PPE compliance checklist

Your risk assessment identifies specific hazards, evaluates the risk, and explains why PPE is needed where other controls cannot adequately reduce the risk.

You have considered elimination, substitution, engineering controls, and administrative controls before deciding PPE is necessary. PPE is a last resort under Regulation 4.

You review your PPE risk assessment when new equipment, processes, or substances are introduced, when incidents occur, or when workers raise concerns.

Each item of PPE is appropriate for the specific hazard, the task, and the working environment. CE or UKCA marked and meets relevant BS EN standard.

Where workers wear several items of PPE together (e.g. hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection), you have checked they do not interfere with each other.

Different sizes are available. Individual factors are considered including facial hair (for RPE), glasses, and any medical conditions.

You have involved workers in choosing PPE. They are more likely to wear equipment they find comfortable and practical.

Every worker who uses a tight-fitting facepiece (FFP masks, half-face or full-face respirators) has been individually fit tested for the specific make, model, and size they use.

Re-testing arranged after significant weight change, dental work, facial scarring, or change of RPE model.

Workers using tight-fitting RPE are clean-shaven in the face seal area. Stubble as short as one day's growth can break the seal.

All PPE is provided at no cost to employees and limb (b) workers. No deposits, deductions from wages, or charges for replacement.

Agency workers, casual workers, zero-hours contract workers, and other non-employee workers who are personally exposed to risks are provided with PPE on the same basis as employees.

Every worker has received training on why PPE is needed, how to use it correctly, its limitations, how to identify defects, and how to report problems. Training includes practical demonstration.

Refresher training is given when PPE is changed, when concerns are raised, or at regular intervals based on the risk level and complexity of the PPE.

Records kept of who was trained, what PPE, date, and trainer name.

A maintenance regime covers inspection, cleaning, repair, and replacement for all PPE. Manufacturer instructions are followed for maintenance intervals.

Clean, dry storage is available for PPE when not in use. Clean and contaminated PPE are stored separately.

Replacement items are available so workers are not left without protection when PPE is being maintained, cleaned, or replaced.

Workers know how to report damaged or defective PPE and replacements are provided promptly.

Records show what PPE has been issued to each worker, including type, size, and date.

Records of inspections, maintenance, and replacements for PPE are maintained. Particularly important for fall protection harnesses and RPE.

RPE fit test records include worker name, RPE make/model/size, test method, test date, and result.

Training records are current and include all workers who use PPE, including limb (b) workers.