PPE –An introduction to Personal Protective Equipment (Free Poster!)

What is PPE and why is it important?

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is equipment provided by an employer to help protect their staff from workplace hazards. Common examples include hard hats, hi-vis jackets, gloves, harnesses, safety footwear and respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

When to use PPE

PPE should be the last resort in lowering risk. Before resorting to PPE, employers should make sure they have gone through the entire hierarchy of controls:

1. Elimination – physically remove the hazard
2. Substitution – replace the hazard
3. Engineering controls – isolate people from the hazard
4. Administrative controls – change the way people work
5. PPE – protect the worker with equipment

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What responsibilities does an employer have to provide PPE?

An employer must:

1. Provide free, suitable protective equipment
2. Keep PPE in a good and working condition
3. Provide suitable training on how to use PPE
4. Consult with employees on if the PPE is suitable

What does PPE need to do?

PPE must:

1. Be relevant to the type of work
2. Protect effectively against the risks
3. Fit the user comfortably and properly
4. Not hinder the worker’s task or add to their risk
5. Comply with relevant standards

What responsibilities does an employee have around PPE?

An employee must:

1. Use all PPE provided
2. Report any loss or damage to the PPE
3. Store the PPE properly when not in use

Types of PPE Protection

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