Toolbox talk: PPE

This is a ready-to-give toolbox talk on personal protective equipment. Keep it to about five to ten minutes, run it before the work starts, and make it about the PPE the crew actually need for today's tasks. Use it as a script, adjust it to the job, and take questions at the end.

Why this matters

PPE is the last thing standing between a worker and an injury. It is the last line of defence, not the first, because it does nothing to remove the hazard, it only protects the person wearing it, and only if it is worn, fits, and is in good condition. A hard hat in the van protects nobody. Safety glasses pushed up on a forehead do not stop a fragment of steel. The point of this talk is that the PPE for the job is worn correctly, every time, all day.

What each type protects

• Head: a hard hat against falling objects and bumps.
• Eyes: safety glasses or goggles against dust, flying debris, sparks and splashes when cutting, grinding or handling chemicals.
• Hearing: defenders or plugs against noise from breakers, cut-off saws and plant.
• Lungs: the right respiratory protection against dust, silica and fumes, fit-tested to the wearer.
• Hands: gloves suited to the job, against cuts, abrasion, chemicals and vibration.
• Feet: safety boots against nails, crushing and slips.
• Being seen: hi-vis so plant operators and drivers can see you.

What you must do

• Wear the site minimum, usually hard hat, boots and hi-vis, plus whatever the task needs.
• Check it before use. Damaged, cracked or worn PPE is replaced, not made do with.
• Make sure it fits. Tight-fitting masks need a face fit test and a clean-shaven seal, or they give little protection.
• Wear it correctly and for the whole task, not just when someone is watching.
• Remember the order. PPE is the last resort. If the risk can be removed or controlled a better way, that comes first.
• Report and replace anything lost, damaged or not fit for the job.

Questions to discuss with the crew

• What tasks today need more than the site minimum, and what extra PPE do they need?
• Is anyone missing or short of any PPE for their job?
• Who is doing dusty work, and is their mask fit-tested and their face clean-shaven?
• What do we do if a piece of PPE gets damaged during the day?

Record the talk

Write down the date, the topic, who gave the talk and who attended, and keep it on file. The record shows the briefing happened, and it is often asked for by the principal contractor or in an investigation after an incident.

Related: Toolbox talk: manual handling, the toolbox talks index, and the COSHH assessment for construction guide.