Regulations came into force on 6th April 2022. They amend the 1992 Regulations (PPER 1992).
Under the regulations duties are unchanged but extended to reflect the types of duties and responsibilities on employers and employees under PPER 1992 remain unchanged but are extended to limb (b) workers, as defined in PPER 2022.
If PPE is required, employers must ensure their workers have sufficient information, instruction and training on the use of PPE.
A limb (b) worker now has a duty to use the PPE in accordance with their training and instruction, and ensure it is returned to the storage area provided by their employer.
PPER 1992 places a duty on every employer in Great Britain to ensure that suitable PPE is provided to ‘employees’ who may be exposed to a risk to their health or safety while at work.
The employer is responsible for the maintenance, storage and replacement of any PPE they provide. As a worker, you are required to use the PPE properly following training and instruction from your employer. If the PPE you provide is lost or becomes defective, you should report that to your employer.
PPE is defined in the PPER 1992 as ‘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 the person against one or more risks to that person’s health or safety, and any addition or accessory designed to meet that objective’.
Where an employer finds PPE to be necessary after a risk assessment, using the hierarchy of controls explained below, they have a duty to provide it free of charge.
Further information:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/ppe/ppe-regulations-2022.htm