Buy the right personal protective equipment
Choosing protective kit that's suitable for the risks, workplace conditions and the wearer including the types of protective equipment you should provide.
Before purchasing any personal protective equipment (PPE), you need to carry out a health and safety risk assessment.
Under PPE laws you may need to provide:
- protective clothing, eg aprons, gloves, footwear, helmets, high-visibility waistcoats and clothing which gives protection against the weather
- protective equipment, eg eye protectors, respirators and safety harnesses
PPE equipment or clothing must be:
- appropriate to the risks and workplace conditions
- suitable for the ergonomics and state of health of the employee
- capable of fitting the wearer correctly, eg helmets with adjustable chin straps
- CE marked to meet the standards set out in the regulations
The British Standards Institution (BSI) is one organisation that can give a CE mark to show that a product meets the requirements of all relevant European Union directives. It can also give a Kitemark - its own quality mark - to equipment such as respiratory masks.
What should I check?
Check that all equipment is compatible and suitable for all the jobs it's needed for. A supplier should be able to advise you on the suitability of equipment.