A quick question regarding PPE and employers.

Simonslimline · Sep 20, 2015

I have googled this first but am still not entirely sure on this.

I understand it to be the responsibility of the employer to provide his employee with the appropriate PPE free of charge no matter how many employees work for the company.

Is this correct? I know that a company does not need a health and safety policy if it employs under 5 people, does this still stand?

I was not aware that the PPE requirement was governed by numbers of employees, and personally dont think it is. Please can anyone shed some light on this subject.

Thanks in advance.

davesparks · Sep 20, 2015

If ppe is required then it is the employers responsibility to provide ppe which is fit for purpose aswell as training in the correct fitting and use of it.
It is the employees responsibility to use it and look after it

Simonslimline · Sep 20, 2015

davesparks said:
If ppe is required then it is the employers responsibility to provide ppe which is fit for purpose aswell as training in the correct fitting and use of it.
It is the employees responsibility to use it and look after it

And the number of employees the employer has is irrelevant then i take it?

I am pretty sure it is but not 100% hence asking.

davesparks · Sep 20, 2015

No, number of employees doesn't matter, it applies to everyone from self employed up to massive companies.

Simonslimline · Sep 27, 2015

My boss seems adamant that he has it written in his policy that he does not need to provide it as he has less than 5 employees. He also said he only has a duty to ensure we use it when it's needed.

I told him i think it sounds like carp to me and he is confused.

Im not really fussed what he thinks as i buy all my own kit anyway. Just want to make sure the new apprentice knows what his rights are.

Plonker 3 · Sep 27, 2015

Heres a link to a HSE documnet which states that employers are responsible for the provision of PPE.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Simonslimline · Sep 27, 2015

Cheers Dillb.

I know he's wrong, he is adamant that its written in his policy.

It worries me a bit that people in a position to be handing down knowledge can be so out of touch with what is a basic requirement in being an employer.