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#1 Posted : 06 May 2009 14:08:00(UTC)
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Posted By Robert_N
I know that the PPE at Work Regulations 1992 requires an employer to supply personal protective equipment to be used at work but I wanted to know if there is any reason why a company should say you can only use the equipment they supply not personal purchase?

Any views welcome, many thanks
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#2 Posted : 06 May 2009 14:12:00(UTC)
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Posted By A Campbell
Robert,

Probably do this to ensure PPE is of correct specification for the particular tasks/environment is used in.

To account for an individuals own PPE, checking, considering etc takes up time and cost if you have a large workforce.
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#3 Posted : 06 May 2009 14:21:00(UTC)
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Posted By gerry d
Robert,

From experience, aside from the specification and suitability aspect a major consideration is also industrial relations as anything away from our Company issue is frowned upon unless there is a valid reason. I should add that the Company issue is of good quality across the board. Some people do wish to have their own items, sometimes these items are of better quality but generally their use is discouraged. We try and kit everyone out with the same gear.
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#4 Posted : 06 May 2009 14:21:00(UTC)
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Posted By Boh
Allowing this to happen is not good practice
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#5 Posted : 06 May 2009 14:38:00(UTC)
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Posted By John J
Had to think about this one. As I see it:

Cons
- You need to check the required standard
- How can you ensure its maintained?
- It take a lot more admin to manage

Pros
- It will get worn
- Its cost you nothing
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#6 Posted : 06 May 2009 14:39:00(UTC)
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Posted By Chris Packham
I don't know if there is any legal reason why this should not be acceptable, but from a practical viewpoint it raises a number of issues.

For example:

In the first place the PPE must be suitable for the task. How will you ensure that this is the case? Take gloves as protection against chemical hazards as an example. Nominally identical gloves from different manufacturers will perform differently to each other depending upon the actual workplace conditions. How will you ensure that the gloves chosen by that worker are actually providing the protection he or she requires?

PPE must also be maintained in an acceptable condition. Who will be responsible for the maintenance, e.g. replacement of filters in respirators, change of safety shoes when damaged, etc.? How will you monitor that this is being done and that any replacements are of acceptable quality?

Who will be liable should it later be shown that the PPE was not adequate and resulted in damage to that worker's health? By accepting that the worker could use his own PPE the employer will almost certainly be accepting at least a measure of liability should it fail.

I feel that the complexity of all of these (and other) issues means so much additional work for the employer that it becomes an unreasonable burden.

Chris
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#7 Posted : 06 May 2009 15:51:00(UTC)
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Posted By Tommo123
Agree with above statements if our company relied on the guys to supply their own we would have no way of knowing it was up to our standards or that it was being properly maintained. We also have our company logo on all our ppe which identifies it is our company carrying out the work.It seems a bit strange that your guys would want to supply their own when they should be getting it supplied at no cost !!
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