PPE: The Last Line of Defence

Personal Protective Equipment should never be your first choice for managing risk. The hierarchy of control puts PPE at the bottom—you should eliminate, substitute, engineer, or administrate hazards before resorting to PPE.

That said, construction work will always require some PPE. Understanding what's required, when it's required, and how to select it properly is essential knowledge for every contractor.

Legal Framework

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended)

These require employers to:

• Provide PPE free of charge where risks cannot be controlled by other means
• Ensure PPE is suitable for the risk and user
• Maintain PPE in good condition
• Provide storage for PPE
• Provide information, instruction, and training on use
• Ensure PPE is properly used

Employee Duties

Workers must:

• Use PPE provided in accordance with training
• Return PPE to storage after use
• Report any defects or loss
• Not misuse PPE

2022 Changes

Since April 2022, limb (b) workers (those who work under a contract personally to do work, but aren't employees) have the same PPE rights as employees. This affects many self-employed contractors.

Minimum Site PPE Standards

Most construction sites require minimum PPE for everyone entering:

Head Protection

• When required: Almost all construction sites
• Standard: EN 397 industrial safety helmets
• Replacement: After any impact, or per manufacturer guidance (typically 3-5 years)
• Considerations: Chin straps for height work, integrated eye protection, compatibility with ear defenders

High-Visibility Clothing

• When required: All areas where vehicles or plant operate
• Standard: EN ISO 20471 Class 2 minimum (Class 3 for higher risk)
• Maintenance: Replace when fluorescent material fades or reflective strips degrade

Safety Footwear

• When required: All construction sites
• Standard: EN ISO 20345 S3 (steel toe, midsole protection, water resistant)
• Considerations: Ankle support, ESD protection for electrical work, metatarsal guards for heavy materials

Task-Specific PPE

Eye Protection

• When: Cutting, grinding, drilling, chipping, working with chemicals, dusty conditions
• Types: Safety spectacles (EN 166), goggles, face shields
• Selection: Match protection to hazard (impact, chemical, dust)

Hearing Protection

• When: Noise exceeds 85 dB(A) or 137 dB(C) peak
• Types: Disposable plugs, reusable plugs, ear muffs
• Selection: Check SNR rating provides adequate but not excessive protection

Respiratory Protection

• When: Dust, fumes, vapours that can't be controlled at source
• Types: Disposable masks (FFP2/FFP3), half-masks with filters, powered respirators
• Selection: Match to substance—FFP3 for silica dust, appropriate filters for chemicals
• Critical: Face fit testing required for tight-fitting masks

Hand Protection

• When: Handling materials, chemicals, hot/cold items, using tools
• Types: Varies hugely—general handling, cut-resistant, chemical-resistant, heat-resistant
• Selection: Match to hazard. Cut-level gloves (A1-F) for sharp materials. Check chemical resistance charts for substances.

Fall Arrest Equipment

• When: Work at height where collective protection not practicable
• Types: Harnesses, lanyards, anchor devices
• Requirements: Training essential, inspection before each use, 6-monthly thorough examination

PPE Selection Process

1. Identify hazards from risk assessment
2. Confirm PPE is needed after applying hierarchy of control
3. Select suitable PPE:
   • Appropriate for the risk
   • Fits the user
   • Compatible with other PPE
   • CE/UKCA marked
4. Provide training on use, limitations, and care
5. Monitor use and enforce compliance
6. Maintain and replace as needed

Common PPE Mistakes

• Buying cheap: Poor quality PPE won't protect and won't be worn
• One size fits all: PPE must fit individuals properly
• Wrong type: Different hazards need different protection (e.g., grinding goggles won't protect from chemicals)
• Ignoring compatibility: Ear muffs that don't fit with hard hats, respirators that don't seal around glasses
• No replacement programme: Worn-out PPE doesn't protect
• Missing training: Workers don't know how to use or maintain PPE

PPE in Your RAMS

Every RAMS should specify:

• Minimum site PPE required
• Additional PPE for specific tasks
• Standards or specifications (not just "safety glasses" but "EN 166 impact rated")
• When PPE must be worn
• Any training or fit testing requirements

DocGen's AI RAMS generator automatically includes appropriate PPE requirements based on the work activities you describe. Try our free PPE selector tool to identify what you need for specific tasks.