Personal protective equipment and welfare on site
Where PPE sits in the hierarchy
PPE is the last line of defence, used after eliminating the hazard, engineering controls such as guarding or segregation, and safe systems of work. It protects one person from a hazard that has not been fully controlled. Under the PPE at Work Regulations, the employer selects and supplies suitable PPE free of charge, based on a risk assessment, and trains the wearer in its use; the employee must wear it as instructed, look after it, and report loss or damage.
Typical minimum on a plant site: hard hat, high-visibility clothing, safety boots with ankle support, and eye, hand and hearing protection where the assessment calls for it. High-visibility clothing degrades with dirt and sunlight - a filthy vest is not protective. Respiratory protection for dust requires face-fit testing and a clean-shaven seal. Loose clothing and jewellery can snag on controls; seat belts must be worn as instructed.
Welfare
Welfare is not a luxury and is not something to be sorted out later. Under CDM 2015, suitable welfare facilities - toilets, washing facilities with soap and drying, drinking water, a rest area with seating and protection from weather, and a means of heating food - must be provided from the start of the project. First aid arrangements and fire precautions are part of the same package.
Traps
- "PPE is the first choice of control" - wrong; it is the last resort.
- "The operator can be asked to buy their own boots" - wrong where PPE is required by risk assessment.
- Welfare is required before work begins, not once site is established.
Rule of thumb
No welfare, no work - and if PPE is damaged, stop and get a replacement rather than continuing.