WORKWEAR BLOG

PPE must always be regarded as a ‘last resort’ to protect against risks to safety and health. Engineering controls and safe systems of work must always be considered first.

For example, it may be possible to do the job using methods that will not require the use of PPE.

If this is not possible, more effective safeguards should be put in place. For example, fixed screens could be provided rather than individual eye protection.

There are a number of reasons why PPE must be considered as a ‘last resort’:


PPE only protects the person wearing it, whereas measures controlling the risk at source protect everyone in the workplace
theoretical maximum levels of protection are difficult to achieve and the actual level of protection is difficult to assess. Effective protection is only achieved by selecting suitable PPE and if it is correctly fitted, maintained and used
PPE may restrict the wearer to some extent by limiting mobility or visibility, or by requiring additional weight to be carried. Thus creating additional hazards.