Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

17.25.5 Maintenance – Regulation 7
Every employer (and self-employed person) shall ensure 
that any PPE provided is maintained, including replaced 
and cleaned, in an effi cient state, in effi cient working 
order and in good repair.
The guide emphasizes the need to set up an effective 
system of maintenance for PPE. This should be propor-
tionate to the risks and appropriate to the particular PPE. 
It could include, where appropriate, cleaning, disinfec-
tion, examination, replacement, repair and testing. For 
example, mechanical fall arrestor equipment or sub-
aqua breathing apparatus will require planned preventa-
tive maintenance with examination, testing and overhaul. 
Records should be kept of the maintenance work. Gloves 
may only require periodic inspection by the user as 
necessary, depending on their use.
Spare parts must be compatible and be the 
proper part suitably CE marked where applicable. 
Manufacturers’ maintenance schedules and instruc-
tions should be followed unless alternative schemes are 
agreed with the manufacturer or agent.
In some cases these requirements can be fulfi lled by 
using disposable PPE which can be discarded after use 
or when their life has expired. Users should know when 
to discard and replace disposable PPE.
17.25.6 Accommodation – Regulation 8
When an employer or self-employed person has to pro-
vide PPE they must ensure that appropriate accommo-
dation is provided to store it when not in use.
The type of accommodation will vary and may just 
be suitable hooks for special clothing and small portable 
cases for goggles. It should be separate from normal 
outer clothing storage arrangements and protect the 
PPE from contamination or deterioration.
17.25.7
Information, instruction and training – 
Regulation 9
Employers shall provide employees with adequate and 
appropriate information, instruction and training on:
➤
the risks which the PPE will avoid or limit
➤
the purpose for which and the manner in which PPE 
should be used
➤
any action required of the employee to maintain 
the PPE.
Employers must ensure that the information is kept 
available. The employer shall where appropriate and at 
suitable intervals, organize demonstrations of the wear-
ing of PPE.
The guidance suggests the training should include:
➤
an explanation of the risks and why PPE is needed
➤
the operation, performance and limitations of the 
equipment
➤
instructions on the selection, use and storage of 
PPE
➤
problems that can affect PPE relating to other equip-
ment, working conditions, defective equipment, 
hygiene factors and poor fi t
➤
the recognition of defects and how to report prob-
lems with PPE
➤
practice in putting on wearing and removing PPE
➤
practice in user cleaning and maintenance
➤
how to store safely.