PPE — Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 require that:
- Employers provide suitable and sufficient PPE when a risk to health and safety cannot be eliminated or minimised in some other way.
- Employers supply training and information about the hazards and how to use the PPE. They also have to ensure the PPE is being used (e.g. supervision, safety audits).
- PPE is inspected, maintained and stored correctly.
- Employees use the PPE provided, do not interfere with it, and report any defects or deficiencies.
Categories of PPE
| Category | Level | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Category I | Simple | Gardening gloves, non-specialist coveralls |
| Category II | Intermediate | Industrial safety helmets, protective footwear |
| Category III | Complex | For protection against mortal danger |
Most rope-access suspension equipment falls into Category III and must undergo independent type testing, usually to European Performance (EN) standards.
The equipment must be supplied with appropriate technical and user instructions and must be manufactured under an independently verified quality system (e.g. ISO 9000), or be subject to periodic independent batch testing.
Inspection frequencies
The PPE Regulations require components to be examined at least every twelve months.
HSE Specialist Inspector Report No. 59 recommends that, for textile items, the frequency should be increased:
- Every six months as a baseline.
- Every three months or more frequently for "arduous environments" if the risk assessment shows special hazards.
Why this matters
IRATA's accident statistics show that the majority of reported accidents have been minor and have involved operatives not wearing appropriate PPE — in particular suitable gloves and eye protection.
Operatives are encouraged to wear the appropriate PPE for the full duration of the work activity creating the hazard.