Legal & Compliance Library

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

Requires employers to provide suitable PPE free of charge where risks can't be adequately controlled by other means.

Scope

The last line of defence, not the first

The regulations treat PPE as a last resort — required only where risk can't be adequately controlled by other, more effective means first.

Last resort, not first response

Duty

Applies once other controls reach their limit

The duty to provide PPE, free of charge, applies to employers once reasonably practicable alternative controls have already been considered.

After other controls, not instead

Practice

Required, issued and fitted — all on record

SafetyOps' PPE Register connects what's required by role or risk assessment to what's actually issued, including face-fit test results for respiratory protection.

Required and issued, connected

This page is an educational, plain-English summary — it is not legal advice and must not be relied on as a substitute for the legislation itself or advice from a competent person. Always refer to the official source for the authoritative text.

What it covers

These regulations require PPE to be suitable for the risk, properly fitted, maintained and replaced as necessary, with employees trained in its correct use - PPE is treated as a last line of defence after other controls.

Who it applies to

Employers providing PPE to employees, where risks remain after other reasonably practicable controls.

How SafetyOps supports compliance

SafetyOps' PPE Register connects required protective equipment — linked to a role, risk assessment or permit — to what's actually issued to each employee, including face-fit test records for respiratory protective equipment.

Explore the related module →

← Back to the Legal & Compliance Library