Do employers have to provide personal protective equipment?

It is the employer’s responsibility to provide “suitable” personal protective equipment to employees who may be exposed to a risk to their health or safety while at work.

Are there any exceptions to this rule? Yes, there is one. This is where the risk has been adequately controlled by other means which are equally or more effective.

The regulations relevant to you are enshrined in the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.

The accompanying PPE guidance states:

  • Employers should provide appropriate PPE and training in its usage to employees
  • Employees must have the equipment readily available
  • No charge can be issued to workers for the provision of PPE which is used only at work

Please refer to hse.gov.uk for more information on PPE regulations.

Personal Protective Equipment courses

Reynolds Training Services provide an online Personal Protective Equipment course which covers all aspects of core responsibilities covering use, maintenance and sources of information relating to PPE.

Contact us

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0331 6300 626

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Karon Reynolds

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- John Reynolds

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