PPE may include items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high visibility clothing, safety footwear, safety harnesses, ear plugs, ear defenders and respiratory protective equipment.
In appropriate situations disposable PPE may be provided; eg single-use coveralls.
Employers have duties concerning the provision and use of personal protective equipment at work.
PPE does not include:
- Ordinary working clothes or uniforms not designed to provide for the health or safety of workers;
- Clothing provided for food hygiene purposes;
- Equipment used for protection while travelling on a public road (ie motorcycle or bicycle helmets);
- Equipment used during competitive sport competitions (but other protective equipment used by sports instructors would be included eg a buoyancy aid worn by kayaking instructor);
- An offensive weapon used as self-defence or as deterrent equipment. For example, truncheons or CS gas canisters as used by the police or military (but helmets, body armour and other PPE used to protect staff from physical violence, is included);
- Portable devices for detecting and signalling risks and nuisances, such as badges for detecting radiation, or personal gas detectors.
Credit for this article go to the Safety and Health Practitioner