By Mark Smith 02/11/2025

Under: PPE and Workwear

UK PPE & Safety Regulations: The Complete Guide for Construction

Adhering to the UK’s PPE and safety regulations is crucial for every construction company. Our comprehensive guide covers all the essentials regarding legal obligations, the responsibilities of workers, and key practices for maintaining site safety.

From getting familiar with the latest standards set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to picking out the appropriate personal protective equipment, this resource is designed to help keep your construction site not only safe but also compliant and efficient.

No matter if you’re an employer, site manager, or tradesperson, this indispensable guide serves as your trusted reference for understanding the laws surrounding construction safety in the UK.

Quick Summary of UK Regulations 

Who needs to comply

Every construction employer in the UK, along with contractors and self-employed workers, falls under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations from 1992, which were updated in 2022, and the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974.

What’s required

Employers are required to assess risks, provide appropriate PPE at no cost, ensure it’s used correctly, provide training, and keep accurate records of compliance.

When it applies

It’s always relevant, but remember, PPE should be your last line of defence after other safety measures, like engineering and administrative controls, have been put in place according to the Hierarchy of Control.

Quick reference checklist

• Risk assessment completed
• PPE provided (fit-for-purpose & CE/UKCA marked)
• Fit testing (respiratory protection)
• Records & signage maintained
• Regular inspection & replacement schedule in place

Free Downloads

• PPE Checklist (Word)
• PPE Policy Template (Word)
• Supplier Compliance Checklist (Word)

Employer Obligations under UK PPE Regulations

According to the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (amended in 2022) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, it's crucial for employers to take specific actions.

• First and foremost, they need to evaluate the hazards present in the workplace. This involves pinpointing risks that can't be managed through other methods.
• Ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided at no cost. This PPE should bear CE or UKCA markings. It must also meet the necessary BS EN standards, such as EN ISO 20345 for safety footwear.
• Make certain that PPE is used correctly and maintained properly. Employees should receive adequate training and supervision. All equipment needs to be cleaned, stored appropriately, and replaced if it becomes defective.
• Keep thorough documentation of all PPE issued, along with maintenance records and training sessions.
• Collaborate with contractors and subcontractors, as each employer holds responsibility for their own workforce.

Selecting the Right PPE for Construction

PPE plays a crucial role in keeping everyone safe and adhering to regulations on construction sites. From helmets to hi-vis safety vests, having the proper PPE can significantly reduce risks and help avoid serious injuries. 

Here’s a list of must-have PPE for construction workers, aimed at ensuring that each individual stays safe, effective, and in line with industry safety guidelines.

Head Protection

• Regulation: PPE at Work Regulations, BS EN 397
• Examples include: Hard Hats and Safety Helmets. These items must withstand impacts and prevent penetration; always check their expiry dates. It’s not one size fits all. Learn more about head protection. 

Eye and Face Protection

• Standard: EN 166:2002
• Remember always to wear: Safety Glasses and Goggles. Learn more about eye protection. 

Hearing Protection

• Regulation: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and BS EN 352.
• Product suggestion: Ear Defenders. Browse hearing protection. 

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)

• Standards: EN 149 for disposable masks, EN 140/EN 14387 for reusable options.
• Recommended products: Respirators and Masks. Selection should be based on a COSHH risk assessment. Browse respiratory protection. 

Hand Protection

• Standards: EN ISO 374 for chemical, EN 388 for mechanical
• Suggested product: Work Gloves. Learn more about hand protection. 

Foot Protection

• Standard: EN ISO 20345:2021
• Recommended product: Safety Boots. Learn more about foot protection. 

Body and Visibility Protection

• Standard: EN ISO 20471:2013
• Suggested product: Hi-Vis Clothing. Learn more about hi-vis. 

 

Fit Testing for Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)

Fit testing is mandatory when using tight-fitting RPE (e.g. FFP3 masks, half masks).

• Types of tests: These can be either qualitative, which involves tasting or smelling, or quantitative, focusing on counting particles.
• Frequency: You should conduct these tests before the first use and repeat them if there are any changes in face shape, like due to weight loss or dental procedures.
• Recordkeeping: It's important to keep all documentation for a minimum of five years. 

Recordkeeping & Documentation

It's essential for employers to keep accurate records and documentation related to safety equipment. This includes:

•  Logs for issuing personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Records of training and induction sessions
• Certificates confirming fit tests
• Logs for maintenance and inspections

Helpful Tip: Consider setting up a digital PPE register. This can help you monitor expiration dates, schedule inspections, and track replacements more efficiently.

Free Download: PPE Register Template 

Signage & On-Site Requirements

The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 state that where personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed, there must be clear and noticeable signs. These signs should follow the BS EN ISO 7010 standards, which cover the recognised safety symbols.

 

Sign	Meaning	Example Location
Blue sign with white symbol of man wearing a hard hat.	Head protection must be worn	Site entrance
Blue sign with white symbol of hi-vis vest	High-visibility clothing required	Loading areas
Blue sign with white symbol of man wearing a RP	Respiratory protection required	Dust zones

   

PPE & COSHH

According to the COSHH Regulations (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be considered as the last line of defence.

Employers are required to:

• Carry out a COSHH assessment for any hazardous materials, such as cement, silica, solvents, and more.
• Choose PPE that specifically guards against identified chemical or biological risks.
• Ensure that respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and gloves meet the necessary EN standards.

 

Recommended Products by Regulation

Regulation / Standard	Required PPE	Example Product Category	Website Link
PPE at Work Regs 1992	General PPE	All PPE	Shop PPE
EN ISO 20471	Hi-vis clothing	Jackets, vests	Shop Hi-Vis
EN ISO 20345	Foot protection	Safety boots	Shop Foot Protection
EN 388 / EN 374	Hand protection	Gloves	Shop Hand Protection
EN 149 / EN 14387	Respiratory protection	RPE	Shop Respiratory Protection
EN 397	Head protection	Hard hats	Shop Head Protection

 

Free Downloads

• PPE Checklist (Word)
• PPE Policy Template (Word)
• Supplier Compliance Checklist (Word)

 

FAQ — PPE Regulations for Construction (2025)

Q1. What’s new in PPE regulations for 2025? 

While there are no significant legislative changes this year, the enforcement of the 2022 amendments remains active. Starting January 2025, UKCA marking will be fully mandatory for any PPE sold in Great Britain.

Q2. Who pays for PPE in construction? 

It's the responsibility of employers to provide PPE at no cost, which also extends to agency and casual workers.

Q3. How often should PPE be inspected or replaced? 

It's essential to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines; generally, visual inspections should happen monthly, and replacements are necessary whenever there’s damage or an item expires.

Q4. Can employees bring their own PPE? 

Yes, but it must be approved by the employer and comply with UKCA/CE marking standards.

Q5. What happens if PPE compliance is ignored?

Ignoring compliance can lead to fines, enforcement notices, or even prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. 

Official References & Standards (Updated 2025)

• HSE — PPE at Work Regulations (L25)
• HSE — PPE Guidance
• COSHH and PPE Guidance
• Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
• British Standards Institution (BSI) PPE Standards