They normally come with decontamination instructions and therefore can be used by others. If they don't wear it they are breaching section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work act. In the prison we did it with the fire fighting otherwise we would need 700 sets and they would of had to carry their own.

I can imagine that people might complain especially if the equipment was in regular use, unlike for example the breathing apparatus discussed in post 2 which was held (I assume) for emergency use only. Although it is possible to decontaminate a respirator, I would always be wary about how effective this was as it would have to be done after every use, thoroughly and effectively. The time (and therefore cost) taken to do this might offset any saving in extensive sharing of the devices. Have you considered positive pressure face masks, which might be suitable and are much easier to keep clean?

I don't think that people should get a bonus for complying with the law... ;)