Regulations

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended)

ppe

These regulations apply to all industries and work practices and emphasise that wherever possible risks should be reduced by control measures other than by the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The use of PPE as one of the final options of a risk reduction process, only applies when the other measures have failed to lower the risks to an acceptable level.

Within the asbestos removal industry the correct use of PPE is crucial to the health of the asbestos operative. The correct selection and use of PPE is also essential to others potentially exposed to asbestos fibre, including consultancies and analytical organisations, maintenance workers and those within the construction, refurbishment and demolition industries.

The regulations state that:
- PPE must be suitable and compatible,
- An assessment should be made to ensure that the PPE is suitable,
- PPE must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair,
- Employees must be provided with adequate information, instruction and training.

PPE is only suitable:
- If it is appropriate for the risks involved and the conditions of the workplace,
- If it takes account of requirements of the wearer,
- If it is capable of fitting the wearer correctly, and can be adjusted accordingly,
- If it is effective to prevent or adequately control the risk.

Other associated documentation
HSG 248 Asbestos: the analysts' guide for sampling, analysis and clearance procedures (2005)
HSG 247 Asbestos: the licensed contractors guide (2006)
L25 Personal Protective Equipment at Work (2005)
HSG 53 Respiratory Protective Equipment at Work (2005)