What PPE Is Required by Law in the UK Workplace? Guide

Originally published: 24 March 2026

Last reviewed for compliance: 24 March 2026

What PPE Is Required by Law in the UK Workplace?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a legal requirement in many UK workplaces where risks cannot be adequately controlled through other measures. From construction sites to warehouses and maintenance environments, employers are responsible for ensuring workers are protected from potential hazards.

However, PPE requirements are not identical across every business. The type of equipment required depends on the risks present, the work being carried out and the environment workers operate in.

This guide explains what PPE is required by law in the UK, how employers should approach risk assessment and what types of equipment are commonly used across different industries.

👉 Browse full PPE range: PPE

What does UK law say about PPE?

In the UK, PPE requirements are governed by the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations. These regulations require employers to provide suitable PPE where risks cannot be eliminated or adequately controlled by other means.

Key responsibilities for employers include:

Carrying out risk assessments
Providing appropriate PPE for identified hazards
Ensuring PPE is maintained and replaced when needed
Providing training on correct use
Ensuring PPE is used correctly by employees

PPE must be provided free of charge to employees when required for their role.

How to determine what PPE is required

The starting point for PPE selection is a workplace risk assessment. Employers must identify potential hazards and determine how those risks can be controlled.

Common workplace hazards include:

Falling objects and impact risks
Sharp materials or tools
Dust and airborne particles
High noise levels
Chemical exposure
Working at height

Once risks are identified, appropriate PPE should be selected to reduce the likelihood and severity of injury.

For a construction-specific breakdown, see our guide to PPE equipment for construction sites.

Common types of PPE required in UK workplaces

While requirements vary by industry, several categories of PPE are commonly used across UK workplaces.

Head protection

Safety helmets are required where there is a risk of head injury from falling objects or impact.

👉 Browse helmets: Safety Helmets

👉 Helmet options: White Safety Helmets | Short Peak Safety Helmets | Helmet Accessories

Learn more: Safety Helmets Explained

Hand protection

Work gloves are used to protect against cuts, abrasions and handling risks in a wide range of industries.

👉 View gloves: Work Gloves

👉 Glove categories: General Purpose Gloves | Cut Resistant Gloves | Chemical Protection Gloves

Related guide: Work Gloves Guide

Eye protection

Safety glasses or goggles are required where there is a risk of debris, dust or chemical exposure.

👉 Explore eye protection: Eye Protection

👉 Eye protection types: Safety Glasses | Safety Goggles

Hearing protection

Where noise levels exceed safe limits, hearing protection such as ear defenders or ear plugs must be provided.

👉 Browse hearing protection: Hearing Protection

👉 Hearing protection types: Ear Defenders | Ear Plugs

See guide: Hearing Protection Explained

Respiratory protection

Respirators are required where workers are exposed to dust, fumes or airborne hazards.

👉 View respirators: Respirators

👉 Respirator types: P1 Respirators | P2 Respirators | P3 Respirators

Working at height equipment

Harnesses and fall protection systems are required where there is a risk of falling from height.

👉 Browse equipment: Working at Height

👉 Working at height equipment: Safety Harnesses | Lanyards

Related guide: Working at Height PPE

First aid and compliance equipment

Employers must also ensure appropriate first aid equipment is available in the workplace.

👉 Explore first aid supplies: First Aid & Compliance

👉 First aid categories: First Aid Kits | Eye Wash Solutions

PPE requirements by industry

The type of PPE required will vary depending on the industry and working environment.

Construction

Construction sites typically require a combination of helmets, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and respiratory PPE.

👉 Related reading: Construction PPE Guide

👉 Shop related range: Construction Workwear

Logistics and warehousing

Workers may require gloves, eye protection and safety footwear depending on tasks.

👉 Related reading: Safety Footwear Explained

Facilities management

PPE requirements vary depending on maintenance, cleaning or inspection work.

Engineering and manufacturing

These environments often require a broader range of PPE, including specialist protection.

Employer responsibilities for PPE management

Providing PPE is only part of the requirement. Employers must ensure it is properly managed and remains effective.

This includes:

Ensuring PPE fits correctly
Maintaining equipment in good condition
Replacing damaged or worn items
Providing training on correct use

Regular checks should be carried out to ensure PPE continues to provide adequate protection.

Do employees have responsibilities?

Employees also have responsibilities when it comes to PPE.

Workers should:

Use PPE as instructed
Report damaged equipment
Take reasonable care of issued PPE

Proper use is essential to ensure PPE remains effective.

Managing PPE supply across teams

For businesses managing multiple workers or sites, maintaining consistent PPE supply is essential.

Many organisations use structured approaches such as PPE kits for construction teams to simplify distribution and ensure consistency.

Reliable supply helps ensure workers are always equipped with the correct protection.

Choosing a reliable PPE supplier

Working with a specialist supplier helps ensure businesses have access to a full range of compliant PPE, with consistent availability for repeat orders.

At Hi Vis Workwear, we supply PPE for construction, trade and industrial environments across the UK, helping businesses maintain safety standards across teams.