Personal Protective Equipment Law
The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended) give the main requirements.
Other special regulations cover hazardous substances (including lead and asbestos), and also noise and radiation.
See the [Frequently asked questions on the Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989](http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/faq-ppe.htm).