A Guide to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safety at Work

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is vital for protecting employees from workplace hazards. Whether it's helmets and gloves on a construction site, or safety goggles and masks in a lab, PPE is your last line of defence when other safety measures can't fully remove risks.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through PPE regulations, why it matters, who is responsible, and how to choose and manage the right equipment for your business.

What is PPE?

PPE refers to clothing or equipment worn to minimise exposure to hazards. It includes items like hard hats, safety boots, hi-vis jackets, gloves, respirators, and safety eyewear.

Employers have a legal duty under UK law to remove or reduce workplace risks wherever possible — PPE steps in when hazards cannot be fully eliminated.

What are the PPE Regulations?

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2002 set out legal duties for both employers and employees:

  • Employers must provide PPE free of charge, ensure it’s suitable, maintain it properly, and train staff to use it.
  • Employees must use PPE correctly and report any loss or damage immediately.

Note: Specialist equipment like hearing protection and respirators may also be covered by additional regulations such as the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

What Isn't PPE?

Not everything that offers protection is classed as PPE. For example:

  • General uniforms (without safety features)
  • Sports protective equipment (except for instructors)
  • Items for self-defence (batons, sprays)
  • Hazard detection devices (gas alarms)

However, helmets and body armour are PPE when worn for personal safety at work.

Why is PPE Important?

Even when preventative steps are taken, residual risks often remain. PPE helps prevent injuries such as:

  • Head injuries from falling objects
  • Eye damage from splashes and debris
  • Respiratory problems from airborne hazards
  • Skin burns or cuts from hazardous materials

Providing PPE isn’t just a legal duty — it protects your workforce and reduces business disruption.

Who is Responsible for PPE?

  • Employers must supply, maintain, store, and train staff in PPE use.
  • Employees must wear PPE properly, care for it, and report issues.

Employers cannot charge staff for PPE they need to carry out their job.

When Should PPE Be Used?

PPE should be used whenever residual risks remain after you've applied all other reasonable controls. For example, after lowering equipment to ground level to work on it safely, workers may still need hard hats and gloves to protect against falling parts or sharp edges.

How to Choose the Right PPE

Ask:

  • What risks are present?
  • How severe are they?
  • How often are workers exposed?

Choose PPE that:

  • Meets the hazard level
  • Fits the worker properly
  • Is comfortable for long periods
  • Carries the CE Mark or equivalent certification

Involve employees in PPE choices for better compliance.

Common Types of PPE

Hard Hats and Helmets
Protect from falling objects and impacts. Available in various colours and customisable with logos at Custom Planet's workwear collection.

Safety Glasses and Goggles
Protect from splashes, particles, and harmful gases.

Ear Defenders
Shield hearing from harmful noise levels over 85 decibels.

Respirators and Dust Masks
Protect lungs from dangerous fumes, dust, and low-oxygen environments.

Gloves
Defend against chemicals, cuts, cold, and heat.

Coveralls and Bib-and-Braces
Full-body protection, often flame-retardant or waterproof.

Hi-Vis Clothing
Boosts visibility in low-light or hazardous conditions. Compliant with BS EN ISO 20471.

Safety Boots and Shoes
Protect feet from crush injuries, punctures, slips, and electrical hazards.

Browse our PPE range for more options.

PPE Training

You must train your staff on:

  • Why PPE is needed
  • When and how to use it
  • Maintenance and fault reporting
  • Proper storage

Follow up regularly to ensure PPE is being used correctly and consistently.

PPE Storage and Maintenance

  • Provide dry, safe, and secure storage
  • Train employees to spot and report faults
  • Replace PPE promptly when damaged
  • Dispose of contaminated or defective PPE safely and responsibly

Why Choose Custom Planet for PPE?

At Custom Planet, we offer a wide range of PPE and workwear tailored to your industry’s needs. We can also customise your PPE with screen printing, embroidery, and finishing touches like staff names or business logos to create a professional, unified look.

Explore:

Need help? Get in touch and we’ll guide you through the best PPE options for your business.

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