2. Handout 1: PPE
PPE is the final form of safety you should consider before undertaking a task. Prior to
undertaking a task you should refer to the hierarchy of control
Elimination – if possible, avoid the risk altogether. For example do the work in a different
way or use a machine to do the work.
Substitution - you could substitute a dangerous product or tool for one which is less
dangerous.
Control the risk at source - For example you could use manual handling equipment such as
forklifts, sack barrows or trolleys when lifting and moving heavy objects; or fitting local
exhaust ventilation for dusty processes; mechanising the process so the person is removed
from the hazard.
Education and training – ensure that workers and others understand the risks and know
what they must do, for example by giving toolbox talks on health issues, or running through a
method statement or safe system of work during induction training.
Personal protective equipment – this should only be used as a last resort as it is the least
reliable form of protection.
3. Handout 1: PPE
PPE is defined in the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations
as...
“...all equipment which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work
and which protects him/her against one or more risks to health and safety”.
PPE consists of, amongst others, safety helmets, gloves, high visibility
clothing, safety harnesses and safety footwear. Respiratory and hearing
protection is subject to different forms of legislation.
Before using PPE you are required to
Properly assess the PPE to see if it is suitable
Ensure it is stored and maintained properly
Check it comes with instructions on its use
Use it correctly and wear any PPE appropriately.
4. Handout 2: PUWER Regulations
You may think that the PUWER Regulations cover electrically operated tools
such as pipe threading machines, drills and circular saws etc.
However all tools supplied for working purposes are covered by the
PUWER Regulations
There are a number of checks you must follow before using hand and
power tools.
The tool you use must be suitable for the work task to be carried out. Hand
tools are designed for particular activities. Make sure that the tool you use is
used in a way it was designed to be used in.
5. Handout 2: PUWER Regulations
All hand tools need to be maintained. This may be simply cleaning down
after use or it may mean periodic lubrication or some parts may need to
be inspected and replaced as necessary eg cutting wheels on pipe slices
and wheel cutters.
Electrical tools need to be visually checked prior to use to ensure that
•plugs are not damaged
•cables are not cut or nicked, and no bare cables are exposed. Cables
should also terminate in plugs and tools correctly.
•the casing of the power tool is not damaged
•the tool has a current PAT test certificate/sticker. The general rule for
PAT test intervals is 12 months for general domestic work, but six months
for tools that are regularly used on construction sites due to the extensive
wear and tear they are likely to suffer.
6. Handout 2: PUWER Regulations
When any tool is not in use it should be stored in a way that ensures it
is secure. Tools that have blades etc need to be stored in a way that
they cannot pose a danger to anyone that may need to use them. Ie
tools with blades should be sheathed or stored with blades pointing
downwards.
Power tools can cause excessive noise and vibration. It is important
that if this is the case, a risk assessment is carried out looking at the
exposure times to noise and hand arm vibration. Guidance for this is
available from the HSE.
•The Control of Noise at Work Regulation 2005
•The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
7. Homework
•The Control of Noise at Work Regulation 2005
•The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
Look on HSE website and state
What is the aim of the Control of Noise Reg 2005 and state at
What amount of decibels it comes into play
What are the aims of the Control of vibration Reg 2005
