Personal Protective Equipment for Tools

Start with the hazard

Identify what the tool can produce: flying particles, dust, noise, vibration, sharp edges, heat or other hazards. PPE should complement engineering and organisational controls rather than being treated as the only safeguard. The exact PPE needed depends on the task and risk assessment.

Choose equipment that fits the task

Eye protection must provide appropriate coverage; hearing protection^★ needs to be suitable for the noise exposure; respiratory protective equipment must be appropriate to the contaminant and correctly fitted where tight-fitting equipment is used. Gloves can help with some handling hazards but may be unsuitable around particular moving machinery. Follow the equipment and PPE manufacturer's instructions.

Maintain and use PPE correctly

Inspect PPE, keep it clean and replace damaged or unsuitable items. Compatibility matters when several items are worn together. HSE guidance for dusty cutting work identifies eye, hearing and respiratory protection among relevant controls, while its woodworking guidance stresses training, guarding, extraction and safe working practices. PPE should support those measures, not compensate for missing safeguards.