Indicator 3.5.12

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Indicator 3.5.12

by Contact on 8 October 2026

Requirement

The UoC shall provide and maintain appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) free of charge and monitor its proper use.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • The UoC assesses:

    • what Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed (meeting legal stipulations if applicable)

    • for which functions it is needed

    • in which situations it should be used

    • how PPE is well maintained.

  • The use of PPE should be the final option in protecting employees from hazards and the steps below are what comes before the use of PPE:

    • Elimination: Physically remove the hazard

    • Substitution: Replace the hazard with a non-hazardous process

    • Engineering controls: Isolate people from the hazard

    • Administrative controls: Change the way people work

    • PPE: Protect the worker with PPE.

    • PPE often comes with manufacturers’ instructions, which explain how to maintain equipment, and when equipment needs replacing.

    • Providing appropriate storage for the PPE, where it is protected from adverse weather conditions, will prolong the life and useability of the PPE.

    • Training for employees on the correct use of PPE is necessary for ensuring that PPE is used effectively.

    • When new PPE is introduced, or the method of using it changes, updated training helps to ensure the safety of all employees.

  • The list below is adapted from the EU’s Compliance Help Centre. PPE can include:

Type of PPE Use

Head protection (helmets, hard hats) When working in construction, work around heavy machinery, while working in a workplace with low-hanging objects, piping, moving parts.

Hand protection (gloves, wrist cuffs) When working in hot or cold environments, with chemical or hazardous materials, when using abrasive or sharp objects.

Eye and face protection (safety glasses, goggles, eye and face shields, visors) When working with power driven tools, welding tools, when handling hazardous substance.

Respiratory protection (breathing apparatus, mask respirators, disposable face masks, protective hoods) When working in workplaces with high levels of dust, or when in contact with gases, powders and vapours.

Hearing protection (earplugs, ear defenders, noise meters) When working in an environment with high noise levels.

Foot protection (safety boots and shoes) When working around various hazards, hot and cold environments, when handling heavy objects.

Body protection (high-visibility clothing, harnesses, clothing for specific weather conditions, life jackets) When there are vehicles, when doing maintenance work on machinery, when working outdoors, in extreme temperatures, for protection against chemical contamination, for protection against drowning.

  • Employees need somewhere for PPE with:

    • adequate privacy to change into the PPE

    • somewhere to store their belongings

    • a designated place to store or return (e.g. laundry) the PPE after use.

Evidence of Implementation

  • a record of available PPE, what it is used for and how it is maintained

  • health and safety risk assessment demonstrating when PPE is needed.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • employees are using PPE correctly and consistently;

  • the PPE is well maintained and in good working condition;

  • employees understand the reasoning behind the use of PPE and why it is important.