The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended in 2022) require personal protective equipment where risks can't be adequately controlled by other means. So the first question is whether the hazard can be removed at source, engineered out, or worked around. If it can, remove it. If it can't, PPE picks up what's left.
Matching PPE to the hazard
The most important thing is to use the right PPE for the job. Head protection where things fall from above. Hi-vis clothing where vehicles and pedestrians share space. Safety footwear where feet meet weight, sharp edges, or slippery surfaces. And gloves get complicated: cut-resistant for handling, chemical-resistant for solvents, disposable nitrile for food and clinical settings. Eye protection covers anything that could splash, spark, or shatter. Where daily noise exposure crosses the action levels in the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, ear defenders or plugs bring it back down.
Respiratory protective equipment is a separate category with its own selection process. Anything tight-fitting needs a fit test before it goes into use.
Making sure protective equipment is worn right
Personal protective equipment only works when it's worn correctly, worn consistently, and worn for as long as the hazard's present. Which means selecting kit that people will actually wear. Safety boots two sizes too big get kicked off at the first chance. Ear defenders that make communication impossible get taken out. So the fit and the comfort matter as much as the certification.
For advice on the right personal protective equipment for your workforce, call the team on 0808 175 4375.
How do I know which PPE is legally required for my workplace?
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022 require employers to provide suitable PPE to employees exposed to health or safety risks that can't be adequately controlled by other means. The starting point is your risk assessment, which should identify the specific hazards present and the corresponding PPE required. If you're unsure what your specific environment requires, the HSE publishes guidance on the right type of PPE to control risks.
What's the difference between a 2-point, 3-point, and 4-point safety harness?
The number of points refers to the attachment points on the harness. A 1 or 2-point harness has rear and/or front attachment points and is suited to basic fall arrest in lower-risk work at height scenarios. A 3-point harness adds a chest attachment for improved load distribution during a fall. A 4-point harness provides the most secure fit across the chest, back, and legs, and is the appropriate choice for industrial and higher-risk applications where comfort and security during suspension are critical. The right choice depends on the nature of the work, the anchor system in use, and the rescue plan in place.
How do I choose the right fall arrest kit for my specific work at height task?
Match the kit to the working environment and the nature of the task. The basic Fall Arrest Kit suits general work at height on construction sites. The Construction Fall Arrest Kit is more comprehensive for site-based tasks. The Scaffolding Fall Arrest Kit is configured specifically for scaffold work, and the Roofing Fall Protection Kit covers pitched roof applications. The Industrial Fall Arrest Kit is the most comprehensive option for complex industrial environments. If you're unsure which kit is appropriate for your specific task and anchor points, check the Work at Height Regulations 2005 guidance or contact us.
What do the different Hi-Vis classes mean?
Hi-vis garments are rated by the amount of fluorescent and reflective material they incorporate. Class 1 offers the minimum coverage and is suited to low-risk environments with no vehicle traffic. Class 2 provides greater visibility and is appropriate for road workers, site workers, and anyone working near slow-moving vehicles. Class 3 offers the highest level of visibility - covering the torso and limbs - and is required for high-risk environments such as motorway works or anywhere near fast-moving traffic.
Are these products certified to current UK safety standards?
Yes. All PPE sold in the UK must meet the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 and carry a UKCA or CE mark confirming conformity to the relevant standard. The products in this range meet these requirements.
