Essential PPE Standards for the Fuel Distribution Industry: What You Need to Know in 2025

The fuel distribution sector in the UK must ensure complete compliance with evolving PPE standards. This article outlines the current legal framework and the specific PPE required, based on UK legislation as of 2025.

Legal Foundations in UK Law

• The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (PPER 1992) under the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires employers to provide appropriate PPE, free of charge, to any employee exposed to health or safety risks at work. This includes compatibility, maintenance, training, storage and safe use protocols.

• From 6 April 2022, the PPE at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022 extended these duties to “limb (b) workers” (e.g. contractors, casual workers).

• The Regulation (EU) 2016/425, transposed into UK law and enforced via the PPE Enforcement Regulations 2018, mandates that PPE placed on the GB market must meet essential health and safety requirements, carry CE or UKCA marking, and include a declaration of conformity and English-language instructions.
  

Risk Assessment & Hazard Controls

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, employers must perform risk assessments for exposure to hazardous chemicals (e.g. fuel vapours, benzene). PPE should only be provided when elimination, engineering controls or administrative measures are insufficient. Training, health surveillance where relevant, and proper documentation (for employers with five or more staff) are mandatory.

Industry-Specific PPE Requirements for Fuel Distribution

Based on EN and ISO standards crucial to the fuel sector, the essential PPE includes:

1. Flame‑resistant (FR) clothing
   Must comply with EN ISO 11612 (protection against heat and flames) and EN 1149 (anti-static properties) for environments with flammable vapours or risk of flash fires.

2. Chemical-resistant gloves and boots
   Conform to EN 13034 (limited protective clothing against liquid chemicals) or higher chemical performance levels, depending on fuel toxicity and contact risk.

3. Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
   Use suitable respirators (e.g., a half-mask with an appropriate filter cartridge) when vapour concentration exceeds safe exposure limits or ventilation is inadequate. Selection should follow HSE Guidance, like HSG53.

4. Eye and Face Protection
   Where splashes, fuel droplets or vapours are possible, EN 166-rated goggles or face shields must be worn, optionally over safety glasses (EN 166 1.B), depending on the scenario.

5. High-visibility (Hi‑Vis) garments
   Must meet EN 20471 (class 2 or 3, depending on task), ideally combined with FR properties if both visibility and flame protection are needed.

6. Head and Hearing Protection
   In noisy loading/unloading zones, wear hard hats compliant with EN 397 and hearing protection rated to EN 352‑1/EN 352‑2.
   

Compliance Checklist and Best Practice

To remain compliant and protect your workforce:

• Verify Certification: All PPE must carry a valid CE or UKCA marking, which clearly states applicable EN/ISO standards and supplier-stated performance.

• Conduct Site‑Specific Hazard Assessments: Identify specific fuel types, exposure routes, ignition hazards, temperature extremes and spill scenarios. Only then define mandatory PPE ensembles.

• Ensure Compatibility & Ergonomics: Multiple PPE items (e.g. FR coverall, gloves, respirator) must be compatible and comfortable enough for prolonged wear without reducing compliance.

• Engage Training, Maintenance & Storage: Train workers on donning, doffing, cleaning, inspection and storage. Replace PPE as per manufacturer guidance and re‑assess after an incident or a change in operations.

• Keep Records & Audit Regularly: Maintain documented risk assessments, PPE selection rationale, training logs, and equipment audits. This is legally required where five or more staff are employed.
  

Employer & Worker Responsibilities

• Employers must provide PPE free of charge to employees and limb (b) workers, maintain and replace it as required, and ensure proper instruction and storage systems are in place.

• Workers (including contractors under limb b) must use PPE as instructed, report defects, and return equipment appropriately.
  

Keeping your workforce safe

Under UK law, compliance with PPE Regulations, COSHH requirements, and EN/ISO performance standards is essential to fuel distribution operations in 2025. A robust hazard assessment must precede PPE selection, ensuring certified FR clothing, suitable gloves, respirators, eye protection and high‑visibility gear are in place. Combined with proper training, maintenance and record‑keeping, these measures will meet legal obligations and protect lives.