Personal Protection Equipment Policy (PPE)

It’s important to conduct thorough risk assessments to make sure personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory protective equipment (RPE) are appropriately selected to protect employees and other persons from hazardous substances or situations in the workplace. We recognise the critical role that PPE and RPE can have in safeguarding against occupational hazards

Our commitment

We will:

• conduct risk assessments and identify the need for PPE and RPE and the type of equipment required. The risk assessments will identify (in order) if the relevant hazard can be (i) eliminated; (ii) replaced; (iii) engineered out; or (iv) administratively controlled. Only if none of these can be achieved will PPE and RPE be appropriate control measures.
• provide appropriate PPE and RPE at no cost, ensuring its compliance with relevant safety standards
• train employees on the correct use, storage, and maintenance of PPE and RPE, considering the safety of others nearby
• regularly review the effectiveness and compliance of PPE and RPE with regulations, HSE guidance and best-practice guidelines.

Equipment provision

Equipment will be selected based on detailed risk assessments, considering the specific hazards present, the work environment, and the suitability of the PPE and RPE to protect against those hazards. We will make sure that all PPE and RPE is compatible and consult employees.

We will maintain accurate records of PPE and RPE distribution, including issue dates, receipt acknowledgments by employees, and detailed records of training and maintenance activities.

Training and use

We will:

• provide comprehensive training on use, maintenance, and storage, such training may include physical demonstrations and where necessary face fit testing for RPE
• keep records of training, maintenance, and inspections.
• conduct inspections to ensure legal compliance and correct use.
• require employees to use PPE and RPE strictly in accordance with their training and instruction and take appropriate action where they do not

Maintenance and storage

• Maintenance and storage procedures will be implemented to ensure equipment is kept in a hygienic, safe, and fully operational state, protected from damage, contamination, and loss.
• Defective or faulty equipment should be reported immediately so that remedial action can be taken. Employees should not use faulty or defective equipment and must not undertake any tasks requiring PPE/RPE without the correct equipment

Monitoring and review

Compliance with this policy will be regularly monitored. The effectiveness of PPE and RPE in preventing health risks will be assessed, with consideration given to introducing health surveillance programs for employees exposed to significant risks despite the use of PPE and RPE.