Training in the use of PPE, what is required by law and why is it necessary?
Why is PPE training not a formality?
Providing a PPE is not enough. An employee may use them for other purposes, wear them incorrectly, or ignore them altogether if they do not understand the risks and have not been trained. In such cases, the protection stops working. To avoid such situations, the employer is obliged to provide full—fledged training for employees in the use of PPE, taking into account the specifics of production and working conditions.
This requirement is clearly fixed in a number of regulations.:
- Section X of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation (Articles 214, 215) obliges the employer not only to provide employees with PPE, but also to organize training on their safe use.
- Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 12/24/2021 No. 2464 specifies that occupational safety training, including the use of PPE, should be conducted within the established procedure — with a theoretical part, practical skills and a final knowledge test.
- The order of the Ministry of Labor of the Russian Federation dated 10/29/2021 No. 766n contains detailed rules for the provision of PPE workers, including the need for their training, instruction and information on the rules of safe use.
How should the training take place?
PPE training includes several key stages:
- Assessment of working conditions.
First, the identification of hazards and harmful factors is carried out, after which the appropriate PPE is selected. The basis is the results of a special assessment of working conditions. - The briefing and the theoretical part.
Employees are told what factors specific products protect against, and how to put them on, use, maintain, and store them correctly. - Practical training.
Employees are learning how to apply PPE in practice. This is especially important for complex or specialized protective equipment, such as PPE for respiratory organs, work at height, etc - Knowledge testing.
After completing the training, a check is carried out, usually in the form of testing or practical demonstration of skills. Successful completion is confirmed by an entry in the journal of the prescribed form or by the protocol of the commission. - Periodic repetition.
In accordance with Resolution No. 2464, training must be repeated at least once every three years, and if working conditions change or new PPE are introduced, it must be unscheduled.
Employer’s responsibility
If the employer does not organize training, this is considered a violation of labor protection legislation. According to the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation, art. 5.27.1, administrative fines are provided for this. In addition, in the event of an industrial accident, lack of training can lead to more serious consequences, including criminal liability.
Conclusion
Learning to use PPE is not just about following the formalities. This is a real tool for preventing injuries and occupational diseases. Legislation requires that employees not only have PPE, but also be able to use them competently and safely. Only in this case can we talk about real protection in the workplace.
8
24
