Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom (variant 1, 1952-2022)

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 is a set of regulations in the United Kingdom that govern the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the workplace. These regulations were introduced to ensure the health and safety of employees by requiring employers to provide suitable PPE to protect workers from potential hazards.

Overview

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 outline the responsibilities of both employers and employees regarding the use of PPE in the workplace. Employers are required to assess the workplace for potential hazards that may require the use of PPE and provide appropriate equipment to employees free of charge. Employees, on the other hand, are responsible for using the provided PPE correctly and attending any necessary training on its use.

Key Provisions

The regulations specify that PPE must be suitable for the risks present in the workplace and must be maintained and stored properly. Employers are also required to provide employees with information on the correct use of PPE and ensure that it fits correctly. Additionally, employers must monitor the use of PPE and make any necessary adjustments to ensure its effectiveness.

Enforcement

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for enforcing the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. Inspectors from the HSE may visit workplaces to ensure compliance with the regulations and take enforcement action against employers who fail to meet their obligations.

Impact

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 have had a significant impact on workplace safety in the UK. By requiring employers to provide suitable PPE and ensuring that employees use it correctly, these regulations have helped reduce the number of workplace accidents and injuries.

See also

• Health and Safety Executive
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration