PPE compliance checklist

A yes/no checklist to verify your business meets all requirements under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022). Covers risk assessment, selection, provision, fit testing, training, maintenance, and record keeping.

UK-wide
Guide summary

Check your business meets PPE safety laws. Provide suitable protective equipment, train workers, and keep records. You must cover all costs and ensure proper fit, maintenance, and storage.

  • Assess if PPE is needed after checking other safety measures
  • Provide suitable PPE at no cost to all workers
  • Ensure PPE fits correctly and is compatible with other equipment
  • Train workers on how to use, maintain, and store PPE
  • Keep PPE in good condition and replace when damaged
  • Store PPE properly to avoid contamination or damage
  • Keep records of PPE issued, maintenance, and training
  • Fit test tight-fitting respiratory equipment before use
  • Replace safety helmets every 3-5 years or after impact
  • Inspect fall harnesses before each use and after any fall
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UK-wide

Related guides in Compliance & Legal

Comply with PPE regulations

How to meet your legal duties under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022). …

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.

Risk assessment and hierarchy of controls

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

  1. 1

    Risk assessment completed for all tasks requiring PPE

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

  2. 2

    Hierarchy of controls applied before resorting to PPE

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

  3. 3

    Risk assessment reviewed when circumstances change

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

PPE selection and suitability

  1. 1

    PPE is suitable for the identified risks

    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.

  2. 2

    PPE is compatible when multiple items are needed

    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.

  3. 3

    PPE fits the individual wearer

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

  4. 4

    Workers consulted on PPE selection

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

Fit testing (respiratory protective equipment)

  1. 1

    Fit testing done for all tight-fitting RPE

    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.

  2. 2

    Fit testing repeated when face shape changes

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

  3. 3

    Clean-shaven policy enforced for tight-fitting RPE

    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.

Provision, training, and maintenance

  1. 1

    PPE provided free of charge

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

  2. 2

    Limb (b) workers covered (since April 2022)

    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.

  3. 3

    Training provided before first use

    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.

  4. 4

    Refresher training provided at suitable intervals

    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.

  5. 5

    Training records maintained

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

  1. 1

    Maintenance schedule in place

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

  2. 2

    Suitable storage provided

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

  3. 3

    Replacement PPE readily available

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

  4. 4

    Defect reporting system in place

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

Record keeping

  1. 1

    PPE issue records maintained

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

  2. 2

    Maintenance records kept

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

  3. 3

    Fit test records retained

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

  4. 4

    Training records up to date

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

Official PPE guidance