What is this document?
INDG174 is the HSE's short guide to the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. It explains what employers must do to protect workers through the proper selection, provision, and use of PPE when other controls cannot adequately reduce risk.
PPE is equipment worn to protect against health and safety risks, including hard hats, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, and respiratory protective equipment.
Who needs to read this?
- Employers in any sector where PPE is used or may be needed
- Managers and supervisors responsible for workplace safety
- Health and safety advisors assessing PPE requirements
- Procurement staff selecting and purchasing PPE
- Employees and safety representatives wanting to understand PPE requirements
- Self-employed people who need to protect themselves at work
Key points covered
The HSE guidance addresses:
- When PPE is required and when it is not appropriate
- The hierarchy of controls - PPE as a last resort
- Employer duties for PPE assessment, selection, and provision
- Selecting suitable PPE for different hazards
- Compatibility when multiple types of PPE are needed together
- Maintenance, storage, and replacement of PPE
- Training and supervision in correct PPE use
- Employee duties to use PPE properly
How this applies to you
PPE is a last resort
Before considering PPE, you must first try to:
- Eliminate the hazard entirely
- Substitute with something less hazardous
- Use engineering controls (guards, ventilation, enclosures)
- Implement safe systems of work and administrative controls
Only when risks cannot be adequately controlled by these measures should PPE be used.
Employer duties for PPE
If PPE is needed, employers must:
- Assess what PPE is required for each task and hazard
- Provide suitable PPE free of charge to employees
- Ensure compatibility when multiple items must be worn together
- Maintain, clean, and replace PPE as necessary
- Provide storage for PPE when not in use
- Train employees in correct use, limitations, and care of PPE
- Supervise to ensure PPE is worn correctly
Selecting the right PPE
PPE must be:
- Suitable for the risk - provides adequate protection
- Suitable for the task - allows the work to be done safely
- Suitable for the wearer - fits properly and is comfortable
- Compatible with other PPE being worn
- CE or UKCA marked showing it meets required standards
Common PPE types and hazards
| Hazard | PPE Options |
|---|---|
| Head injuries | Hard hats, bump caps |
| Eye injuries | Safety spectacles, goggles, face shields |
| Hearing damage | Ear plugs, ear muffs |
| Respiratory hazards | Disposable masks, half-face respirators, full-face respirators |
| Hand injuries | Gloves (various types for different hazards) |
| Foot injuries | Safety boots, shoes with toe protection |
| Skin exposure | Protective clothing, aprons, coveralls |
| Falls from height | Harnesses, lanyards (with proper anchor points) |
Employee duties
Workers must:
- Use PPE in accordance with training and instructions
- Return PPE to storage after use
- Report any defects or damage immediately
- Not misuse or damage PPE
Related Safety Clarity content
- Workplace Safety Requirements - General employer health and safety duties
- COSHH - Control of substances hazardous to health, including respiratory protection
Source: This page summarises HSE guidance document INDG174. For the full official guidance, visit the HSE website.