Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The University has a duty to identify situations in which it is necessary for workers to wear personal protective equipment. PPE is equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks at work. It can include items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. It also includes respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

In the hierarchy of control measures, PPE should be the last resort. Engineering controls are generally preferable for high standards of safety. However, where it is identified that PPE is the best solution, the School/Department must ensure that the PPE is suitable, maintained, clean, has a suitable storage place and, crucially, that the users have been instructed in how to wear the PPE correctly.

Further reference can be made to the HSE's guidance to the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002.

The University also has specific guidance in relation to:  

Lab Coats

• Guidance on choice of lab coat style and material 

Gloves 

• Good Gloving Practice 
• Guidance on selection of gloves supplied as Core items within  the Laboratory Consumables Framework Agreement that can be ordered via Sciquest 

Other Resources:

• Ansell Gloves
• Presentation by Shield Scientific - "A Safe Pair of Hands" 
• HSE Video - Removing Gloves without Contaminating Hands

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)

• Selection and Use of RPE 

Eye and Face Protective Equipment

• Selection and Use of Eye and Face Protective Equipment