According to the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used whenever there is a risk to health or safety that cannot be adequately controlled by other means. This means that PPE should be used as a last resort after all other measures, such as engineering and administrative controls, have been implemented to reduce the risk as much as possible.

A PPE sign is a visual communication tool used to indicate the mandatory use of specific personal protective equipment (PPE) in a particular setting, such as a workplace, industrial area, or construction site. These signs are designed to ensure that individuals are adequately protected from potential hazards and risks associated with their work or activities.

employers must assess the risks in the workplace and identify any hazards that could cause injury or illness to employees.