Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022)
What this means for your business
- Enforced by
- HSE
- Applies to
- United Kingdom
- On this page
- 9 compliance obligations, 7 practical guides across 2 topics
What you must do
9 compliance obligations under this legislation.
Risk assessment 1
Assess and review suitability of PPE before providing it
Unlimited fineWhenever you have to supply personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers, you must first carry out an assessment to confirm the equipment is suitable. The assessment must identify any remaining risks, set out the required PPE features, compare available options and check compatibility with other PPE. You also need to review this assessment whenever it might no longer be valid or when there are significant changes affecting the PPE.
Equipment and safety 4
Ensure compatible and effective PPE when using multiple items
Unlimited fineIf your workers need to wear more than one piece of protective equipment at the same time because there are several hazards, you must make sure the items work together and still protect against each risk. This applies to you as an employer and also if you are self‑employed and face multiple hazards.
Maintain and replace personal protective equipment (PPE)
As an employer you must keep any PPE you give to staff in good working order. This means regularly checking equipment, cleaning it, fixing any damage and replacing it when it’s no longer fit for use. Set up a simple log or checklist so you can show the PPE is always safe and effective.
Provide suitable personal protective equipment to workers
Unlimited fineYou must give any employee (or yourself if you are self‑employed) the right protective gear whenever they could be exposed to a health or safety risk at work, unless the risk is already controlled by other means. The equipment has to match the hazard, fit the wearer, be comfortable, work effectively, meet legal standards and be assigned for exclusive use by that person.
Provide suitable storage for unused PPE
Unlimited fineIf you are required to supply personal protective equipment (PPE) for your workers, you must also make sure there is a safe, clean place to store that equipment when it isn’t being worn. This means setting up lockers, racks or other accommodation so PPE stays in good condition and is easy to access.
Management duties 2
Assess, provide and manage suitable respiratory protective equipment and protective clothing
Unlimited fineIf you need to give employees respiratory protective equipment or protective clothing, you must first assess what is suitable, make sure it complies with any relevant EU‑derived safety standards, provide appropriate changing and storage facilities, and ensure the items are returned after use. Keep records of the assessment, the equipment’s compliance, and the storage/return procedures.
Ensure proper use and return of personal protective equipment
You must make sure that any PPE you provide to your staff is actually worn correctly and safely. This means giving workers the right training and instructions, checking that they follow them, and ensuring they put the equipment back in its designated storage after use. Failure to do so can lead to criminal prosecution.
Reporting and filing 1
Report any loss or defect of provided PPE immediately
If you give an employee personal protective equipment (PPE), they must tell you straight away if it is lost or shows an obvious defect. This means you need a quick way for staff to report problems, such as a simple log or digital form, so the equipment can be replaced or repaired without delay.
Training 1
Provide information, instruction and training on PPE
Unlimited fineIf you must give workers personal protective equipment, you also have to teach them how and why to use it. You need to explain the risks the equipment controls, show how to wear and maintain it, keep the guidance accessible, and run practical demonstrations at appropriate intervals.
Penalties for non-compliance
6 penalties under this legislation. 6 carry an unlimited fine.
Assess and review suitability of PPE before providing it
Unlimited fine
Ensure compatible and effective PPE when using multiple items
Unlimited fine
Provide suitable personal protective equipment to workers
Unlimited fine
Provide suitable storage for unused PPE
Unlimited fine
Assess, provide and manage suitable respiratory protective equipment and protective clothing
Unlimited fine
Provide information, instruction and training on PPE
Unlimited fine
Practical guidance
Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.
Sector-Specific 5
Environmental compliance for construction sites
Your environmental obligations for construction sites including site waste management, environmental permits, dust control, and noise management.
Manage hazardous construction materials
How to comply with COSHH 2002 when working with cement, silica dust, solvents, lead paint, and wood dust …
Construction Site Health and Safety
Essential health and safety requirements for construction sites including work at height, asbestos, manual handling, and PPE.
Select and fit test respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
How to select the right respiratory protective equipment for your workplace hazards and ensure it is properly fit …
Control respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust in the workplace
How to identify and control silica dust exposure in your workplace. Covers COSHH assessment for RCS, the workplace …
Compliance & Legal 2
Comply with PPE regulations
How to meet your legal duties under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022. Covers employer duties, …
PPE compliance checklist
A yes/no checklist to verify your business meets all requirements under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations …
Sections and provisions
15 classified provisions from this legislation.
Duties 9
- Schedule 2 MODIFICATIONS
- s.4 Provision of personal protective equipment employer
- s.5 Compatibility of personal protective equipment employer
- s.6 Assessment of personal protective equipment
- s.7 Maintenance and replacement of personal protective equipment employer
- s.8 Accommodation for personal protective equipment
- s.9 Information, instruction and training action
- s.10 Use of personal protective equipment employer
- s.11 Reporting loss or defect