Finance Editor, Kael Tripton Ltd - LBS MBA - Verified against FCA Handbook: 14 June 2026
Quick answer
PPE at Work Regulations 1992 (amended 2022) require employers to provide PPE free of charge where risks cannot be controlled otherwise. Since April 2022, the regulations cover workers as well as employees. PPE is the last resort in the control hierarchy -- eliminate the risk first. Employers cannot charge workers for PPE or deduct costs from wages.
What Are the PPE Regulations and What Must Employers Provide?
Direct answer
Must employers provide PPE free of charge and who is covered?
Yes. PPE at Work Regulations 1992 (amended 2022, legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/2966) require employers to provide suitable PPE free of charge to employees and workers where risks cannot be adequately controlled otherwise. Since April 2022, agency workers and other non-employee workers are also covered. Employers cannot charge for PPE or deduct costs from wages. PPE is always the last resort in the control hierarchy.
Only use PPE as a last resort
PPE protects only the wearer -- eliminate or control the risk first using engineering or administrative controls.
Select suitable PPE
Match PPE to the specific risk. Safety standards (EN standards) are marked on certified PPE. Check the PPE is CE/UKCA marked.
Provide PPE free of charge
Employers cannot charge workers for PPE. Provide, replace and maintain at no cost to the worker.
Train workers in PPE use
Demonstrate how to fit, adjust, wear, maintain and store PPE correctly. Keep training records.
Inspect and maintain PPE
Inspect PPE regularly for wear, damage or contamination. Replace immediately if defective.
| PPE type | Protection | CE/UKCA standard |
|---|---|---|
| Safety helmet | Head impact from falling objects | EN 397 / EN 12492 |
| Eye protection (safety glasses) | Impact, dust, chemical splash | EN 166 |
| Hearing protection (ear defenders) | Noise-induced hearing loss | EN 352 |
| High-visibility clothing | Being struck by vehicles | EN ISO 20471 Class 2 or 3 |
| Safety boots (steel toe cap) | Foot crush and penetration | EN ISO 20345 S1-S5 |
| RPE (half-face respirator) | Inhalation of dusts, fumes, vapours | EN 140 + appropriate filter |
Related KT guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the PPE at Work Regulations?
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended by the Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022) require employers to ensure that suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided to employees who may be exposed to a risk to their health or safety while at work, except where and to the extent that such risk has been adequately controlled by other means which are equally or more effective. PPE is the last resort in the hierarchy of controls.
What does PPE include under the regulations?
PPE includes all equipment (including clothing affording protection against the weather) which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects them against one or more risks to their health or safety. This includes: safety helmets, gloves, eye protection (goggles, safety glasses, face shields), hearing protection (ear plugs, ear defenders), high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, respiratory protective equipment (RPE), and harnesses. Safety signs and barrier tape are not PPE.
Who must provide PPE under the regulations?
The 2022 amendments extended the PPE at Work Regulations to cover limb (b) workers (those engaged through agencies or otherwise in a worker relationship). From 6 April 2022, the regulations apply to: employees (as before), and workers who are not employees but who work under employer direction. Self-employed persons must also provide themselves with suitable PPE. The PPE provided by the employer must be suitable, compatible with other PPE, and properly maintained.
Must employers provide PPE free of charge?
Yes. Under the PPE at Work Regulations, employers must provide PPE free of charge to employees and, from April 2022, to workers. This was confirmed by the 2022 amendment regulations. Employers cannot charge workers for PPE, deduct PPE costs from wages, or require workers to purchase their own PPE as a condition of engagement.
What are the employer's duties under PPE regulations?
Employers must: provide suitable PPE where risks cannot be adequately controlled otherwise; ensure PPE is appropriate for the risk, ergonomically suitable, and compatible with other PPE; maintain PPE in clean and efficient working order; provide information, instruction and training on the use of PPE; ensure PPE is stored properly; and ensure workers use PPE correctly. Workers must use PPE in accordance with their training and report defects or loss.
Primary sources
Kael Tripton Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office under registration number ZC135439.
