What are the new PPE regulations to be introduced in April?

On 6 April 2022, the government will be introducing new PPE regulations which will affect all industries across the UK.

PPE is an important part of keeping workers safe and protected while at work, so these new regulations should always be strictly followed.

Make sure that your business is prepared for these upcoming changes and find out more about what these new regulations will entail.

Why are PPE regulations changing?

The new PPE regulation will be called the Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (PPER 2022) and will be updating the PPER 1992 Regulations.

Rules on PPE will be brought up to date and will extend the duties of employers regarding personal protective equipment to keep workers safe.

What’s included in the new regulations?

The existing regulations around the provision of PPE for workers will remain unchanged, the main difference is that the regulations will now extend to limb (b) workers.

The rules are that employers should give their employees the right information, instruction, and training on how to wear PPE and how to maximise their own personal health and safety while at work.

It means that if you’re an employer you must provide PPE to all members of staff that could come into contact with hazards while they’re working, not just your full-time, permanent employees.

What’s the difference between limb (a) and limb (b) workers?

Limb (a) workers are people who have a contract of employment and already fall under the existing PPE regulations set out in PPER 1992.

A limb (b) worker is someone who works more casually and under a contract for service.

You’re a limb (b) worker if you:

• Carry out casual or irregular work for one or more company
• You receive holiday pay but no other employment rights
• You only carry out work if you choose to

What do the new regulations mean for limb (b) workers?

The new regulations mean that your employer should carry out a PPE suitability assessment and provide you with free PPE, just like they would any other employee.

Your employer will also be responsible for storing, maintaining, and replacing your PPE. It also means that you should undertake any PPE training your employer offers you and you should report to your employer when PPE is no longer fit for purpose.

These new regulations will ensure that you are safer at work and aren’t so at-risk to be the victim of workplace accidents or injuries.