PPE Selection for Cleaners — Module 1
PPE Selection for Cleaners · Module 1
PPE Is the Last Line of Defence
Why gloves and goggles come last, not first, where PPE sits in the hierarchy of controls, and what the law expects of you.
- Free taster
- Module 1 of 3
- About 5 minutes
Free taster micro-course. This is a short introduction to the topic, not full professional training. For in-depth courses with assessments and certificates, see the CCMTec® Academy.
What you'll learn in this module
- Why PPE is the last line of defence, not the first
- The hierarchy of controls and where PPE sits in it
- Your legal duties around PPE as a cleaning professional
PPE is the last resort, not the first
Many cleaners reach for gloves and a mask before thinking about anything else. That's understandable: PPE is visible and feels protective. But in HSE guidance, PPE is the last line of defence in the hierarchy of controls, not the starting point.
That matters because PPE can fail. Gloves tear, masks get worn wrongly, and goggles get left in the van. If PPE is your only control, there's nothing behind it when it fails.
PPE should only be relied on once other reasonably practicable ways of controlling the risk have been considered.
The hierarchy of controls
The hierarchy of controls is a simple way to manage workplace risks. Work through it from the top: the most effective controls first, PPE last.
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01
Elimination
Remove the hazardous chemical from the job altogether.
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02
Substitution
Swap it for a less hazardous product that does the same job.
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03
Engineering controls
Use dilution equipment so you don't handle the concentrate directly.
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04
Administrative controls
Training, safe working procedures and signage.
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05
PPE
Gloves, goggles, aprons and masks.
In practice, most cleaning tasks still need PPE. The point is to use it alongside other controls, not instead of them.
Your legal duty
Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (amended in 2022), employers must provide suitable PPE free of charge where risks can't be adequately controlled in other ways. Self-employed cleaners must provide suitable PPE for themselves. Whoever you work for, you should:
- Assess the risk and choose the right PPE for it
- Keep PPE in good condition and replace it when worn
- Know how to use it properly, and actually use it
Not using it, or using it wrongly, still puts you at risk and can affect an insurance or liability claim.
Want to go further?
Our full Academy courses cover topics like this in real depth, with practical guidance, assessments and certificates.
Explore full coursesDisclaimer: This micro-course is a general introduction to PPE selection for cleaners and is not a substitute for full professional training. Always follow your employer's procedures and current HSE guidance for your workplace.