Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is any device worn or held to protect you from health and safety hazards. PPE is the last control measure and should only be provided where the risks cannot be avoided or limited by other means.
Manager responsibilities
As a manager, it is your responsibility to:
- carry out a risk assessment to ensure the correct type of PPE is provided
- source PPE which is user-friendly fits the employee correctly and has the appropriate CE mark
- organise fit testing for respiratory protective equipment - a contract for fit testing is in place (contact local procurement for details)
- organise training in the use of PPE where necessary
- supervise the wearing of PPE
Consideration should be given to employees who have a medical condition that may be impacted when wearing certain personal protective equipment. Seek medical advice if this is the case.
PPE training
As a manager, you should tell your employees about the risks that PPE is protecting them from.
Your employees should have training in the use, maintenance, and limitations of PPE.
The training required depends on the level of risk and how complex the equipment is to use. For example, using respiratory equipment will need comprehensive training and regular refresher courses. Training in using protective gloves may need demonstration only.
Two education modules on putting on and taking off PPE safely are available on HSeLanD
- One is for staff in acute settings. Search ‘putting on and taking off PPE in acute healthcare settings'.
- The second is for staff in community settings. Search ‘putting on and taking off PPE in community healthcare settings'.
Employee responsibilities
As an employee, it is your responsibility to:
- use PPE properly
- report any defects in the PPE immediately to your manager
- participate in training on PPE
- ensure the PPE is stored and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
- tell your manager of any medical conditions that may be affected by using the PPE