HSE Publishes Revised PPE Guidance
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a revised version of its guidance for employers who supply and use personal protective equipment (PPE) at work.
L25: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992, was first published in 1992.
It has now been updated in order to:
| • | reflect changes to the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, as amended; |
| • | keep up with developments in PPE; and |
| • | clarify queries commonly received by the HSE. |
The first section of the booklet sets out the Regulations, followed by information on how to comply with their requirements.
The second part provides details on:
| • | the different types of PPE available; |
| • | the types of hazards that may require PPE to be worn; and |
| • | advice on the correct selection, use and maintenance of PPE. |
With regards to the selection and use of PPE, the HSE has also reissued INDG174: A Short Guide to the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, a free leaflet aimed at providing employers with a brief summary of the law’s main requirements.
In particular, the guide includes:
| • | a short synopsis of common workplace hazards and types of PPE that can be used to prevent worker’s exposure; |
| • | tips on ensuring PPE is adequately maintained; and |
| • | information on providing workers with sufficient training so that PPE is properly used. |
The HSE says that the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, as amended, should not be confused with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002, which deal with the design, manufacture and supply of PPE.
PENINSULA COMMENT
The use of PPE should not be considered as the first or only means of controlling risks that occur in the workplace.
PPE is a last resort and in most instances should only be regarded as a temporary solution until more effective ways of removing or controlling workplace risks are put into place.
Nonetheless, the use of appropriate PPE can be instrumental in preventing exposure to harm for many employees. Employers have an absolute duty to ensure that they take every possible action to prevent or reduce and control the harm that can be caused by exposure to harmful products, equipment and work processes.
Employers must ensure that workplace risks are properly assessed and any PPE that is provided is suitable and appropriate regardless of the cost.
The documentation and guidance notes provided by Peninsula enable its clients to carry out sufficient and appropriate risk assessments and to identify the right PPE for the occasion.