Construction union UCATT have written to the Health and Safety Executive calling on the agency to step in and prevent Personal Protective Equipment being sold through vending machines.

The union has made the approach to the HSE after it recently became aware that at least one company has begun offering the provision of a vending machine which dispenses PPE.

Under the current regulations PPE is meant to be provided free of charge. These provisions also apply to companies who recruit workers via an employment agency.

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UCATT are also concerned that workers will not be able to try on the PPE and may purchase poorly-fitting equipment which can be as dangerous as not wearing PPE at all.

Supplying PPE through a vending machine would seem to negate the legal requirement for a risk assessment to be undertaken before PPE is supplied.

Steve Murphy, General Secretary of UCATT, said: "PPE saves lives. It is essential that companies are in no way tempted to reduce its effectiveness in order to save money. The HSE need to provide clear guidance that vending machines are not a suitable way to supply lifesaving equipment."

(CD)