Personal protective equipment (PPE) is defined in the regulations as "all equipment (including clothing affording protection against the weather) which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work which protects them against one or more risks to their health and safety". PPE would include such things as hard hats, eye protection, safety harnesses, life jackets and safety footwear. The regulations however do not apply where requirements for PPE are detailed in other regulations, these include the: •
Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (
SI 2002/2676) •
Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (
SI 1999/3232) •
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 (
SI 2006/2739 •
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (
SI 2002/2677) •
Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989 (
SI 1989/2209) •
Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (
SI 2005/1643) On 6 April 2022 the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022 came into force. They extended the duty on employers to provide personal protective equipment (PPE), including clothing, to those who are classified as "limb (b) workers". Unlike employees, who are "limb (a) workers" and work under an employment contract, limb (b) workers undertake work via a "contract for service" and usually have a more casual working relationship with the employer. See also: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2022/8/contents/made The
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 also states that employers are not allowed to charge for any PPE that is used for work.
Other requirements The regulations also impose requirements with respect to— • compatibility of items of personal protective equipment where it is necessary to wear or use more than one item simultaneously. • the making, review and changing of assessments in relation to the choice of personal protective equipment. • the maintenance (including replacement and cleaning as appropriate) of personal protective equipment. • the provision of accommodation for personal protective equipment. • the provision of information, instruction and training. • ensuring personal protective equipment is used. ==Prosecutions arising from the regulations==