Protective equipment

Adequate and suitable PPE must be used by all participants as indicated by the risk assessment. It should be checked regularly, maintained in good condition and worn correctly as required by the manufacturer's instructions and/or training instruction given to the user.
Equipment must comply with UK / European / International Standards, whichever are appropriate and should be used wherever specified by the relevant risk assessment. PPE should be marked with the CE mark under the requirements of the Health & Safety (Personal Protective Equipment) Regulations (2002). It is important that the risk assessment identifies the correct type of PPE to be used e.g. correct glove for chemical used, type of hearing protection etc.
Types of PPE to be considered include:

PPE Type	Use
safety helmets (hard hats)	where there is a risk of falling objects
eye/face protection: face visors, safety spectacles	when using tools, chemicals e.g. geology hammers, acid etchants
hearing protection: ear plugs, ear defenders	when in a noisy environment e.g. use of noisy mobile equipment, chainsaws, drills etc.
respiratory protection	where there may be exposure to dusts, toxic vapours, smoke
high visibility jackets	in remote areas, road traffic, mobile equipment
life jackets	when sailing, boating, canoeing or other water based activities
gloves	for handling sharp objects, chemical protection, or heat protection
foot protection	where there is a particular risk to feet e.g. impact (toe caps), water/chemicals (wellington boot)
sun screen	for protection against sunburn, exposure to UV radiation