Published May 2023
In April 2022 the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022 (PPER 2022) came into force, they amend the 1992 Regulations (PPER 1992). They extend employers’ and employees’ duties regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) to limb (b) workers.
What is the Amendment?
The date by which products placed on the GB market must be UKCA-marked has been amended to 1 January 2025.
Are there any Exceptions to this requirement?
Yes;
- Qualifying Northern Ireland goods can continue to be placed on the GB market bearing the CE marking or CE and UKNI markings after 1 January 2025.
- CE-marked PPE that was placed on the UK or EU markets before 1 January 2025 (before the expiry of the Transition Period) and has not yet reached its end user may continue to circulate on either market until it reaches them.
I’m in charge of PPE procurement, how does this affect me?
From 1 January 2025, employers should ensure that any PPE they buy bears the ‘UKCA’ mark and complies with Regulation (EU) 2016/425 (as incorporated into UK law).
As well as the UKCA mark on the product (or its packaging/accompanying documentation until 1 January 2028), a supplier would be expected to be able to provide a UK Declaration of Conformity.
PPE that is CE-marked, and was placed on the market on or before 31 December 2024, can continue to be used, providing that it is otherwise suitable.
You can read more about the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022 (PPER 2022), including more clarification on the term ‘limb (b) workers’ in our helpful article here.
For revised guidance in light of this amendment, including details of the types of PPE available, the hazards that may require PPE to be used and advice on the selection, use and maintenance of PPE, visit the HSE’s website here.
The revised version of the HSE’s publication Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended). Guidance on Regulations includes information on conformity marking, following the UK’s exit from the EU.
