Effective barriers

Employers have duties concerning the provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at work. PPE is equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks at work. It can include items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. It also includes respiratory protective equipment (RPE). PPE falls under the legislation of The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended) which give the main requirements. In dentistry, PPE is part of Standard Precautions for infection prevention and control in a dental surgery and must be used by all clinical and decontamination staff. Whilst helping to protect the dental team from infections at work, PPE is not enough to prevent infection on its own.