In brief
PPE is the last line of defence for risks that cannot be prevented by collective protection and work organisation, and it is determined by the risk assessment. Correct selection takes three steps: a PPE matrix listing hazards by task, setting the product standard and marking for each risk, and checking that equipment worn together does not reduce each other's protection. The selected PPE is issued free of charge, its use is explained in practice and it is checked before each use.
PPE selection starts with the risk assessment
PPE selection does not start by finding "the toughest glove" in a catalogue; it starts with the hazard list in the risk assessment. The Regulation on the Use of PPE in Workplaces sets two basic rules:
- PPE is the last option (Art. 5): Personal protective equipment is used where risks cannot be prevented or adequately limited by technical measures providing collective protection or by work organisation and working methods. The employer gives priority to collective protection measures.
- PPE follows from the risk assessment (Art. 7/1): The employer determines the PPE to be used together with the measures to be taken as a result of the risk assessment.
The practical meaning of these two rules is this: before handing out hearing protectors, you check whether the noisy compressor can be enclosed; the PPE selected for the remaining risk is then sized to that risk. Guiding the employer on PPE selection is among the duties of the OHS specialist and the workplace physician. In addition, the views of support staff and employee representatives are sought in advance when determining the PPE to be used (Art. 10/2).
PPE needs analysis: the three steps the regulation requires
Art. 7/2 of the regulation requires the employer to carry out an assessment before selecting PPE and lists its content:
- Analysis of risks that cannot be prevented by other means: Which risk remains after collective measures, and who is exposed, how often and for how long?
- Defining the required properties: The properties that will be effective against the remaining risk are written down, also considering risks that may arise from the PPE itself. For example: "high cut resistance against sharp sheet metal edges, but enough finger sensitivity not to hinder fine assembly work".
- Comparison: The properties of candidate products are compared one by one with those defined in the second step.
This assessment is repeated whenever any part of the PPE changes (Art. 7/2-b). The annexes to the regulation also help with this analysis: Annex 1 contains a sample risk table for identifying situations requiring PPE, Annex 2 a list of PPE and Annex 3 the work and activities that require PPE.
PPE matrix: how to derive PPE by task
A PPE matrix is the table that turns the risk assessment into a list that can be applied on site. Tasks go in the rows; hazard, PPE, product property and replacement rule go in the columns. It is important to prepare it by task rather than by department; an operator and a maintenance technician working in the same department have different needs.
Example: five tasks from a metalworking workshop.
| Task | Hazard (from the risk assessment) | PPE | Property to look for in the product |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNC lathe operator | Flying chips, oily parts, measured noise 86 dB(A) | Safety glasses, safety shoes, hearing protector | TS EN 166 mechanical strength marking; TS EN ISO 20345 S3; TS EN 352 hearing protector selected according to measurement |
| Welder | Arc radiation, spatter, burns, welding fumes | Welding mask, welding gloves, welding clothing; respiratory protection if extraction is inadequate | Filter shade suited to the welding process (TS EN 169, TS EN 175); TS EN 12477; TS EN ISO 11611 |
| Grinding | Sparks and flying fragments, noise, vibration | Face shield with glasses, hearing protector, mechanical gloves | TS EN 166; TS EN 352; TS EN 388 |
| Forklift operator | Falling loads, crushed feet, pedestrian traffic | Safety shoes, high-visibility vest where required | TS EN ISO 20345 S3; TS EN ISO 20471 |
| Paint preparation | Solvent vapour, splashes, skin contact | Chemical gloves, splash goggles, half mask with organic vapour filter | Glove material in section 8 of the safety data sheet; TS EN ISO 374-1; TS EN 166 liquid splash marking; TS EN 14387 type A filter |
Fill in the table from your own risk assessment; the rows here only show the structure. For how scoring is done, see our Fine-Kinney method article and risk assessment guide; for noise action values, see our article on the noise regulation. The point not to forget with noise is this: where the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A) is exceeded, hearing protection is mandatory, and the limit value of 87 dB(A) must not be exceeded under any circumstances, taking the protector's effect into account. The selected product must meet this calculation.
Product selection: standard, marking and instructions for use
The "property to look for" column in the matrix enables the purchasing department to choose the right product. Under Art. 6/1-a of the regulation, every item of PPE must meet the following requirements:
- It must be suitable for preventing the relevant risk without itself creating an additional risk,
- It must be suitable for the conditions in the workplace,
- It must suit the ergonomic requirements and state of health of the user,
- It must fit the user properly once the necessary adjustments are made,
- Products within the scope of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation must bear the CE mark appropriately and come with Turkish instructions for use.
The standard number alone is not enough; you need to read what the markings mean. Two gloves marked TS EN 388 may have very different cut resistances; glasses marked TS EN 166 may not protect against liquid splashes. For chemicals, the first place to look for the right glove material and filter type is the product's safety data sheet. Ergonomics is also a selection criterion: a product that is uncomfortable gets taken off, however high its protection class.
PPE compatibility: equipment worn together
If an employee uses more than one item of PPE at the same time, Art. 6/1-b of the regulation requires products that are suitable for use together and whose protection is not reduced when combined. The most common incompatibilities are:
- Glasses and earmuffs: The arms of glasses can disrupt the seal of the earmuff cushions on the head, reducing tightness and therefore protection. Thin-armed glasses or earplugs should be trialled together.
- Glasses and mask: The nose part of a half mask pushes glasses upwards and breath causes fogging; the glasses may also disrupt the mask's fit on the face. Products designed together or a full-face mask should be considered.
- Helmet and other equipment: If earmuffs or a face shield are to be fitted to a helmet, the manufacturer's instructions must state that the helmet is compatible with these attachments.
- Gloves and rotating machinery: On drills, lathes and similar rotating parts, there is a risk of gloves being caught. Here, the glove is assessed as a risk arising from the PPE itself.
Duration of use, replacement and records
Selection is only the start of the PPE's life. Under the regulation:
- The conditions of use of PPE and in particular its duration of use are determined taking into account the level of risk, frequency of exposure, characteristics of the workstation and performance of the PPE (Art. 6/1-c).
- PPE is provided free of charge by the employer; its maintenance, repair and periodic checks are carried out according to the instructions for use, and it is stored under hygienic conditions (Art. 6/1-e).
- Practical training in its use is given, and the employee is informed of the risks against which the PPE is to be used (Art. 6/1-f, g).
- PPE is checked before each use; faulty PPE is not used until the fault is remedied (Art. 8/3).
Add a "replacement rule" column to your matrix: single-use earplugs, filter replacement interval, gloves replaced when damaged, and so on. Record the PPE issued in an issue record. The 2026 basic administrative fine for not providing PPE is 8,980 TL per employee; details are in the OHS administrative fines tool. For the employer's general obligations, see our article on the Regulation on the Use of PPE, and for risks specific to welding, our article on welders' risks.
In our risk assessment and OHS specialist services, we derive the PPE matrix from your risk assessment and plan product trials together with your employees. Metalworking businesses can also take a look at our metal and machinery sector page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who selects PPE?
The obligation to determine PPE lies with the employer and is based on the results of the risk assessment. The OHS specialist and the workplace physician guide the employer on selection; the views of support staff and employee representatives are sought in advance.
Is a PPE matrix a mandatory document?
The regulation does not list a document called a "matrix"; however, it requires PPE to be determined on the basis of the risk assessment and a written assessment to be made before selection. A task-based matrix is the most practical way to demonstrate this assessment.
Is every product with a CE mark suitable?
No. The CE mark and Turkish instructions for use are required but not sufficient. Whether the product protects against your risk, suits workplace conditions and the user's ergonomic needs, and is compatible with other PPE is assessed separately.
When is the PPE matrix updated?
The matrix is updated when the risk assessment is renewed, when a new machine, chemical or task is added, when a part of the PPE changes, and when an accident or near miss shows that the PPE is inadequate.
A certified specialist matched to your hazard class: site inspections, approved logbook, training plan, annual plan and report follow-up.
Bursa SİSTEMER OSGB Technical Team — written from the field experience of our OHS specialists and workplace physicians. Legal information is valid as of the publication/update date; contact us for an assessment specific to your business.