special Regulations (Aerated Water) Order 1963.

SI 1963/2058. The whole Order.

The Construction (Health and Welfare) Regulations 1966.

SI 1966/95; to which there are amendments not relevant to these regulations.

Regulation 15.

The Foundries (Protective Footwear and Gaiters) Regulations 1971.

SI 1971/476. The whole Regulations.

The Protection of Eyes Regulations 1974.

SI 1974/1681; amended by SI 1975/303.

The whole Regulations.

3

The Aerated Water Regulations (Metrication) Regulations 1981.

PART

2

SELECTION,

USE

AND

MAINTENANCE

OF

PERSONAL

PROTECTIVE

EQUIPMENT

Introduction

71 Part2providesguidancetoemployerstohelpthemcomplywiththeirduties

toselectsuitablePPE,useandmaintainit.ItdescribesthePPEusedfordifferent

partsofthebody(head,eyeandface,handandarm,body(includingthelegs)and

feet)andthencoversPPEusedtopreventdrowningandfallsfromheight.

72 TheRegulationsdonotapplytohearingprotectionandtorespiratory

protectiveequipmentformostworkactivities,astheyarecoveredbyother

regulations(seeparagraph16),sotheyareonlymentionedbrieflyattheendof

Part2.NotethattheseitemsofPPEneedtobecompatiblewithanyotherPPE

provided.Fullguidanceontheseincludingselection,useandmaintenancecanbe

foundinthepublicationsL108Reducingnoiseatwork:GuidanceontheNoiseat

WorkRegulations19893_{andHSG53Respiratoryprotectiveequipmentat work:} 4

Apracticalguide.

73 Somecommonselection,useandmaintenancepointsforPPEare:

(a) PPEshouldbelabelledtoshowwhatitprotectsagainstandisresistantto.

Talktomanufacturersandsuppliersontheprotectionofferedbytheir

productsbeforebuying.AnotherusefulsourceofinformationistheBritish

SafetyIndustryFederation(Tel:01745585600Website:www.bsif.co.uk).

(b) Always usePPEaccordingtothemanufacturer’sinstructions.ThePersonal

ProtectiveEquipmentRegulations2002statethatPPEonthemarketmustbe

suppliedwithrelevantinformationintheofficiallanguage(s)ofthecountry

ofdestinationon:

(i) storage,use,cleaning,maintenance,servicinganddisinfecting;

(ii) thelevelofprotectionprovidedbythePPE;

(iii) suitablePPEaccessoriesandappropriatespareparts;

(iv) limitationsonuse;

(v) theobsolescenceperiodforthePPEorcertainofitscomponents.

(c) EnsureitemsofPPEusedtogetherarecompatiblewitheachothertoensure

they continuetobeeffectiveagainsttherisks.

(d) Trainandinstructworkerstoputonandremovecontaminatedclothing

withoutcontaminatingthemselves.

(e) DonotreusedisposablePPE.

(f) Donotleavecontaminatedworkareaswithoutremovingthecontaminated

clothinginappropriatechangingareas.

(g) DonotstorePPEindirectsunlightorinhotandhumidplacesasthiscan

causedamage.

(h) DonotusePPEifitisdamagedorheavilyworn.Ifitisunfitforuseorpast

Head

protection

Figure1Industrialsafetyhelmet Figure2Climbinghelmet

(withfittedeardefenders)

Types of protection

74 Thereareseveraltypesofheadprotection:

(a) Industrialsafetyhelmets–Protectagainstfallingobjectsorimpactwithfixed

objectsandofferlimitedresistancetoflame.Helmetsarealsoavailable

whichgiveprotectionagainstimpactathighorlowtemperatures,against

electricalshockfrombriefcontactupto440Vacandagainstmoltenmetal

splash.

(b) Bumpcaps–Protectagainstbumpingthehead(egwalkingintoafixed

object)andscalping,andcanstophairgettingcaughtinmachineryand

movingparts.Bumpcapsdonotofferadequateprotectionwherethereisa

riskoffallingobjectsormovingorsuspendedloads.

(c) Firefighters'helmets–Thesearesimilartoindustrialsafetyhelmets,but

covermoreoftheheadandgivegreaterprotectionagainstimpact,heat

andflame.

(d) Transporthelmets–Protectagainstheadinjuriesfromfallingoffa

motorcycleorbicycle.ThePPEatWorkRegulationsdonotcoverthe

provisionofmotorcycleandbicyclehelmetsontheroad.Motorcyclecrash

helmetsarelegallyrequiredformotorcyclistsunderroadtrafficlegislation.

Howeverinoff­roadsituations,employersshouldprovidesuitabletransport

helmets,forexamplemotorcyclehelmetsforfarmworkerswhouseall­

terrainvehicles(ATVs).

(e) Leisurehelmets–Helmetsusedforactivities,suchashorseriding,canoeing

orclimbing,whichprotectagainsttherisksofthatparticularactivity.

Examples of hazards which may require head protection

75 Examplesofhazardsorsituationswhereheadprotectionmayberequired

(a) low­levelfixedobjects,forexamplepipework,machinesorscaffoldingwhere

there isariskofcollision;

(b) transportactivities,hoists,liftingplant,conveyorsetcinvolvingtheriskof

fallingmaterial;

(c) tree­felling;

(d) blastingwork,forexampleinquarries,opencastminingetc;

(e) undertheConstruction(HeadProtection)Regulations1989,employersmust

take allreasonablypracticablemeasurestoensurethatsuitablehead

protectionisworn(exceptbyturban­wearingSikhs)onconstructionsites

unlessthereisnoforeseeableriskofheadinjuryotherthanbyfalling;

(f) undertheDocksRegulations1988,suitablesafety helmetsmustbewornby

thoseworkingindockspremiseswherethereisaforeseeableriskofinjuryto

theheadandemployeesmustwearthehelmetsinapropermannerwhen

workingthere.

Key points

76 Thekeypointstonoteforheadprotectionare:

(a) Useanadjustablechinstrap,iffitted,tomakesurethehelmetdoesnotfall

off.

(b) Cleantheinsideofthehelmetandcleanorreplacesweatbandsregularly.

(c) Checkregularlythatanydamagetotheoutsideisnomorethanshallow

scratchesorgrazesandthattheinternalharnessisnotdamagedordeformed.

(d) Throwheadprotectionawayaftersignificantimpactbyafixedorfalling

object.Headprotectionisunfitforuseiftheoutsideisdeeplyscratched,

wornordeformed,theharnessisdamagedordeformedoritisbeyondits

usableprotectivelife.*

(e) Wearthehelmetsothatthebrimislevelwhentheheadisupright.Donot

wearitslopingupordownasthismaysignificantlyreducetheprotectionit

canprovide.

(f) Donotwearheadprotectionbacktofront–itwillnotprotectyouifyou

do.

(g) Donotcustomiseheadprotection,egmakeyourownventilationholes,

paint,markorputstickersonit.

(h) Donotwearabaseball­stylebumpcapwherethereisariskoffallingobjects

–wearanindustrialsafety helmetinstead.

* As a general guide, industrial safety helmets should be replaced three years after manufacture, but always check with the manufacturer.

Eye

and

face

protection

Figure3Goggles Figure4Faceshield

Types of protection

77 Themaintypesofeyeandfaceprotectionare:

(a) Safetyspectacles–Maybeseparatelensesinametalorplasticframe(similar

inappearancetoprescriptionglasses)orhaveasinglelens/framemoulding

(sometimescalledeyeshields).Mostdesignshavesideshields.Spectaclescan

incorporatecorrectivelenses,whileeyeshieldsmayfitoverprescription

glasses.

(b) Goggles–Thesearemadewithaflexibleplasticframe andoneortwolenses

withaflexibleelasticheadband.Theygivetheeyesprotectionfromallangles

asthecompleterimisincontactwiththeface.Somegogglesareventilated

andmaybeunsuitableforprotectionagainstgasesandfinedusts.

(c) Faceshields–Thesehaveonelargelenswithaframeandadjustablehead

harnessoraremountedonahelmet. Mostcanbewornwithprescription

glasses.Theyprotectthefacebutdonotfullyenclosetheeyes.

Examples of hazards which may require eye and face protection

78 Themainhazardsare:

(a) Liquidorchemicalsplashasaresultofhandlingorcomingintocontactwith

dangerousliquidsorchemicalsubstances.

(b) Workingwithpower­driventools,wherechippingsordebrisarelikelytofly

intotheface,orabrasivematerialsmaybeprojected.

(c) Dust,gasorliquidmistfrommachines,high­pressurecleaning,orusinggas

orvapourunderpressure.

(d) Radiantheat,moltenmetal,hotsolids,sparksorhotliquidsplashfrom

(e) Intenselightorotheropticalradiationemittedat levelsliabletocauseriskof

injury,forexamplewelding,lasersetc.

Key points

79 Thekeypointstonoteforeyeandfaceprotectionare:

(a) Makesuretheeye/faceprotectionfitstheuseranddoesnotfalloffeasily.It

shouldbeissuedonapersonalbasis.

(b) Considermisting/fogging.Anti­mistandventilatedeyeprotectionisavailable.

(c) Storeeyeprotectioninaprotectivecase.

(d) Followthemanufacturer’sinstructionsoncleaning,notforgettingheadbands

andframes.Useonlyanti­mist,cleaningandanti­staticfluidsandcloths

recommendedbythemanufacturer.

(e) Donotusewhenvisibilityisnoticeablyreduced(egthelensesaredeeply

scratchedorworn)ortheframe,headbandorharnessisdeformed.Throw

them awayandreplacethem.

Hand

and

arm

protection

Figure5Cut­resistantgloves Figure6Glovesforhandprotection

inthecold

Types of protection

80 There arefourtypesofhandandarmprotection:

(a) Gloves–handonly.

(b) Gloveswithacuff–handandwrist.

(c) Gauntlets/sleeves/longgloves–hand,wristandpartofforearm. (d) Sleeving/armprotection–partorwholeofforearmand/orupperarm.

Examples of hazards which may require hand/arm protection

81 Someexampleswherehandandarmprotectionmayberequiredare:

(a) Protectionfromcutsandabrasions,forexamplewhenhandlingsharpor

(b) Tokeephandswarmandsuppleincoldweather,forexamplewhenworking

onabuildingsite,asmanualdexterityislostwhenthehandsarecold.

(c) Tokeephandswarmincoldweatherwhenoperatingmachinesthatcause

vibration,suchaspneumaticdrillsandchainsaws.Vibrationwhitefinger

occursmoreoftenandmoreseverelywhenthehandsandfingersarecoldas

thebloodsupplytothefingersisreducedbythebodyinanattemptto

conserveheat.

(d) Dangerfromelectricalhazards–seeparagraph85(c)forfurtherinformation.

(e) Handlingorcomingintocontact withchemicals,forexamplemaintenanceof

machinery,cleaningupchemicalspillagesandmixinganddispensing

pesticideformulations.

(f) Handlingradioactivematerials.

(g) Handlinghotorcoldmaterialsandworkinvolvingaccidentalcontactwith

nakedflamessuchaswelding,ovensetc.

Key points

82 Thekeypointstonoteforhandandarmprotectionare:

(a) Makesurethatusersarenotallergictoorsensitisedbythematerial,for

examplelatexglovesaremadeofrubberandtheproteinspresentinthe

rubberareskinandrespiratorysensitisers.Ifyouhavetouselatexgloves,

useapowder­freetypecontainingaminimumamountoffreeproteins.It

maybebetter toselectanalternativematerial,ifpracticable.

(b) Ensuretheyfitthewearerproperlyandareworncorrectlyforthejobbeing

done.Forexamplethereshouldbenogapbetweenthegloveandthe

wearer’ssleevewhenhandlingdangerouschemicals.

(c) Ensureuserscanhandleandremovetheglovescarefullytoavoid

contaminationofthehandsandtheinsideoftheglove.Contaminantsthat

getinsidethegloveandsitpermanentlyagainsttheskinmaycausegreater

exposurethanifaglovehadnotbeenwornatall.Manywearersarenot

instructedonhowtocorrectlyputonandtakeoffgloves,whichmeansthat

theinsidesoftheglovesbecomecontaminatedwhenwornforthesecond

timeormore.Thiscontaminationcancausedamagetotheskin.

(d) Ensureuserscleantheirhandsthoroughlywhentheychangeglovesand

moisturisetheirhandsatleastonceaday.

(e) Checkglovesregularlyandthrowthemawayiftheyarewornorhave

deteriorated.Theyshouldbefreeofholesorcutsanddebrisandtheirshape

shouldnotbedistorted.

(f) Donotwearagloveforextendedperiodsasthiscanleadtothedevelopment

ofexcessivemoisture(sweat)ontheskinwhichinitselfwillactasan

irritant.

(g) Donotusepre­workcreams,sometimessoldasbarriercreams,asa

replacementforcarefullyselectedgloves.TheyarenotPPEbecause:

(ii) workersmaynotapplythemproperly,leavingpartoftheirskin uncovered;

(iii) there isnoinformationavailableontherateofpenetrationof

substancesthroughpre­workcreams;and

(iv) protectionmayberemovedwhileworkingwithoutworkersnoticing.

(h) Selectcarefullyforchemicalresistanceandprotection,especiallyagainst

mixtures,anddonotuseforlongerthantherecommendedbreakthrough

times.Manufacturerswilladviseonbreakthroughtimesfortheirproducts.

Protective

clothing

(including

the

legs)

Figure7Cut­resistantchainmailapron

Types of protection

83 Protectiveclothingmustoffersomespecificprotection–ifitdoesnot,itis

classifiedas‘workwear’.Therearethreemaintypesofprotectiveclothing:

(a) Separates–jackets,trousersetcthatonlycoverpartofthebody. (b) Aprons–thatonlycoverpartofthebody.

(c) Overalls,coverallsandbodysuits–whichcoverthewholebody.

84 Aswellastrousersforlegprotectiontherearealsokneepadsandgaiters.

Hardfibreormetalguardswillhelpprotectagainstsomeimpacts.

Examples of hazards which may require protective clothing

85 Themainhazardsare:

(a) Workingwithchemicals–handlingsmallquantitiesoflow­riskchemicals

may onlyrequireapronsprotectingagainstaccidentalsplashes.Larger

quantitiesofchemicalorrisksofcontactwithspraysorjetsofchemicalare