Personal Protective Equipment at WorkPersonal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

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PersonalProtectiveEquipmentatWorkPersonalProtectiveEquipmentatWorkRegulations1992Introduction 2 PART 1 Guidance on the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 3 Regulation 1 Citation and commencement 3 Regulation 2 Interpretation 3 Regulation 3 Disapplication of these Regulations 3 Regulation 4 Provision of personal protective equipment 6 Regulation 5 Compatibility of personal protective equipment 11 Regulation 6 Assessment of personal protective equipment 11 Regulation 7 Maintenance and replacement of personal protective equipment 13 Regulation 8 Accommodation for personal protective equipment 14 Regulation 9 Information, instruction and training 14 Regulation 10 Use of personal protective equipment 16 Regulation 11 Reporting loss or defect 17 Regulation 12 Exemption certificates 17 Regulation 13 Extension outside Great Britain 17 Regulation 14 Modifications, repeal and revocations 18 PART 2 Selection, use and maintenance of personal protective equipment 19 Introduction 19 Head protection 20 Eye and face protection 21 Hand and arm protection 23 Protective clothing (including the legs) 25 High visibility clothing 27 Foot protection 28 Drowning protection: Buoyancy aids, life jackets and immersion suits 30 Personal fall protection 31 Hearing protection 32 Respiratory protective equipment 32 Appendix 1: 34 The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (General Duties of Self-Employed Persons) (Prescribed Undertakings) Regulations 2015: Schedule: Activities References and further reading 35

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Introduction Aboutthisbook

1ThisguidanceprovidespracticaladviceonhowyoucancomplywiththerequirementsofthePersonalProtectiveEquipmentatWorkRegulations1992(theregulations).1Part1setsouteachoftheregulations,followedbyrelevantguidance.Part2includesmoredetailsofthetypesofPPE available, hazards that may require PPE to be used and advice on selection, use andmaintenance.

2 The regulations are based on the EU Directive 89/656/EEC2 requiring similar basic lawsthroughouttheEUontheuseofpersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE)intheworkplace.

3Thisbookisforemployersandrelevantself-employedpersons.

4Changesinthiseditionincludeamendments:

(a)requiredfollowingtherepealoftheConstruction(HeadProtection)Regulations1998;

(b) toadviseon thecurrentposition regarding turban-wearingSikhsandheadprotectionfollowingtheextensionofanexemptiongrantedbysections11and12oftheEmploymentAct1989asamendedbysection6oftheDeregulationAct2015;3

(c) required following the enactment of section 1 of the Deregulation Act 2015, whichamendedsection3(2)oftheHealthandSafetyatWorketcAct1974,andtheDeregulationAct 2015 (Health and Safety at Work) (General Duties of Self-Employed Persons)(ConsequentialAmendments)Order2015,4whichamendedtheseregulations;and

(d)thoserequiredtoaccommodateotherlegislative,standardorguidancechanges.

Involvingworkers

5Workplaceswhereemployeesare involved in takingdecisionsabouthealthandsafetyaresaferandhealthier.Collaborationwithyouremployeeshelpsyoutomanagehealthandsafetyinapracticalwayby:

(a)helpingyouspotworkplacerisks;

(b)makingsurehealthandsafetycontrolsarepractical;and

(c)increasingthelevelofcommitmenttoworkinginasafeandhealthyway.

6Employersmustconsultemployeesingoodtimeonhealthandsafetymatters.Inworkplaceswhereatradeunionisrecognised,thiswillbethroughunionhealthandsafetyrepresentatives.Innon-unionisedworkplaces,consulteitherdirectlyorthroughotherelectedrepresentatives. 7Consultationinvolvesemployersbothgivinginformationtoemployeesandlisteningtothem,taking account of what they say beforemaking health and safety decisions. SeeConsultingemployeesonhealthandsafety:Abriefguidetothelaw5andwww.hse.gov.uk/involvementformoreinformation.Issuesyoushouldconsultemployeesoninclude:

(a)risksarisingfromtheirwork;

(b)proposalstomanageand/orcontroltheserisks;

(c)thebestwaysofprovidinginformationandtraining.

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PART1

GuidanceonthePersonalProtectiveEquipmentatWorkRegulations1992

Regulation1:Citationandcommencement

TheseRegulationsmaybecitedasthePersonalProtectiveEquipmentatWorkRegulations1992andshallcomeintoforceon1stJanuary1993.

Regulation2:Interpretation

IntheseRegulations:

(a)unlessthecontextotherwiserequires,“personalprotectiveequipment”meansallequipment (includingclothingaffordingprotectionagainst theweather)which isintendedtobewornorheldbyapersonatworkandwhichprotectsthepersonagainstoneormore risks to thatperson’shealthor safety, andany additionoraccessorydesignedtomeetthatobjective;and

(b)“relevantself-employedperson”meansaself-employedpersonwhoconductsanundertaking of a prescribed description for the purposes of section 3(2) of theHealthandSafetyatWorketc.Act1974.

AnyreferenceintheseRegulationsto:

(a)anumberedregulationorScheduleisareferencetotheregulationorScheduleintheseRegulationssonumbered;and

(b)anumberedparagraphisareferencetotheparagraphsonumberedintheregulationinwhichthereferenceappears.

*Regulation2(1)substitutedbyS.I.2015/1637

Guidance:Relevantself-employedpersons

8Arelevantself-employedpersonmeansaself-employedpersonwhoconductsanundertakingofaprescribeddescriptionforthepurposesofsection3(2)oftheHealthandSafetyatWorketcAct1974(theHSWAct).6‘PrescribedUndertaking’isdefinedintheHealthandSafetyatWorkAct(GeneralDutiesofSelf-EmployedPersons)(PrescribedUndertakings)Regulations20157andrelatestothekindofactivitiesconducted(seeAppendix1).

Regulation3:DisapplicationoftheseRegulations

(1)TheseRegulationsshallnotapplytoorinrelationtothemasterorcrewofasea-goingshiportotheemployerofsuchpersonsinrespectofthenormalship-boardactivitiesofaship’screwunderthedirectionofthemaster. (2)Regulations4to12shallnotapplyinrespectofpersonalprotectiveequipmentwhichis–

(a)ordinaryworkingclothesanduniformswhichdonotspecificallyprotectthehealthandsafetyofthewearer;

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(b)anoffensiveweaponwithinthemeaningofsection1(4)ofthePreventionofCrimeAct1953usedasself-defenceorasdeterrentequipment;

(c)portabledevicesfordetectingandsignallingrisksandnuisances;

(d)personalprotectiveequipmentusedforprotectionwhiletravellingonaroadwithinthemeaning(inEnglandandWales)ofsection192(1)oftheRoadTrafficAct1988,and(inScotland)ofsection151oftheRoads(Scotland)Act1984;

(e)equipmentusedduringtheplayingofcompetitivesports.

(3)Regulations4and6to12shallnotapplywhereanyofthefollowingRegulationsapplyandinrespectofanyrisktoaperson’shealthorsafetyforwhichanyofthemrequiretheprovisionoruseofpersonalprotectiveequipment,namely–

(a)theControlofLeadatWorkRegulations1980;*

(b)theIonisingRadiationsRegulations1999SI1999/3232;

(c)theControlofAsbestosRegulations2012;

(d)theControlofSubstancesHazardoustoHealthRegulations1998;†

(e)theControlofNoiseatWorkRegulations2005;

(f)theConstruction(HeadProtection)Regulations1989.**

* Superseded by the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 † Superseded by th Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

** Revoked in April 2013, these regulations have not been replaced (see paragraph 15).

Guidance:

Clothing

9Theregulationsdonotapplytothefollowingtypesofclothing:

(a)uniformsprovidedfortheprimarypurposeofpresentingacorporateimage;

(b)ordinaryworkingclothes;and

(c)‘protectiveclothing’providedinthefoodindustryprimarilyforfoodhygienepurposes.

10However,whereanyuniformorclothingprotectsagainstaspecificrisktohealthandsafety,forexamplehighvisibility clothingwornby theemergency services, itwill be subject to theregulations.Weatherproof or insulated clothing is subject to the regulations if it isworn toprotectemployeesagainstriskstotheirhealthorsafety,butnototherwise.

Helmets

11Theregulationsdonotcovertheuseofprotectiveequipmentsuchascyclehelmetsorcrashhelmetswornbyemployeeson the roads.Motorcyclecrashhelmetsare legally required formotorcyclistsunderroadtrafficlegislation;exceptwherethemotorcyclistisaturban-wearingSikh,assection16oftheRoadTrafficAct19888givesthatgroupanexemption.Theregulationsdoapplytotheuseofsuchequipmentatworkelsewhere,ifthereisarisktohealthandsafety,forexample,farmworkersridingmotorcyclesor ‘all-terrain’vehicles(ATVs)shouldusecrashhelmets.

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Professionalsportspeople

12TheregulationsdonotrequireprofessionalsportspeopletousePPEsuchasshinguardsorheadprotectionduringcompetition.However,theydoapplytosportsequipmentusedinotherworkcircumstances,forexample,lifejacketswornbyprofessionalcanoeinginstructors,ridinghelmetswornbystablestaff,orclimbinghelmetswornbysteeplejacks. Riskofphysicalviolence

13TheregulationsapplytotheprovisionofPPE(suchashelmetsorbodyarmour)wherestaffareatriskfromphysicalviolence.Whereariskassessmentconsiderspersonalsirensoralarmsshould be provided they would be covered by the Provision and Use of Work EquipmentRegulations1998andarenotPPE. Radiationdosemeters

14Theregulationsdonotcoverpersonalgasdetectorsorradiationdosemeters.Althoughthisequipment would come within the broad definition of PPE, it is excluded as many of theregulationswouldnotbeappropriatetoit(forexample,thefittingandergonomicrequirementsofregulation4).However,employerswillhaveadutytoprovidesuchequipmentundersection2oftheHSWActifitsuseisnecessarytoensurethehealthandsafetyofemployees.Applicationtoconstructionsites

15 Regulation 3(3)(f) refers to the Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989.9 Theseregulations,whichincludedspecificprovisionsrelatingtohardhatsandotherheadprotectionwornonconstructionsites,wererepealedon6April2013;fromthatdateconstructionsitesrelysolelyontheprovisionsoftheseregulations. ApplicationtomembersoftheSikhfaith

16Sections11and12oftheEmploymentAct1989,asamendedbysection6oftheDeregulationAct2015,10provideanexemptionfromtheneedtowearheadprotectioninanyworkplace,includingconstructionsites,forturban-wearingSikhs,withcertainlimitedexceptionsforhigh-risktasks.

17 Theexemptionapplies toany turban-wearingSikh in theworkplacewhether theyareanemployeeornot,forexamplevisitors.Itappliessolelytoturban-wearingmembersoftheSikhfaith;theexemptionappliesonlytoheadprotectionandSikhsarerequiredtowearallothernecessaryPPEundertheseregulations.

18Whereaturban-wearingSikhchoosesnottowearheadprotection,theexemptionincludesalimitationontheliabilityofthedutyholdershouldanincidentoccur.

19Employersarestillrequiredtotakeallnecessaryactionstoavoidinjuryfromfallingobjectsbyputtinginplacesuchsafesystemsofwork,controlmeasuresandengineeringsolutions,forexamplerestrictingaccesstoareaswherethismaybeanissue.20 The exceptions referred to relate to certain high-risk tasks performed by individuals inoccupations which involve providing an urgent response to an emergency, where a riskassessmenthasidentifiedthatheadprotectionisessentialfortheprotectionoftheindividual,suchasafirefighterenteringaburningbuilding.

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Applicationtomerchantshipping

21Seagoingshipsaresubjecttoseparatemerchantshipping legislation,administeredbytheDepartmentforTransport,whichgivesprotectiontopeopleonboard.Regulation3(1)disappliestheregulationsinrespectofthenormalshipboardactivitiesofaship’screwunderthedirectionof themaster.But itdoesnotdisapply them inrespectofotherworkactivities, forexamplewhereashore-basedcontractorgoesonboardashiptocarryoutwork,thatperson’sactivitieswill be subject to the regulationswithin territorial waters as provided for by regulation 13.Regulation3(1)referstothecrewofseagoingshipsonly.TheregulationswillapplytoPPEusedonshipsthatonlyoperateoninlandwaters. Applicationtoaircraft

22 Aircraft are subject to these regulationswhile on the ground and in airspace overGreatBritain. Applicationofotherregulations

23Thesetsofregulationslistedinregulation3(3)requiretheprovisionanduseofcertainPPEagainstparticularhazards,andtheregulationswillnotapplywheretheseregulationsremaininforce. The regulations do not apply to hearing protectors and most respiratory protectiveequipment(RPE).Forexample,apersonworkingwithasbestoswould,wherenecessary,havetouseRPEandprotectiveclothingundertheControlofAsbestosRegulations2012,11ratherthantheseregulations.However,eveniftheregulationsdonotapply,theadvicegiveninthisguidancemaystillbeuseful,asthegeneralprinciplesofselectingandmaintainingsuitablePPEandtrainingemployeesinitsusearecommontoallregulationswhichrefertoPPE.

24TherearespecificPPErequirementssetoutinregulationsrelatingtooffshoreinstallationsandmines.Employers(andotherswithdutiesundertheregulations)willhavetocomplywithboththespecificregulationsandtheseregulations. Applicationtonon-employees

25Although these regulationsdonotapply to peoplewho are not employees, for examplevoluntaryworkers, childrenwhile in school, students at university and visitors toworksites;thereisprovisionwithinsection3oftheHSWActthatrequireseveryemployertoensure,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,thatpersonsnotintheiremploymentbutwhomaybeaffectedbytheworkarenotexposedtoriskstotheirhealthandsafety.IfemployersarerequiredtoprovidePPEtocomplywithasection3duty,byfollowingtherequirementsoftheseregulationstheyarelikelytodoso,forexamplehavingastockofhardhats,hi-visjacketsordisposableoverallsforthe use of visitors. The regulations do apply to trainees and students on work experienceprogrammes.

Regulation4:Provisionofpersonalprotectiveequipment

(1)[Subjecttoparagraph(1A)](a)Everyemployershallensurethatsuitablepersonalprotectiveequipmentisprovidedtohisemployeeswhomaybeexposedtoarisktotheirhealthorsafetywhileatworkexceptwhereandtotheextentthatsuchriskhasbeenadequatelycontrolledbyothermeanswhichareequallyormoreeffective.

(1A) Where the characteristics of any policing activity are such that compliance by therelevantofficerwiththerequirementinparagraph(1)wouldleadtoaninevitableconflictwith

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theexerciseofpolicepowersorperformanceofpoliceduties,thatrequirementshallbecompliedwithsofarasisreasonablypracticable.(b)

(2)Everyrelevantself-employedpersonshallensurethatheisprovidedwithsuitablepersonalprotectiveequipmentwherehemaybeexposedtoarisktohishealthorsafetywhileatworkexceptwhereandtotheextentthatsuchriskhasbeenadequatelycontrolledbyothermeanswhichareequallyormoreeffective.

(3)Withoutprejudicetothegeneralityofparagraphs(1)and(2),personalprotectiveequipmentshallnotbesuitableunless–

(a)itisappropriatefortheriskorrisksinvolved,theconditionsattheplacewhereexposuretotheriskmayoccur,andtheperiodforwhichitisworn;(c)

(b) it takesaccountofergonomic requirementsand the stateofhealthof thepersonorpersons who may wear it, and of the characteristics of the workstation of each suchperson;(d)

(c) it iscapableof fittingthewearercorrectly, ifnecessary,afteradjustmentswithintherangeforwhichitisdesigned;

(d)sofarasispracticable,itiseffectivetopreventoradequatelycontroltheriskorrisksinvolvedwithoutincreasingoverallrisk;

(e)itcomplieswithanyenactment(whetherinanActorinstrument)whichimplementsinGreatBritainanyprovisionondesignormanufacturewithrespecttohealthorsafetyinanyrelevant Community directive listed in Schedule 1 which is applicable to that item ofpersonalprotectiveequipment.

(4)Whereitisnecessarytoensurethatpersonalprotectiveequipmentishygienicandotherwisefreeofrisktohealth,everyemployerandeveryrelevantself-employedpersonshallensurethatpersonalprotectiveequipmentprovidedunderthisregulationisprovidedtoapersonforuseonlybyhim.(e)

(a)Paragraph(1):words‘Subjecttoparagraph(1A),’insquarebracketsinsertedbySI1999/860,regulation4(1)(2).(b)Paragraph(1A):insertedbySI1999/860,regulation4(1)(3).(c)Paragraph3:subparagraph(a)substitutedbySI2002/2174regulation5(a).(d)Paragraph3:subparagraph(b)substitutedbySI2002/2174regulation5(a)(e)Paragraph(4):insertedbySI2002/2174,regulation5(b).

Guidence:

Providingpersonalprotectiveequipment

26 Under these regulations, PPE should be regarded as the last resort to protect against risks to health and safety. Engineering controls and safe systems of work should be considered first. Risk assessment: A brief guide to controlling risks in the workplace12 sets out the principles for controlling risks. In taking action ask yourself:

(a) Can I get rid of the hazard altogether?

(b) If not, how can I control the risk so that harm is unlikely? 27 In controlling risks the followingprinciples shouldbe applied, if possible in the followingorder:

(a)Tryalessriskyoption,forexampleuselowervoltagetools.

(b)Preventaccesstothehazard,forexamplebyguarding.

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(c)Organizeworktoreduceexposuretothehazard,forexampleifthereisariskoffallingobjects,ensurerestrictedentrytothatareaifpossible.

(d)Ifafteralltheabovestepshavebeenfollowedthereisstillaresidualrisk,youmayberequired to provide PPE, but only if it will further minimise the risk, for example theprovisionofheadprotectionwherethereisariskfromfallingobjects,suchascarryingoutconstructionworkorprovidingappropriatePPEwherechemicalsarehandled.

28ThereareanumberofreasonsformakingPPEthelastresort.

(a) PPE only protects the personwearing it, whereas controlling the risk at source canprotecteveryoneintheworkplace.

(b)MaximumlevelsofprotectionareseldomachievedwithPPEinpracticeandtheactuallevelofprotectionisdifficulttoassess.

(c)EffectiveprotectionisonlyachievedbysuitablePPE,correctlyfittedandmaintainedandproperlyused.

(d)PPEmayrestrictthewearertosomeextentbylimitingmovementorvisibility.

29PPEisnotnecessarywheretheriskis insignificant,forexample,inmostworkplacestherewillbesomeriskofpeopledroppingobjectsontotheirfeet,butitisonlywhereobjectsheavyenough to injure the feetarebeinghandled that the riskwillbehighenough to require theprovisionofsafetyfootwear.

30 When providing PPE, employers should ensure that equipment is readily available, andemployees have clear instructions on where they can obtain it.Most PPE is provided on apersonal basis, butmay be shared by employees, for examplewhere it is only required forlimitedperiods.Whenshared,employers shouldensure suchequipment isproperly cleanedand,whererequired,decontaminatedtoensuretherearenohealthriskstothenextpersonusingit.

31PPEshouldonlybeusedwhereitprovidesadditionalprotectionfromresidualrisk.Itmustbeidentifiedasrequiredaspartofariskassessment.TheremaybecertainjobsandworkplacesthatwouldrequireeveryonetouseaspecifictypeofPPE,forexampleprovidingappropriategloveswhenworkingwithchemicals.

32 However your PPE policymust be flexible enough to accommodate individual needs, forexample someone with an allergy to latex or pre-existing medical conditions etc. Makingrequirementsforeveryemployeemaybeinappropriate,forexamplehavinginplaceageneralrequirement to wear overalls or headgear all the timemay be inappropriate if there is nosignificantrisktobemanaged.TherearetimeswhenwearingPPEcanactuallyincreasetherisktotheemployeeandwhereit is inappropriatefortheindividualorforthetaskbeingcarriedout.

33ThePolice (HealthandSafety)Regulations199913extendedtheregulationstothepoliceservice,whichhastoprovidesuitablePPE(unlesstherearestronggoodoperationalreasonsnotto)andcomplywiththeprovisionssetoutintheseregulations.

34 The PPE used should adequately control risks. However, no PPE will provide completeprotectionagainst the risk (forexample firefighters’protectiveclothingcangiveonly limitedprotectionfromradiantheatandflames). 35TheuseofPPEmustnotincreasetheoveralllevelofrisk,iePPEmustnotbeworniftheriskcausedbywearingitisgreaterthantheriskagainstwhichitismeanttoprotect.

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Mobile/agencyworkers

36Insomeindustries,particularlythosewheremobileandagencyworkersareengagedundera contract of employment (such as contractmaintenance or constructionworkers), the siteoperatormaybebetterplacedtoprovidetheappropriatePPEthanthemobileworker’sownemployerortheagency.Althoughunderthesecircumstancesthemobileworker’semployeroragencydoesnothave to repeat theprovisionof suitablePPE, it is still their responsibility toensurethatsuitablePPEisprovided.Similarly,thesiteoperatormayinpracticetaketheactionnecessarytomeettherequirementsoftheregulations,butthemobileworker’semployeroragencystillremainsresponsibleforensuringthatthishasbeendone. ChargingforprovidingPPE

37AnemployercannotaskformoneytobepaidtothembyanemployeefortheprovisionofPPEwhetherreturnableorotherwise;thisalsorelatestoreturnabledeposits.Section9oftheHSW Act prohibits an employer from charging for anything done or provided by them toemployeeswhereitisdoneorprovidedbecausethereisaspecificstatutoryrequirementontheemployer. This provision relates to PPE because these regulations impose such a ‘specificrequirement’.38IfemploymenthasbeenterminatedandtheemployeekeepsthePPEwithouttheemployer’spermission,thenprovidedithasbeenstipulatedinthecontractofemployment,theemployermaybeabletodeductthecostofreplacementfromanywagesowed.39Youcannotchargeagencyworkerswhoareyouremployees(orwhomaybelegallyregardedasyouremployees)forPPE,oraskthemtopayarefundabledepositonPPEyouarelendingthem.YoucanchargeaworkerforPPEiftheyaregenuinelyself-employed.Ifyouareahirerproviding PPE to aworker employed by an employment business you canmake a chargingarrangementwith the employment business, but the employment business cannot pass thechargeontotheworkerorpermityoutochargetheworkerdirectly. SuitabilityofPPE

40Regulation4(3)(a)–(e)listsfactorswhichdeterminewhetherPPEissuitable.WhenselectingPPEyoushouldconsiderandtakeaccountofthefollowingfactors:

(a)thejobitselfandtherisksforwhichprotectionisneeded.Forexample,ifthereisariskfromfallingobjects,considerprovidingsuitableindustrialsafetyhelmetsorhardhats;(b)thephysicaleffortneededtodothejob,howlongthePPEhastobeworn,andtherequirementsforvisibilityandcommunication;(c) the environment and surrounding conditions, for example the weather if workingoutside,temperature,noise,ventilationetc;

(d) the person: consider the health of the personwearing the PPE and its ergonomiceffects.PPEmadeofcertainmaterialsshouldnotbeissuedtoworkersiftheyareknowntocauseallergies,forexamplelatexgloves.Heavyorbulkysuitscancauseormakeworseexistingmusculoskeletalproblemsandcausethermalcomfortproblems.

41TheaimshouldbetochoosePPEwhichgivesmaximumprotectionwhileensuringminimumdiscomforttothewearer,asuncomfortableequipmentisunlikelytobewornproperly.

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42Thosewhodothejobareusuallybestplacedtoknowwhatisinvolvedandwhatproblemsexist, and they should be consulted and involved in the selection and specification of theequipment – there is a better chanceof PPEbeingusedeffectively if it is acceptedby eachwearer.

43TherewillbeconsiderabledifferencesinthephysicaldimensionsofdifferentworkersandthereforemorethanonetypeorsizeofPPEmaybeneeded.Therequiredrangemaynotbeavailablefromasinglesupplier.PersonalProtectiveEquipmentRegulations2002andCEmarking

44 Employers shouldensure thatanyPPE theybuybearsa ‘CE’markandcomplieswith thePersonalProtectiveEquipmentRegulations200214concerning thedesignormanufactureofPPEwith regard to health and safety. These regulations implement the Personal ProtectiveEquipment(PPE)Directive89/686/EEC(thePPEDirective)15whichrequiresmanufacturerstoCEmark their products (whether intended for people atwork or thewider public) to showcompliancewiththeDirective.Furtherinformationisavailableatwww.gov.uk/ce-marking.

45ProductscanbegivenaCEmarkingunderanumberofDirectivesandPPEcouldbecertifiedunder anotherDirective andCEmarked accordingly. If youusePPE for providingprotectionagainsthealthandsafetyhazards,youshouldaskforconfirmation,fromthesupplier,thatthePPEcertifiedsatisfiestherequirementsofthePPEDirective.

46 PPE designed and manufactured specifically for use by the armed forces or in themaintenanceof lawandorder (helmets, shieldsetc) andPPE intended for theprotectionorrescueofpeopleonvesselsoraircraft,whichisnotwornallthetime,doesnotneedtobeCEmarked.

47PPEwhichwasplacedonthemarketbefore1July1995andisstillsuitablefortheusetowhichitisbeingputandisproperlymaintaineddoesnotneedtobeCEmarked.

48TheuseofsuitablePPEshouldcausenoproblemtohealthyadults.Whereproblemsoccur,employersshouldseekmedicaladviceas towhether the individualcan toleratewearing thePPE.

49TherequirementforCEmarkingmayberelaxedtomeettheneedsofthedisabledandallowPPEtobecustomisedsothatitcanbetterprotectthem.However,thereisnoexemptionfromtheregulationsfordisabledpeople,andPPEmustbeprovidedandworniftheriskassessmentindicatesthatiswhatisrequired.Forexample,someonewithonelegshorterthantheothermayrequirethemanufacturertoadaptthesafetyshoewitharaisedsoleandthiswouldbecountedasmanufacturinganewarticleofPPE.Inthiscase,underaproposedamendmenttotheECDirective,thecustom-madearticlewouldnotneedthespecificconformityassessmentprocedurethatwouldnormallyberequiredforaCEmark.WhiletheproposedamendmenthasstilltobenegotiatedandtransposedintoUKlaw,enforcingauthoritieswillnottakeanyactionagainst organisationswho adapt PPE for legitimate reasons. The individual or company thatcustomisesanarticleofPPEmustdrawupastatementthatcontainsthefollowing:

(a)DataallowingidentificationofthespecificarticlesofPPE.

(b)AstatementthatthePPEisintendedforexclusiveusebyaparticularuser,togetherwiththenameofthatuser.

(c)Thenameandaddressofthemanufacturer.

(d)TheparticularfeaturesofthePPE.

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(e)AstatementthatthePPEinquestionconformstotheprincipleslaiddowninAnnexIIofthePPEDirective.

(f)Astatementofthemedicalortechnicalgroundsforthecustom-madePPEtogetherwiththescopeandnumberofPPEitemsconcerned.

50ThestatementmustbekeptforatleasttenyearsafterthePPEisplacedonthemarket.

Regulation5:Compatibilityofpersonalprotectiveequipment

(1)Everyemployershallensurethatwherethepresenceofmorethanonerisktohealthorsafetymakes it necessary for his employee to wear or use simultaneously more than one item ofpersonal protective equipment, such equipment is compatible and continues to be effectiveagainsttheriskorrisksinquestion.

(2)Everyrelevantself-employedpersonshallensurethatwherethepresenceofmorethanonerisktohealthorsafetymakesitnecessaryforhimtowearorusesimultaneouslymorethanoneitem of personal protective equipment, such equipment is compatible and continues to beeffectiveagainsttheriskorrisksinquestion.Guidance:51IfmorethanoneitemofPPEistobeworn,theymustbecompatiblewitheachotherandwhenusedtogether,shouldadequatelycontroltherisks.Forexample,ahalf-maskrespirator,providedundertheControlofSubstancesHazardoustoHealthRegulations2002(COSHH),16maynotbe compatiblewithapairof goggles,providedunder these regulations,preventingeither from fitting properly and leading to increased risk of eye injury and/or respiratoryexposure.Themanufacturer’sinstructionsmayprovideguidanceonwhatcanorshouldbeusedtogether,forexamplehardhatsandcertaintypesofearprotectionmaybeavailableasasingleunit.Regulation6:Assessmentofpersonalprotectiveequipment

(1) Before choosing any personal protective equipmentwhich by virtue of regulation 4 he isrequiredtoensureisprovided,anemployerorrelevantself-employedpersonshallensurethatanassessmentismadetodeterminewhetherthepersonalprotectiveequipmentheintendstoprovidewillbesuitable.

(2)Theassessmentrequiredbyparagraph(1)shallinclude–

(a)anassessmentofanyriskorriskstohealthorsafetywhichhavenotbeenavoidedbyothermeans;

(b) thedefinitionof thecharacteristicswhichpersonalprotectiveequipmentmusthave inordertobeeffectiveagainsttherisksreferredtoinsubparagraph(a)ofthisparagraph,takingintoaccountanyriskswhichtheequipmentitselfmaycreate;

(c)comparisonofthecharacteristicsofthepersonalprotectiveequipmentavailablewiththecharacteristicsreferredtoinsub-paragraph(b)ofthisparagraph;

(d)anassessmentastowhetherthepersonalprotectiveequipmentiscompatiblewithotherpersonalprotectiveequipmentwhichisinuseandwhichanemployeewouldberequiredtowearsimultaneously.(a)

(3)Everyemployerorrelevantself-employedpersonwhoisrequiredbyparagraph(1)toensurethatanyassessmentismadeshallensurethatanysuchassessmentisreviewedif–

(a)thereisreasontosuspectthatitisnolongervalid;or

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(b)therehasbeenasignificantchangeinthematterstowhichitrelates,

andwhereasaresultofanysuchreviewchangesintheassessmentarerequired,thatemployerorrelevantself-employedpersonshallensurethattheyaremade.

(a)Paragraph(2):sub-paragraphdinsertedbySI2002/2174,regulation5(c)

Guidance:

52Thepurposeoftheassessmentrequiredunderregulation6istoensurethattheemployer,whohastoprovidePPE,choosesPPEwhichiscorrectfortheparticularrisksinvolvedandforthecircumstancesofitsuse.Paragraph40setsoutthefactorswhichshouldbeconsideredwhenchoosingPPE.

53Inthesimplestandmostobviouscases,whichcaneasilyberepeatedandexplainedatanytime,theassessmenttoidentifysuitablePPEdoesnothavetoberecorded.Inmorecomplexcases,however,theassessmentshouldberecordedandkeptreadilyaccessiblesothatthebasisofinitialdecisionscanbeunderstoodatlaterreviews.

SelectionofsuitablePPE

54Oncepotentialhazardsareknown,theremaybeseveraltypesofPPEthatwouldbesuitable.Forexample,whenassessingtheneedforeyeprotection,employersshouldfirst identifythetypesofhazardpresent,suchasliquidsplashesandprojectiles,andthenassessthedegreeofrisk,suchasthelikelysizeandvelocityoftheprojectiles.TheycanthenselectasuitabletypeofPPEfromtherangeofCE-markedequipmentavailable.Inthiscase,eyeprotectiondesignedforchemicalsplashprotectionanddifferentlevelsofimpactresistanceshouldbeselected. 55OnceatypeofCE-markedPPEhasbeenidentifiedforagivenapplication,furtheradviceandinformationmaybenecessarytoensurethattheequipmentcanprovidetherequiredprotectionto all those using it in the working conditions in which it will be used. Manufacturers andsuppliers have duties under the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 andundersection6oftheHSWActtoprovideinformationwhichwillhelptheemployer.ThisinformationisusuallyintheformofaperformancespecificationbasedontheessentialhealthandsafetyrequirementsofthePPEDirective.ThisisusuallydemonstratedbyconformingtoEuropean(EN)orInternational(ISO)standards.KeyPPEdesignrequirementsinclude:

(a)testsofPPEperformance;

(b)howthePPEshouldbelabelled;and

(c)whatinstructionsshouldbesuppliedwiththePPE.

56 At the end of this process, a range of potentially adequate and suitable PPE should beidentified.Involvingtheenduserswithregardtofit,comfort,compatibilitywiththeworktobedoneandwearabilityislikelytoleadtobetterlevelsofuseracceptanceandthereforebetterprotection.

57 Selection shouldbe seenasonly the first stage in a continuingprogrammewhich is alsoconcerned with the proper use and maintenance of the equipment, and the training andsupervisionofemployees.

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Regulation7:Maintenanceandreplacementofpersonalprotectiveequipment

(1) Every employer shall ensure that any personal protective equipment provided to hisemployeesismaintained(includingreplacedorcleanedasappropriate)inanefficientstate,inefficientworkingorderandingoodrepair.

(2) Every relevant self-employedperson shall ensure that any personal protective equipmentprovidedtohimismaintained(includingreplacedorcleanedasappropriate)inanefficientstate,inefficientworkingorderandingoodrepair.Guidance:

58 An employer should ensure that PPE continues to provideprotection and cando this byputtinginplaceaneffectivemaintenancesystemthatshouldincludethefollowing:

(a)examination–checkingforfaults,damage,wearandtear,dirtetc;

(b)testing–toensurePPEisoperatingasintended;

(c) ready for use – for example if you’reworking in hot environments the PPEmay loseeffectivenessifit’swetinternallyfromsweatingeitherduetothetemperatureortheamountofactivityorexertion;youmayneedtoprovidesomewherefordryingthePPEsoitretainsitsinsulatingproperties;

(d)cleaning–includingdisinfectionifappropriate;

(e)repair;and

(f)replacement.

59Ingeneral,PPEshouldbeexaminedtoensureitisingoodworkingorderbeforebeingissuedtotheuser.Suchexaminationsshouldbecarriedoutbyappropriatelytrainedstaff.Itshouldnotbeissuediffoundtobedefective.WhilemostPPEwillbeprovidedonapersonalbasis,someitemsmaybeusedby a numberof people. There shouldbe arrangements for cleaning anddisinfectingthePPE,sotherearenohealthriskstothenextpersonusingit. 60Theresponsibilityforcarryingoutmaintenancetogetherwiththedetailsoftheprocedurestobefollowedandtheirfrequency shouldbeputdowninwriting.Whereappropriate,recordsoftestsandexaminationsshouldalsobekept.Themaintenanceprogrammewillvarywiththetype of equipment and how it is used. For example,mechanical fall-arrestorswill require aregularplannedpreventativemaintenanceprogrammewhichwillincludeexamination,testingand overhaul, and record keeping, but abrasion-resistant gloves will only require periodicinspection by the user. Manufacturers’ maintenance schedules and instructions should befollowed.

61TheregulationsdonotforbidemployersfromaskingemployeestocleantheirownPPE(forexamplepeopleworkingfromhome)butthisshouldbeclearlystatedintheperson’scontractofemployment.Theemployermustensurepropercleaninginstructionsareprovidedsothereisnodamageandtheemployershouldarrange forspotchecks toensurePPE is suitable.Asexplainedinparagraphs37–39anemployercannotchargeforPPEandthisextendstocleaningcostswhichmeansthatanycostsforcleaningmaterialsshouldbebornebytheemployer.

62Simplerepairscanbecarriedoutbyatrainedwearer,forexamplereplacingbrokenlacesonsafety shoes butmore intricate repairs should be done by staffwith the required skills andtechnical knowledge. Only the correct spare parts, as recommended by the manufacturer,shouldbeused.Itmaybeagoodideatokeepastockofspareparts.Ifthetechnicalknowledgeis not available internally then contract servicesmaybe available from themanufacturer orsupplieroraspecialistmaintenancefirmcouldbeused.

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63PPEwillhaveauseable‘shelflife’.Whenitexceedsitsshelflifeorissobadlydamagedthatrepair isnotpossibleortoocostly, itshouldbereplaced. Incertaincircumstances, itmaybeappropriatetoprovideasupplyofdisposablePPE(egsingleusecoveralls).IfdisposablePPEisusedusersshouldbeawareofwhenitshouldbediscardedandreplacedandhowtodisposeofitsafely.Regulation8:Accommodationforpersonalprotectiveequipment

Whereanemployerorrelevantself-employedpersonisrequired,byvirtueofregulation4,toensure personal protective equipment is provided, he shall also ensure that appropriateaccommodationisprovidedforthatpersonalprotectiveequipmentwhenitisnotbeingused.

Guidance:

64Storageisrequiredto:

(a)preventdamagefromchemicals,sunlight,highhumidity,heatandaccidentalknocks;

(b)preventcontaminationfromdirtandharmfulsubstances;

(c)reducethepossibilityoflosingthePPE;

(d)enable the sufficientdryingofPPE toensure itseffectiveness ismaintained, forexampleretainingitsinsulatingcapabilitiesifusedindamp,hotorcoldenvironments.

65Accommodationcanbesimple,forexample,pegsforweatherproofclothing,safetyhelmetsorhardhats.Itdoesnothavetobefixed,forexample,safetyspectaclescouldbekeptbytheuserinasuitablecarryingcase,andPPEusedbymobileworkerscanbestoredinsuitablecontainersintheirvehicle.WherePPEbecomescontaminatedduringuse,itshouldbecleanedanddecontaminated beforestorage;otherwisetheaccommodationmayitselfbecomecontaminatedandwillalsorequiresuitablecleaninganddecontamination.PPEwhichisreadyforuseshouldbeclearlysegregatedfromthatwhichisawaitingrepairormaintenanceandclearlylabelledassuchsothecorrectPPEischosen. Regulation9:Information,instructionandtraining

(1)Whereanemployerisrequiredtoensurethatpersonalprotectiveequipmentisprovidedtoan employee, the employer shall also ensure that the employee is provided with suchinformation,instructionandtrainingasisadequateandappropriatetoenabletheemployeetoknow–

(a)theriskorriskswhichthepersonalprotectiveequipmentwillavoidorlimit;

(b)thepurposeforwhichandthemannerinwhichpersonalprotectiveequipmentistobeused;and

(c)anyactiontobetakenbytheemployeetoensurethatthepersonalprotectiveequipmentremains in an efficient state, in efficientworkingorder and in good repair as requiredbyregulation7(1),

andshallensurethatsuchinformationiskeptavailabletoemployees.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), the information and instructionprovided by virtue of that paragraph shall not be adequate and appropriate unless it iscomprehensibletothepersonstowhomitisprovided.

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(3)Withoutprejudicetothegeneralityofparagraph(1)theemployershall,whereappropriate,and at suitable intervals, organise demonstrations in the wearing of personal protectiveequipment.Guidance:

66Theregulationsrequireemployerstoprovidesuitableinformation,instructionandtrainingfor their employees, to enable them tomake effective use of the PPE provided to them toprotect their health and safety. A systematic approach to training is needed to ensure thateveryonewhousesormaintainsPPEistrainedappropriately.

67UsersmustbetrainedintheproperuseofPPE,howtocorrectlyfitandwearit,andwhatitslimitationsare.ManagersandsupervisorsmustalsobeawareofwhyPPEisbeingusedandhowtouseitproperly.Peopleinvolvedinmaintaining,repairingandtestingtheequipmentandinitsselectionforuseshouldalsoreceivetraining.Trainingshouldincludeelementsoftheoryaswellas practice in using the equipment, and should be carried out in accordance with anyrecommendationsandinstructionssuppliedbythePPEmanufacturer.

68Theextentoftheinstructionandtrainingwillvarywiththecomplexityandperformanceoftheequipment.ForPPEwhichissimpletouseandmaintain,suchassafetyhelmetsandhardhats,somebasicinstructionstotheuserswillbeallthatisrequired.Ontheotherhand,thesafeuseofantistaticfootwearorlasereyeprotectionwilldependonanadequateunderstandingofthe principles behind them. The instruction and training should include both theory andpractice.Theoreticaltraining

69Theoreticaltrainingshouldinclude:

(a)anexplanationoftheriskspresentandwhyPPEisneeded;

(b)theoperation,performanceandlimitationsoftheequipment;(c)instructionsontheselection,useandstorageofPPE.Writtenoperatingproceduressuchaspermits-to-workinvolvingPPEshouldbeexplained;(d) factorswhich can affect the protection provided by the PPE such as other protectiveequipment,personal factors,workingconditions, inadequate fitting,anddefects,damageandwear;(e)recognisingdefectsinPPEandarrangementsforreportinglossordefects.

Practicaltraining

70Practicaltrainingshouldinclude:

(a)practiceinputtingon,wearingandremovingtheequipmentsafely;

(b)practiceininspectionand,whereappropriate,testingofthePPEbeforeuse;

(c)practiceinhowtomaintainthePPE,totheextentthisshouldbedonebytheuser,suchascleaningandthereplacementofcertaincomponents;

(d)instructioninthesafestorageofequipment.

71 The extent of the training that is required will depend on the type of equipment, howfrequentlyitisusedandtheneedsofthepeoplebeingtrained.ManymanufacturersofPPEruntrainingcoursesforusersoftheirequipmentandthesecoursesmaybeofparticularbenefittosmalluserswhodonothavetrainingfacilities.

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72Aswellas initialtraining,usersofPPEandothers involvedwiththeequipmentmayneedrefreshertrainingfromtimetotime.Recordsoftrainingdetailsshouldbekepttohelpwiththeefficientadministrationofthetrainingprogramme.

73Employersmustensure,notonlythattheiremployeesundergotheappropriatetraining,butalso that they understand what they are being taught. Employees may have difficulty inunderstandingtheirtrainingforanumberofreasons.Forexample,therisks(andprecautions)maybeofaparticularlycomplexnature,making itdifficult foremployeestounderstandtheprecisenatureoftheprotectivemeasurestheymusttake.IfEnglishisnotthefirstlanguageofsomeemployeesyoushouldconsiderwhetherthetrainingshouldbegiveninalanguagetheyunderstand.

74 To support trainingandenforce theneed towear specificPPE,especially inareaswhereadditionalhazardsmayexist,employersshouldusesafetysignsatentrypoints,toindicatewhatPPEmustbeused.Regulation10:Useofpersonalprotectiveequipment

(1) Every employer shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that any personal protectiveequipmentprovidedtohisemployeesbyvirtueofregulation4(1)isproperlyused.

(2)Everyemployee shalluseanypersonalprotectiveequipmentprovided tohimbyvirtueoftheseRegulations inaccordancebothwithany training in theuseof thepersonalprotectiveequipmentconcernedwhichhasbeenreceivedbyhimandtheinstructionsrespectingthatusewhichhavebeenprovidedtohimbyvirtueofregulation9.

(3)Everyrelevantself-employedpersonshallmakefullandproperuseofanypersonalprotectiveequipmentprovidedtohimbyvirtueofregulation4(2).(4) Every employeeand relevant self-employedpersonwhohasbeenprovidedwithpersonalprotectiveequipmentbyvirtueofregulation4shalltakeallreasonablestepstoensurethatitisreturnedtotheaccommodationprovidedforitafteruse. Guidance:

75PPEshouldbeusedinaccordancewiththeemployer’sinstructions,whichshouldinturnbebasedonthemanufacturer’sinstructionsforuse.Itshouldbeusedonlyafteradequatetrainingandinstructionshavebeengiventotheusersotheyunderstandwhy,how,whereandwhenitistobeused.

76SupervisionisalsovitaltoensurePPEisproperlyusedbothonandoffsite.Itisimportantthatthosewithasupervisoryrolearealsoprovidedwithadequatetrainingandinstructionssothat they have the necessary skills to carry out the job. Spot checks are a useful way ofmonitoringhowwellPPEisusedandcorrectiveactioncanthenbetakenifspotchecksrevealmisuse.

77MostPPEshouldbereturnedafteruse to thestorageplaceprovidedunder regulation8.However,theremaybecircumstanceswheretheemployeetakesPPEawayfromtheworkplace,for examplemobileworkers not immediately returning to the premiseswill take protectivefootwear, overalls etc home. Equipment used or worn intermittently, for example weldingvisors,canbereturnedattheendoftheworkingperiod,shiftorassignment.

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Regulation11:Reportinglossordefect

Every employee who has been provided with personal protective equipment by virtue ofregulation 4(1) shall forthwith report to his employer any loss of or obvious defect in thatpersonalprotectiveequipment.

Guidance:

78Employersshouldmakearrangementstoensurethattheiremployeescanreporttothem(ortheirrepresentative)thelossofordefectsinPPE.ThesearrangementsshouldalsoensurethatdefectivePPEisrepairedorreplacedbeforetheemployeeconcernedrestartswork.

79EmployeesmusttakereasonablecareofPPEprovidedandreporttotheiremployeranylossorobviousdefectordamageassoonaspossible. Ifemployeeshaveanyconcernsabout theserviceability of the PPE, they should immediately consult their employer or the employer’srepresentative.

Regulation12:Exemptioncertificates

(1)TheSecretaryofStateforDefencemay,intheinterestsofnationalsecurity,byacertificateinwritingexempt:

(a)anyofthehomeforces,anyvisitingforceoranyheadquartersfromthoserequirementsoftheseRegulationswhichimposeobligationsonemployers;or

(b)anymemberof thehome forces, anymemberofa visiting forceoranymemberofaheadquartersfromtherequirementsimposedbyregulation10or11;

and any exemption such as is specified in subparagraph (a) or (b) of this paragraphmaybegrantedsubjecttoconditionsandtoalimitoftimeandmayberevokedbythesaidSecretaryofStatebyafurthercertificateinwritingatanytime.

(2)Inthisregulation:

(a)“thehomeforces”hasthesamemeaningas insection12(1)oftheVisitingForcesAct1952;

(b) “headquarters” has the same meaning as in article 3(2) of the Visiting Forces andInternationalHeadquarters(ApplicationofLaw)Order1965;

(c)“memberofaheadquarters”hasthesamemeaningasinparagraph1(1)oftheScheduletotheInternationalHeadquartersandDefenceOrganisationsAct1964;and

(d)“visitingforce”hasthesamemeaningasitdoesforthepurposesofanyprovisionofPartIoftheVisitingForcesAct1952.

Regulation13:ExtensionoutsideGreatBritain

TheseRegulations shall apply to and in relation to the premises and activities outsideGreatBritaintowhichsections1to59and80to82oftheHealthandSafetyatWorketc.Act1974applybyvirtueoftheHealthandSafetyatWorketc.Act1974(ApplicationOutsideGreatBritain)Order1989(a)astheyapplywithinGreatBritain.

(a)NowreplacedbytheHealthandSafetyatWorketcAct1974(ApplicationOutsideGreatBritain)Order2013.

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Guidance:

80TheregulationsapplytocertainworkactivitiescarriedoutintheterritorialseaadjacenttoGreatBritainandindesignatedareasoftheUKContinentalShelfexceptwheredisappliedbyregulation3.Theseactivitiesare listed in theHealthandSafetyatWorketcAct (ApplicationOutsideGreatBritain)Order2013.

81Thisappliestooffshoreinstallations,wells,pipelines,andactivitiescarriedoutbyvesselsinconnection with an offshore installation or a well such as construction, repair, dismantling,loading,unloadinganddiving.Alsocoveredareotherconstructionandsimilaractivitiescarriedoutinterritorialwaters.

Regulation14:Modifications,repealandrevocations

(1)TheActandRegulationsspecifiedinSchedule2shallbemodifiedtotheextentspecifiedinthecorrespondingPartofthatSchedule.(2)Section65oftheFactoriesAct1961isrepealed.(3)Theinstrumentsspecified incolumn1ofSchedule3arerevokedtotheextentspecified incolumn3ofthatSchedule.Guidance:

82Theregulationsamendedvariousprovisionsofpre-existinglegislation.

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PART2:Selection,useandmaintenanceofpersonalprotectiveequipment

Introduction

83 Part 2 provides guidance to employers to help them comply with their duties to selectsuitablePPE,ensureitsproperuseandmaintainit.ItdescribesthePPEusedfordifferentpartsofthebodyandcoversPPEusedtopreventdrowningandfallsfromheight.

84TheregulationsdonotapplytohearingprotectionorRPEformostworkactivities;thesearecoveredbyotherregulations(seeparagraphs23and24),andareonlymentionedbrieflyattheendofPart2.Fullguidanceontheseincludingselection,useandmaintenancecanbefoundinthe publications Controlling noise at work. The Control of Noise atWork Regulations 2005.GuidanceonRegulations17andRespiratoryprotectiveequipmentatwork:Apracticalguide.18Note:where these items are supplied theymust be compatiblewith equipment providedundertheregulations.

85Somecommonselection,useandmaintenancepointsforPPE:

(a) PPE should be labelled to show what it protects against and is resistant to. Talk tomanufacturersandsuppliersontheprotectionofferedbytheirproductsbeforebuying.AnotherusefulsourceofinformationistheBritishSafetyIndustryFederationwww.bsif.co.uk.

(b) Always use PPE according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The Personal ProtectiveEquipment Regulations 2002 state that PPE on the market must be supplied with relevantinformationon:

(i)storage,use,maintenance,servicing,cleaninganddisinfecting;

(ii)thelevelofprotectionprovidedbythePPE;

(iii)suitablePPEaccessoriesandappropriatespareparts;

(iv)limitationsonuse;

(v)theobsolescenceperiodforthePPEorcertainofitscomponents.(c)EnsureitemsofPPEusedtogetherarecompatiblewitheachothertoensuretheycontinuetobeeffectiveagainsttherisks.(d) Train and instructworkers in how to put on and remove contaminated clothingwithoutcontaminatingthemselves.(e)You,oryouremployees,mustnot:(i)reusedisposablePPE;

(ii) leave contaminated work areas without removing the contaminated clothing inappropriatechangingareas;(iii)storePPEindirectsunlightorinhothumidplacesasthiscancausedamagetosomeequipment;(iv)usePPEifitisdamaged,heavilyworn,unfitforuseorpastitsusableprotectivelife.Youshoulddisposeofitproperlyandreplaceit.

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Headprotection

Figure 1 Industrial safety helmet (with fitted ear defenders)

Figure 2 Climbing helmet

Typesofprotection

86Thereareseveraltypesofheadprotection:

(a)industrialsafetyhelmets–Protectagainstfallingobjectsorimpactwithfixedobjectsandoffer limitedresistanceto flame.Helmetsarealsoavailablewhichgiveprotectionagainstimpactathighorlowtemperatures,againstelectricalshockfrombriefcontactupto440Vacandagainstmoltenmetalsplash;

(b) bump caps – Protect against bumping the head (eg walking into a fixed object) andscalping,andcanstophairgettingcaughtinmachineryandmovingparts.Bumpcapsdonotofferadequateprotectionwhere there isa riskof fallingobjectsormovingorsuspendedloads;

(c)firefighters’helmets–Thesearesimilartoindustrialsafetyhelmets,butcovermoreoftheheadandgivegreaterprotectionagainstimpact,heatandflame;Page25of44(d)transporthelmets–Protectagainstheadinjuriesfromfallingoffamotorcycleorbicycle.Thesearenotcoveredbytheregulationsontheroadasmotorcyclecrashhelmetsarelegally

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required for motorcyclists under road traffic legislation. However, in off-road situations,employersshouldprovidesuitabletransporthelmets,forexamplemotorcyclehelmetsforfarmworkerswhouseATVs.Thereisanexemptionforturban-wearingSikhsfromtheneedto wear helmets when riding motorcycles and from the need to wear hard hats in anyworkplacewhethertheyareemployeesornot;(e)leisurehelmets–Helmetsusedforactivities,suchashorseriding,canoeingorclimbing,whichprotectagainst therisksof thatparticularactivity.Althoughtheregulationsdonotapplytoprofessionalsportspeople,thesehelmetsarerequiredPPEforpeopleusingtheminotherworkcircumstances,forexampleinstructorsintheseactivities.

Examplesofhazardswhichcouldrequireheadprotection

87Examplesofhazardsorsituationswhereheadprotectioncouldberequiredare:

(a)low-levelfixedobjects,forexamplepipework,machinesorscaffoldingwherethereisariskofcollision;

(b)transportactivities,hoists,liftingplant,conveyorsetcinvolvingtheriskoffallingmaterial;

(c)tree-felling;

(d)blastingwork,forexampleinquarries,opencastminingetc;

(e)onconstructionsitesemployersmusttakeallreasonablypracticablemeasurestoensurethat suitableheadprotection isworn (exceptby turban-wearingSikhs)unless there isnoforeseeableriskofheadinjuryotherthanbyfalling.

Keypoints

88Thekeypointstonoteforheadprotectionare:

(a)useanadjustablechinstrap,iffitted,tomakesurethehelmetdoesnotfalloff;

(b)cleantheinsideofthehelmetandcleanorreplacesweatbandsregularly;

(c) check regularly that any damage to the outside is nomore than shallow scratches orgrazesandthattheinternalharnessisnotdamagedordeformed;

(d) throwheadprotectionawayafter significant impactbya fixedor fallingobject.Headprotectionisunfitforuseiftheoutsideisdeeplyscratched,wornordeformed,theharnessisdamagedordeformedoritisbeyonditsusableprotectivelife.Asageneralguide,industrialsafetyhelmetsshouldbereplacedthreeyearsaftermanufacture,butalwayscheckwiththemanufacturer;

(e)wearthehelmetsothatthebrimislevelwhentheheadisupright.Donotwearitslopingupordownasthiswillsignificantlyreducetheprotectionitcanprovide;

(f)donotwearheadprotectionbacktofront–itwillnotprotectyouifyoudo.

(g)donotcustomiseheadprotection,egmakeyourownventilationholes,paint,markorputstickersonit;

(h)donotwearabaseballstylebumpcapwherethereisariskoffallingobjects–wearanindustrialsafetyhelmetinstead.

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Eyeandfaceprotection

Figure3Goggles

Figure4Faceshield

Typesofprotection

89Themaintypesofeyeandfaceprotectionare:

(a) safety spectacles – May be separate lenses in a metal or plastic frame (similar inappearancetoprescriptionglasses)orhaveasinglelens/framemoulding(sometimescalledeye-shields).Mostdesignshavesideshields.Spectaclescan incorporatecorrective lenses,whileeye-shieldsmayfitoverprescriptionglasses;

(b)goggles– These aremadewith a flexible plastic frame andoneor two lenseswith aflexibleelasticheadband.Theygivetheeyesprotectionfromallanglesasthecompleterimisincontactwiththeface.Somegogglesareventilatedandmaybeunsuitableforprotectionagainstgasesandfinedusts;

(c)faceshields–Thesehaveonelargelenswithaframeandadjustableheadharnessoraremountedonahelmet.Mostcanbewornwithprescriptionglasses.Theyprotectthefacebutdonotfullyenclosetheeyes.

Examplesofhazardswhichcouldrequireeyeandfaceprotection

90Themainhazardsare:

(a)liquidorchemicalsplashasaresultofhandlingorcomingintocontactwithdangerousliquidsorchemicalsubstances;

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(b)workingwithpower-driventools,wherechippingsordebrisarelikelytoflyintotheface,orabrasivematerialsmaybeejected;

(c)dust, gasor liquidmist frommachines,high-pressurecleaning,orusinggasorvapourunderpressure;

(d)radiantheat,moltenmetal,hotsolids,sparksorhot liquidsplashfromworking inhotconditions,forexamplewelding,ovens,furnacesetc;

(e)intenselightorotheropticalradiationemittedatlevelsliabletocauseriskofinjury,forexamplewelding,lasersetc.

Keypoints

91Thekeypointstonoteforeyeandfaceprotectionare:

(a)makesuretheeye/faceprotectionfitstheuseranddoesnotfalloffeasily.Itshouldbeissuedonapersonalbasis;

(b)considermisting/fogging.Anti-mistandventilatedeyeprotectionisavailable;

(c)storeeyeprotectioninaprotectivecase;

(d)followthemanufacturer’sinstructionsoncleaning,notforgettingheadbandsandframes.Use only anti-mist, cleaning and antistatic fluids and cloths recommended by themanufacturer;

(e)donotusewhenvisibility isnoticeablyreduced(egthelensesaredeeplyscratchedorworn)ortheframe,headbandorharnessisdeformed.Throwthemawayandreplacethem.

Handandarmprotection

Figure5Cut-resistantgloves

Figure6Glovesforhandprotectioninthecold

Typesofprotection

92Therearefourtypesofhandandarmprotection:

(a)gloves–handonly;

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(b)gloveswithacuff–handandwrist;

(c)gauntlets/sleeves/longgloves–hand,wristandpartofforearm;

(d)sleeving/armprotection–partorwholeofforearmand/orupperarm.Examplesofhazardswhichcouldrequirehand/armprotection

93Someexampleswherehandandarmprotectioncouldberequiredare:

(a)protectionfromcutsandabrasions,forexamplewhenhandlingsharporpointedobjects;Page29of44(b)tokeephandswarmandsuppleincoldweather,forexamplewhenworkingonabuildingsite,asmanualdexterityislostwhenthehandsarecold;(c)tokeephandswarmincoldweatherwhenoperatingmachinesthatcausevibration,suchas pneumatic drills and chainsaws. Vibration white finger occurs more often and moreseverelywhenthehandsandfingersarecoldasthebloodsupplytothefingersisreducedbythebodyinanattempttoconserveheat;(d)dangerfromelectricalhazards–seeparagraph97(c)forfurtherinformation;(e)handlingorcomingintocontactwithchemicals,forexamplemaintenanceofmachinery,cleaningupchemicalspillagesandmixinganddispensingpesticideformulations;(f)handlingradioactivematerials;(g)handlinghotorcoldmaterialsandworkinvolvingaccidentalcontactwithnakedflamessuchaswelding,ovensetc.

Keypoints

94Thekeypointstonoteforhandandarmprotectionare:

(a) make sure that users are not allergic to or sensitised by the material, for example latex gloves are made of rubber and the proteins present in the rubber are skin and respiratory sensitisers. If you have to use latex gloves, use a powder-free type containing a minimum amount of free proteins. It may be better to select an alternative material, if practicable;

(b) ensure they fit the wearer properly and are worn correctly for the job being done. For example there should be no gap between the glove and the wearer’s sleeve when handling dangerous chemicals;

(c) ensure users can handle and remove the gloves carefully to avoid contamination of the hands and the inside of the glove. Contaminants that get inside the glove and sit permanently against the skin can lead to greater exposure than if a glove had not been worn at all. Many wearers are not instructed on how to correctly put on and take off gloves (see www.hse.gov.uk/skin), which means that the insides of the gloves become contaminated when worn for the second time or more. This contamination can cause damage to the skin;

(d) ensure users clean their hands thoroughly when they change gloves and moisturise their hands at least once a day;

(e) check gloves regularly and throw them away if they are worn or have deteriorated. They should be free of holes or cuts and debris and their shape should not be distorted;

(f) do not wear a glove for extended periods as this can lead to the development of excessive moisture (sweat) on the skin which in itself will act as an irritant;

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(g) do not use pre-work creams, sometimes sold as barrier creams, as a replacement for carefully selected gloves. They are not PPE because: (i) they do not provide protection against hazards;

(ii) workers may not apply them properly, leaving part of their skin uncovered;

(iii) there is no information available on the rate of penetration of substances through pre-work creams; and

(iv) protection may be removed while working without workers noticing;

(h) select carefully for chemical resistance and protection, especially against mixtures, and do not use for longer than the recommended breakthrough times. Manufacturers will advise on breakthrough times for their products.

Protectiveclothing(includingthelegs)

Figure 7 Cut-resistant chain-mail apron

Typesofprotection

95 Protective clothing must offer some specific protection – if it does not, it is classified as ‘workwear’. There are three main types of protective clothing:

(a) separates – jackets, trousers etc that only cover part of the body;

(b) aprons – that only cover part of the body;

(c) overalls, coveralls and body suits – which cover the whole body.

96 As well as trousers for leg protection there are also knee pads and gaiters. Hard fibre or metal guards will help protect against some impacts.

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Examplesofhazardswhichcouldrequireprotectiveclothing

97 The main hazards are as follows:

(a) working with chemicals – handling small quantities of low-risk chemicals may only require aprons protecting against accidental splashes. Larger quantities of chemicals or risks of contact with sprays or jets of chemical are likely to require protective coats/trousers or coveralls. Potential exposures to large quantities of chemical or very hazardous materials will often require the use of gas or liquid tight suits and appropriate RPE;

(b) cuts and hazards when working with knives, machinery etc – use clothing made of thick or padded material or multilayer reinforced fabric, aramid fibres (eg body armour material) or chain mail;* †

(c) electrical hazards – use electrical insulating clothing when working on or near live parts of low voltage installations at nominal voltages up to 500 V ac or 750 V dc. The clothing should be used with other electrical insulating PPE, such as boots and gloves. It prevents electrocution when there is a risk of unintentional contact with live parts. Use conductive clothing for live working (especially bare hand working) at a nominal voltage up to 800 kV ac. This clothing also includes gloves, shoes, mitts and hoods;

(d) electrostatic hazards – where clothing is to be used in potentially explosive atmospheres, select clothing made from materials which have been shown to resist the build-up of static electricity;

(e) cold from working outside or in a cold/freezer area – use clothing made of thick or padded material, multilayer leather or fabric or thermal insulating fabrics. Minus 25 and minus 50 suits are available which are designed to protect at these sub-zero temperatures;

(f) wet when working outside in the rain or using water sprays for cleaning etc – use rubbers, plastics, water-repellent coatings, waterproof and breathable fabrics;

(g) radiant heat and flame from welding, metalworking, foundries – use suitable flame-retardant, insulating and heat-resistant fabrics.

Keypoints

98 The key points to note about protective clothing are to:

(a) store used/contaminated clothing separately from clean clothing;

(b) select protective clothing carefully for chemical resistance and protection, especially against mixtures, and do not use for longer than the recommended breakthrough times. Manufacturers will advise on breakthrough times for their products;

(c) clean clothing according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For chemical suits hygienic cleaning may be possible, but industry guidance is that this clothing cannot be effectively decontaminated;

(d) inspect for wear and tear, loose seams and surface damage before use;

(e) do not wear loose protective clothing near moving machinery in case it gets caught.

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* Butchers and slaughterhouse workers should wear plate-link or chain-mail aprons if there is a risk of injury to the abdomen or chest, for example when using knives or choppers.

† Chainsaw protective clothing – the front of the leg is the most vulnerable to chainsaw accidents although the back of the leg is at risk. Protective legwear incorporates layers of loosely woven long synthetic fibres. On contact with the chainsaw, the fibres are drawn out and clog the chainsaw sprocket, causing the chain to stop. Legwear is available with all-round protection or with protection only for the front of the legs. The legwear with all-round protection offers the greatest protection for users. Jackets and gloves are also available with inserts of chainsaw-resistant materials at vulnerable points.Page 32 of 44

Highvisibilityclothing

Figure 8 High visibility waterproof jacket

99 Most high visibility clothing has a fluorescent yellow or orange background, made from materials impregnated with fluorescent pigments, with bands of shiny retroflective material. It is designed to make the wearer easy to see under any light conditions in the day and under illumination, for example by vehicle headlights in the dark. Typesofhighvisibilityclothing

100 There are three classes of high visibility clothing. Each has minimum areas for the background and retroflective bands:

(a) class 1 – the least conspicuous (waistcoats and most trousers);

(b) class 2 – more conspicuous than class 1 (waistcoats, jackets and some trousers);

(c) class 3 – the most conspicuous (jackets and coveralls).

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Examplesofuse

101 High visibility clothing is used where the visibility of workers is important. Examples include:

(a) airport workers loading and unloading aeroplanes;

(b) working on construction sites;

(c) work in some industries where a particular background colour is specified, eg fluorescent orange is used as the background colour for railway work;

(d) work in some industries where a specific type of clothing is specified, for example workers should wear class 2 or 3 waistcoats or jackets for work on roads or highways. (The Department for Transport produces guidance on requirements for high visibility clothing when working at road or street works.)19,20

Keypoints

102 The key points to note for high visibility clothing are:

(a) select high visibility clothing suitable for the task. Clothing that protects from other hazards such as cold weather is often available with a high visibility option. Outdoor workers may need different clothing at different times of the year;

(b) inspect before use for wear and tear, or loose seams;

(c) ensure only correct cleaning materials are used. Lack of cleanliness is a significant factor in loss of visibility.

Footprotection

Figure 9 Foundry boots

Figure 10 Thermally lined boots for cold work

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Typesofprotection

103 Footwear is available in a range of styles, for example shoe, low ankle boot, high ankle boot, knee boot, thigh boot and even chest high waders. The different types of protective footwear include the following:

(a) safety boots or shoes. These are the most common type of safety footwear. They normally have protective toecaps and may also have other safety features including slip-resistant soles, penetration-resistant midsoles and insulation against extremes of heat and cold;

(b) wellington boots. These are usually made of rubber and used for working in wet conditions. They are also useful in jobs where the footwear needs to be washed and disinfected for hygiene reasons, eg in the food industry and the chemical industry; (c) clogs. These can also be used as safety footwear. They are traditionally made from beech wood and can be fitted with steel toecaps and thin rubber soles for quieter tread; (d) footwear for specific tasks. These protect against hazards in these areas, for example foundry boots and chainsaw boots.

Examplesofhazardswhichcouldrequirefootprotection

104 The main hazards which may need foot protection are:

(a) objects falling on and crushing the foot/toes – this will include jobs requiring manual handling, such as construction workers or removal people;

(b) treading on pointed or sharp objects (eg nails) on the ground piercing the shoe, injuring the sole of the foot and resulting in cuts and wounds;

(c) slips, trips and falls resulting in injuries such as sprained ankles. Although there is no such thing as non-slip footwear, there are slip-resistant ‘anti-slip’ soles which can reduce the likelihood of slipping on certain floors;

(d) working in cold or hot conditions. Working in the cold requires footwear with thermal insulation. Work in hot conditions requires footwear with heat-resistant and insulating soles. For protection against molten metal splash, footwear must have quick release fastenings;

(e) electrical hazards (see paragraph 97(c) for further information);

(f) working in potentially explosive atmospheres or for the handling of sensitive materials (eg detonators). Footwear must be antistatic;

(g) working with and handling hazardous chemicals. Footwear should be impermeable and resistant to that chemical;

(h) wet work, for example using water sprays when cleaning. Water-resistant or waterproof material should be used. Wellington boot style footwear should be used for very wet work.

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Keypoints

105 Key points to note about protective footwear:

(a) consider the comfort factors for the wearer. Generally footwear should be flexible, wet resistant and absorb perspiration. Cushioned soles make standing more comfortable;

(b) inspect for wear and tear and loose seams before use. Replace broken laces and remove materials lodged in the tread of the sole.

Drowningprotection:Buoyancyaids,lifejacketsandimmersionsuits

106 Life jackets or buoyancy aids should be worn where there is a foreseeable risk of drowning when working near water. Buoyancy aids are worn to provide extra buoyancy to help a conscious person keep afloat. However, they will not turn over an unconscious person from a facedown position. Life jackets provide enough buoyancy to turn even an unconscious person face upwards within five seconds (ten seconds if automatically inflated). The person’s head should be supported with the mouth and nose clear of the water. Typesoflifejackets/buoyancyaids

107 There are four types of life jackets/buoyancy aids:

(a) buoyancy aid 50 – swimmers only – (not a life jacket);

(b) life jacket 100 – sheltered waters;

(c) life jacket 150 – offshore, foul-weather clothing;

(d) life jacket 275 – offshore, extreme conditions and heavy protective clothing.

Immersionsuits

108 Immersion suits provide extended survival time in water by reducing the risk of cold shock and delaying the onset of hypothermia. They also make it easier to propel and get the wearer out of the water and make the wearer easier to find in the water to help aid recovery. Immersion suits come in two main types – constant wear and abandonment. Suits may be already insulated, or insulation may be provided by an inflatable liner. Uninsulated suits may be provided with a removable inner garment, or may require that specified clothing be worn to provide sufficient insulation to achieve expected survival times. Keypoints

109 Key points to note about life jackets/buoyancy aids and immersion suits:

(a) it is essential to consider all elements when selecting suitable equipment – body size; the weight of the person using it; the water and weather conditions; the likely rescue recovery time; the need for accessories (eg life jacket spray hood, light, body harness and line, locator beacon, whistle, immersion suit hood, gloves);

(b) ensure the immersion suit fits and no water can leak into it. Check that the suit chosen will not handicap the ability of the life jacket to keep the person’s head above the water and to turn the person the right way up;

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(c) note that anyone wearing inherently buoyant life jackets may be injured if they fall from a significant height. Note also that too much buoyancy may hinder escape in some circumstances, for example from an upturned craft;

(d) inspect equipment at regular intervals. Check for wear and tear and damage. Check the inflation mechanism regularly as it can fail to operate if subject to rough handling or incorrect storage. Check the seals on the immersion suit are intact.

Personalfallprotection

Typesofsystems

110 Personal fall protection systems comprise an assembly of components for protection against falls from height at work, including at least a body holding device connected to a reliable anchor. Such systems include work restraint systems, work positioning systems, rope access systems, rescue systems and fall arrest systems.

111 The equipment and components used may sometimes be the same within any of these systems – it is the way they are used which determines the type of system:

(a) work restraint systems prevent the user from reaching zones where the risk of a fall exists. Such systems are sometimes incorrectly called ‘fall restraint’;

(b) work positioning systems support the user in tension or suspension while a task is being undertaken in such a way that a fall is prevented or restricted. Such systems allow the user to have both hands free for working. However, work positioning systems must always incorporate a back-up system (typically a fall arrest system) designed to protect the user if the primary work positioning system fails;

(c) rope access systems use two separately secured sub-systems, one as the means of support and the other as a safety back-up for (specifically) getting to and from the place of work. Such systems become work positioning systems when the user is at the place of work. Note that in such a system both ropes are static (ie stationary) while the user moves up and down the rope. If the rope supporting the user moves with the user (ie as in a bosun’s chair arrangement) the system is a work positioning system, not a rope access system;

(d) rescue systems are personal protective systems by which a person can rescue themselves or others by pulling, lifting or lowering;

(e) fall arrest systems are personal protective systems where the fall is arrested to prevent the user colliding with the ground or structure. Such systems have energy absorbance capacity built into the system and are designed to limit the forces on the human body to no greater than 6 kN. Examples are energy absorbing lanyards, inertia reel devices (when used correctly, ie anchored vertically above the user) or lead climbing using dynamic rope.

Keypoints

112 Key points to note about personal fall protection:

(a) consider all elements when selecting suitable equipment – the maximum descent height and load; safe and secure anchorage points; the length, type and number of ropes and lanyards; the specification of ascender/descender devices; a system for recovery after a fall. Regulation 5 of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)21 requires that equipment used for lifting or lowering people is safe;

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(b) inspect equipment at regular intervals. Regulation 9 of LOLER requires lifting equipment for lifting people to be examined every six months by a competent person if it is exposed to conditions causing deterioration which is liable to result in dangerous situations;

(c) special care should be taken when inspecting components made from webbing and rope because of the deterioration that can take place in these materials. Guidance on this topic and the recommended inspection frequency can be found in Inspecting fall arrest equipment made from webbing or rope.22

Hearingprotection

113 The regulations do not apply to hearing protection except that it must be compatible with any other PPE provided. Full guidance on the selection, use, care and maintenance of hearing protection is given in Noise at work: The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. Guidance on Regulations. Hearing protection should only be used where risks to hearing remain despite the implementation of other measures to control the noise, or while those other measures are being developed or put in place. Typesofprotection

114 There are two main types of hearing protection:

(a) earplugs. These fit into or cover the ear canal, to form a seal. They sometimes have a cord or neckband to prevent them being lost. They can be permanent (indefinite use), reusable (use only a few times) or disposable (use once);

(b) earmuffs. These are normally hard plastic cups, which fit over and surround the ears. They are sealed to the head by cushion seals (filled with plastic foam or a viscous liquid). The inner surfaces of the cups are covered with a sound absorbing material, usually soft plastic foam. They can be headband or helmet mounted and some can have communication equipment built into them.

Respiratoryprotectiveequipment

115 Full guidance on the selection, use and maintenance of RPE is given in Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guide. If using RPE you should refer to this document. TypesofRPE

116 Respiratory protective equipment is generally of two types:

(a) respirators that rely on filtering contaminants from workplace air. These include simple filtering face pieces and respirators and power-assisted respirators;

(b) breathing apparatus, which gives an independent supply of breathable air, for example fresh air hose, compressed airline and self-contained breathing apparatus. You may have to use breathing apparatus in a confined space or if there is a chance of an oxygen deficiency in the work area.

117 To make sure that the selected RPE has the potential to provide adequate protection for individual wearers, the Approved Codes of Practice supporting the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002,23 and the Control of Asbestos Regulations 201224 require the fit

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testing of RPE which incorporates a tight-fitting face piece. A tight face piece is a full-face mask, a half-face mask, or a filtering face piece.

118 People who work with harmful dusts should not use nuisance dust masks to protect themselves from exposure. Nuisance dust masks are not protective devices, are not classified as PPE and are not CE marked to the requirements of the PPE Directive. Nuisance dust masks, which are available from most DIY stores, consist of a thin metal plate that holds a piece of gauze over the nose and mouth or a lightweight filter that looks similar to a disposable dust respirator. Nuisance dust masks typically have only a single head strap.

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Appendix1TheHealthandSafetyatWorketcAct1974(GeneralDutiesofSelf-EmployedPersons)(PrescribedUndertakings)Regulations2015:Schedule:Activities

Regulation2:

Agriculture(includingforestry)

1.Anyworkwhichisanagriculturalactivity(whichistobereadinaccordancewithregulation2(1)oftheHealthandSafety(EnforcingAuthority)Regulations1998).

Asbestos

2.—

(1)Anyworkwithasbestos.(2)Anyworkwhich—

(a)involvesasamplingactivity;but(b)isnotworkwithasbestos.

(3)Anyactivitycarriedoutbyadutyholderunderregulation4oftheControlofAsbestosRegulations2012(the“2012Regulations”)(dutytomanageasbestosinnon-domesticpremises).(4)Inthisparagraph—

(a)“asbestos”hasthemeaninggiveninregulation2ofthe2012Regulations;(b)“dutyholder”hasthemeaninggiveninregulation4(1)ofthe2012Regulations;(c)“samplingactivity”means—(i)airmonitoring;(ii)thecollectionofairsamples;or(iii)theanalysisofairsamples,

toascertainwhetherasbestosfibresarepresentintheair,ortomeasuretheconcentrationofsuchfibres;and

(d)“workwithasbestos”istobereadinaccordancewithregulation2(2)ofthe2012Regulations.

Construction

3.—

(1)Anyworkwhichiscarriedoutonaconstructionsite.

(2)Anyworkinrelationtoaprojectcarriedoutbyadesigner,aclient,acontractor,aprincipalcontractororaprincipaldesignerwhichgivesrisetoadutyundertheConstruction(DesignandManagement)Regulations2015(“the2015Regulations”).

(3)Inthisparagraph—

(a)“client”,“contractor”,“designer”,“principalcontractor”,“principaldesigner”and“project”havethemeaningsgiveninregulation2(1)ofthe2015Regulations;and

(b)“constructionsite”istobereadinaccordancewiththatregulation.

Gas

4.AnyactivitytowhichtheGasSafety(InstallationandUse)Regulations1998apply.

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Geneticallymodifiedorganisms

5.Containedusewithinthemeaningofregulation2(1)oftheGeneticallyModifiedOrganisms(ContainedUse)Regulations2014.

Railways

6.Theoperationofarailway(whichistobereadinaccordancewithregulation2oftheHealthandSafety(EnforcingAuthorityforRailwaysandOtherGuidedTransportSystems)Regulations2006).

Referencesandfurtherreading

References1 PersonalProtectiveEquipmentatWorkRegulations1992SI1992/2966TheStationeryOfficewww.legislation.gov.uk

2 EUDirective89/656/EEC

3 EmploymentAct1989TheStationeryOfficewww.legislation.gov.uk

4 DeregulationAct2015(HealthandSafetyatWork)(GeneralDutiesofSelf-EmployedPersons)(ConsequentialAmendments)Order2015SI2015/1637TheStationeryOfficewww.legislation.gov.uk

5 Consulting employees on health and safety: A brief guide to the law Leaflet INDG232(rev2) HSE 2013www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg232.htm

6 HealthandSafetyatWorketcAct1974(c37)TheStationeryOffice1974www.legislation.gov.uk

7 HealthandSafetyatWorkAct1974(GeneralDutiesofSelf-EmployedPersons)(PrescribedUndertakings)Regulations2015SI2015/1583TheStationeryOfficewww.legislation.gov.uk

8 RoadTrafficAct1988TheStationeryOffice1988www.legislation.gov.uk

9 Construction(HeadProtection)Regulations1989SI1989/2209TheStationeryOfficewww.legislation.gov.uk

10 DeregulationAct2015TheStationeryOffice2015www.legislation.gov.uk

11 TheControlofAsbestosRegulations2012SI2012/632TheStationeryOfficewww.legislation.gov.uk

12 Risk assessment: A brief guide to controlling risks in the workplace Leaflet INDG163(rev4) HSE 2014www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg163.htm

13 ThePolice(HealthandSafety)Regulations1999SI1999/860TheStationeryOfficewww.legislation.gov.uk

14 ThePersonalProtectiveEquipmentRegulations2002SI2002/1144TheStationeryOfficewww.legislation.gov.uk

15 PersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE)Directive89/686/EECPage42of44

16 Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH). The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (asamended).ApprovedCodeofPracticeandguidanceL5(Sixthedition)HSE2013www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l5.htm

17 Controllingnoiseatwork.TheControlofNoiseatWorkRegulations2005.GuidanceonRegulationsL108(Secondedition)HSE2005www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l108.htm

18 Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guide HSG53 (Fourth edition) HSE 2013www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg53.htm

19 Traffic signsmanual. Traffic safetymeasures and signs for roadworks and temporary situations. Part 2:Operations (Secondedition) The StationeryOffice 2009www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/203670/ traffic-signs-manual-chapter-08-part-02.pdf

20 Safetyatstreetworksandroadworks.ACodeofPractice(2ndimpression,withamendments)TheDepartmentforTransport2013 www.gov.uk/government/ uploads/attachment_data/file/321056/safety-sign-at-streetworks.pdf 21 Safe use of liftingequipment.LiftingOperationsandLiftingEquipmentRegulations1998.ApprovedCodeofPracticeandguidanceL113(Secondedition)HSE2014www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l113.htm

22 InspectingfallarrestequipmentmadefromwebbingorropeLeafletINDG367HSE2002www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg367.htm

23 Controlofleadatwork.ControlofLeadatWorkRegulations2002.ApprovedCodeofPracticeandguidanceL132(Thirdedition)HSEwww.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l132.htm

24 Managing andworkingwith asbestos: Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Approved Code of Practice and guidance L143(Secondedition)HSE2013www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l143.htm