PPE compliance checklist

Use this checklist to verify your PPE compliance. Work through each item and note any gaps. Every "no" answer identifies an area where you may not be meeting your legal duties.

This checklist covers the main requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022). It does not replace a full risk assessment but helps identify common compliance gaps.

PPE at Work Regulations 2022 overview

Core requirements for PPE provision including 2022 amendments.

Original legislation: Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/2966)
Amendment: Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (SI 2022/8)
Amendment date: 6 April 2022
Key 2022 change: Extended PPE duties to 'limb (b) workers' (gig economy, casual workers)
Enforcer: Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Penalty: Unlimited fine on indictment

Risk assessment and hierarchy of controls

Before providing PPE, you must demonstrate that other controls are not reasonably practicable:

PPE selection and suitability

PPE employer duties

Core employer obligations for PPE provision.

Assess need: Determine if PPE required after applying hierarchy of controls
Suitability assessment: Ensure PPE suitable for risks and fits wearer correctly
Free of charge: Provide PPE at no cost to employees or limb (b) workers
Compatibility: Multiple PPE items must work together
Maintenance: Keep in efficient state, working order and good repair
Storage: Provide appropriate accommodation for PPE when not in use
Training: Provide information, instruction and training on use

Fit testing (respiratory protective equipment)

Provision, training, and maintenance

PPE maintenance and replacement

Employer duties for maintaining, storing, and replacing personal protective equipment.

Maintenance duties (Regulation 7):

Keep all PPE in an efficient state, in good working order and in good repair
Maintenance includes: examination, testing, cleaning, disinfection, repair and replacement
Establish a maintenance schedule appropriate to the PPE type and use conditions
Use manufacturer instructions for maintenance intervals and methods

Storage (Regulation 8):

Provide appropriate accommodation (storage) for PPE when not in use
Storage must protect PPE from contamination, loss, and damage
Keep clean, dry, and away from harmful substances
Separate clean and contaminated PPE

RPE-specific maintenance:

Replace disposable filters according to manufacturer schedule or when breathing resistance increases
Check face seals before each use for cracks, distortion, or deterioration
Replace cartridge filters at intervals specified by manufacturer or when breakthrough occurs
Clean and disinfect reusable RPE between shifts

Employer duty: Maintain PPE in efficient state, working order and good repair (Regulation 7)
Storage duty: Provide appropriate accommodation for PPE when not in use (Regulation 8)
Replacement triggers: When defective, damaged, past manufacturer shelf life, no longer fits, or contaminated beyond cleaning
Safety helmets: Replace after any significant impact. Replace at intervals recommended by manufacturer (typically 3-5 years)
Fall protection harnesses: Inspect before each use. Full inspection by competent person at least annually. Replace after a fall arrest event
RPE filters: Replace disposable FFP masks after each shift. Replace cartridge filters per manufacturer schedule
Records: Maintain records of PPE issued, maintenance performed, inspections, and replacements
Cost: All maintenance, replacement, and cleaning must be at employer's expense (not charged to workers)

PPE at work guidance (HSE)

PPE training obligations

Employer duties to provide information, instruction and training on PPE use.

Information employers must provide (Regulation 9):

The risks the PPE protects against and why PPE is needed
The purpose and limitations of the PPE
How to use, wear, adjust, and remove the PPE correctly
How to identify defects and report them
Maintenance and storage responsibilities

Training must include:

Practical demonstration of correct fitting and use
Hands-on practice under supervision
What to do if PPE fails or is damaged during work
Consequences of not wearing PPE when required

When to provide training:

Before first use of any new PPE
When PPE is changed to a different type or model
When workplace risks change
When concerns are raised about effectiveness
Refresher training at suitable intervals (frequency depends on risk level)

Legal requirement: Regulation 9 - provide adequate information, instruction and training on PPE use
Before first use: Training must be given before PPE is used for the first time
Practical element: Training must include practical demonstration and supervised practice
Limb (b) workers: Same training rights as employees from 6 April 2022 (2022 amendment)
RPE fit testing: Tight-fitting RPE requires specific fit testing training - wearer must understand why fit is critical
Refresher training: Provide at suitable intervals - frequency based on risk level, complexity of PPE, and observation of use
Records: Keep training records including who was trained, what PPE, date, and trainer. No statutory retention period but good practice to retain for duration of employment
Language: Training must be in a language and format workers can understand. Use visual aids where language barriers exist

PPE at work guidance (HSE)

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PPE compliance checklist

Risk assessment and hierarchy of controls

PPE selection and suitability

Fit testing (respiratory protective equipment)

Provision, training, and maintenance

Record keeping

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Risk assessment and hierarchy of controls

PPE selection and suitability

Fit testing (respiratory protective equipment)

Provision, training, and maintenance

Record keeping

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