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📋 Toolbox Talk  ·  Health & Safety

PPE:
Your Employer Must Provide It Free

Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2022 — when PPE is required, your employer's duty to provide it at no cost, correct use and replacement.

✅ Verified July 2026📚 HSE · PPE at Work Regs 2022🇬🇧 Applies across the UKukworkrights.co.uk
The law

PPE at Work Regulations 2022

  • PPE is any equipment designed to protect the wearer against health or safety risks — helmets, gloves, eye protection, hi-vis, respiratory protective equipment (RPE), safety footwear
  • From 6 April 2022, the PPE duty was extended to include workers (not just employees)
  • Your employer must provide suitable PPE free of charge — you must not be charged for it
  • PPE must be properly maintained, stored and replaced when worn or damaged
  • You must be trained on how to use and maintain your PPE
  • PPE is always the last resort — other control measures must be tried first

✅ No charge

Since 2022, zero hours workers and other workers (not just employees) must be provided PPE free of charge. If your employer is charging you for PPE — that is unlawful.
Types of PPE

Common PPE and when it's needed

PPE typeWhen required
Hard hatRisk of falling objects — construction, warehousing
Safety footwearRisk of foot injury from falling objects, sharp materials
Hi-visWorking near vehicles or in low visibility conditions
GlovesChemical exposure, cuts, vibration, heat
Eye protectionFlying particles, chemicals, UV radiation
RPEDust, fumes, vapours exceeding WELs
Hearing protectionNoise above 85 dB(A)

⚠ Right PPE for the risk

Generic gloves are not the same as chemical-resistant gloves. The PPE must be suitable for the specific risk identified in the risk assessment.
Your responsibilities

Using PPE correctly

  • You must use PPE as trained and instructed by your employer
  • You must inspect PPE before each use — check for damage, wear, or contamination
  • Report damaged or missing PPE to your supervisor immediately
  • Store PPE correctly — poor storage degrades protective properties
  • Never modify or tamper with PPE
  • If PPE is uncomfortable or ill-fitting — tell your employer. Ill-fitting PPE can be more dangerous than none at all
  • You cannot be forced to buy your own PPE or accept PPE deductions from your wages

💡 Fit matters

PPE must fit the individual — particularly RPE and hearing protection. Face-fit testing is required for tight-fitting respirators. If you have a beard, some masks won't seal correctly — ask about alternatives.
Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Can my employer deduct the cost of PPE from my wages?
No. PPE required by law must be provided free of charge. Deducting PPE costs from wages is unlawful. If this is happening to you, raise a grievance and contact ACAS on 0300 123 1100.
What if I lose or damage my PPE?
If it was accidental, your employer must replace it — they cannot refuse to provide PPE because of a previous accident. If the damage or loss was through deliberate misuse, your employer may have grounds to address it disciplinarily, but they still cannot leave you without protection.
Do I have to wear PPE even if I think it's unnecessary?
If your employer requires PPE based on a risk assessment, you must wear it. If you genuinely believe the assessment is wrong, raise it through your safety rep or HSE — but continue wearing the PPE in the meantime. Refusing to wear required PPE may be a disciplinary matter.
What about PPE for pregnant workers?
Pregnancy changes the risk profile — some PPE won't fit and some risks increase. Your employer must carry out an individual risk assessment for a pregnant worker and provide suitable PPE or adjust the role accordingly.
Free H&S guidance

PPE Guidance
free guidance

Get plain-English guidance on your rights and your employer's legal duties.

HSE Infoline
0300 003 1747
hse.gov.uk
ACAS
0300 123 1100
acas.org.uk
Citizens Advice
0800 144 8848
citizensadvice.org.uk
UK Work Rights
PPE Guidance
ukworkrights.co.uk/toolbox-ppe.html

General guidance only — not legal advice · Verified July 2026 · © UK Work Rights Ltd · Company No. 17228507