PPE in holiday-lets: what the 2022 rules require
Last Updated on October 6, 2025 by admin
When you hear the term personal protective equipment (or PPE), you might instantly picture builders in hard hats or people working in factories. But PPE isn’t just for construction sites or heavy industry – it can play a role in keeping people safe in holiday lets too.
The April 2022 work amendment regulations relating to PPE rules mean that holiday let owners must meet the same fire safety standards as other short-term accommodation providers, ensuring properties are properly assessed, equipped, and compliant.
From gardening gloves to protect against thorns, to safety goggles for DIY jobs, to oven gloves for handling hot trays in the kitchen, PPE and protective equipment at work, is really just any clothing or kit designed to keep us safe while doing a task. You have a duty of care to manage health & Safety and to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent accidents, injuries, and risks to the health of employees, contractors and visitors.
PPE at Work (2022): duties for holiday-let owners
Why does PPE matter in a holiday home setting? Running a holiday let often means carrying out small maintenance jobs, cleaning between guests, and occasionally tackling bigger projects like decorating or repairs. Each of these activities can carry risks – and that’s where PPE comes in as the last line of defence if other precautions aren’t enough.
It’s important to remember though that PPE should never be your first option. For example, good ventilation when using cleaning products is always better than relying on a face mask. That said, there are plenty of situations where PPE makes sense and adds a simple, extra layer of protection.
Everyday examples of PPE
PPE for cleaners and maintenance
Holiday let owners (and anyone working in or around the property) might need clothing affording protection such as;-
- Gloves – for handling cleaning products or gardening tasks.
- Safety goggles – when drilling, sanding, or using strong chemicals.
- High-visibility clothing – if maintenance is done near a roadside.
- Ear protection – when using loud garden machinery.
- Protective footwear – sturdy shoes or boots for heavy jobs.
- Aprons or oven gloves – to prevent burns in the kitchen.
- Protection against the weather
Common hazards where PPE helps:
- Strimming or mowing the lawn (flying stones, debris)
- Using harsh cleaning or gardening chemicals (risk of splashes)
- DIY tasks (dust, falling materials, sharp tools)
- Dealing with hot pans and trays in the kitchen
- Clearing bird droppings or other biological hazards
- The occasional unfortunate discovery of discarded needles in outside areas
Choosing and using PPE wisely
The golden rule is: make sure it’s suitable, comfortable, and fit for the task. Ill-fitting or poorly chosen PPE can actually create more risks by restricting movement, limiting visibility, or making it harder to grip properly.
PPE compatibility with COSHH assessments
Some simple steps:
- Pick PPE that’s the right size and type for the wearer.
- Look for the CE mark to make sure it meets safety standards.
- Store it properly when not in use – clean, dry, and ready to go.
- Replace anything damaged or worn out promptly.
Give clear instructions to cleaners, gardeners, or helpers so they know how (and when) to use it.
A duty of care
Even if you don’t directly employ staff, as a holiday let owner you still have a duty of care to make sure your property is safe for guests, contractors, and anyone else working there. If you do have regular help – like cleaners or gardeners – you may have legal responsibilities to provide appropriate PPE and ensure it’s fit for purpose.
In smaller, lower-risk lets, PPE needs may be very simple – often just gloves, aprons, or masks when handling certain products. But keeping a note of what’s provided, how it’s maintained, and how it should be used is always a good idea.
Need a hand?
For queries about policy cover or claims, just get in touch with the team at Boshers Holiday Home Insurance – we’re always happy to help. Call us on 01237429444
Read more about COSHH here and their risk assessment hub can be found here
Remember…
PPE might not be something you think about every day as a holiday home owner, but it’s one of those things that’s invaluable when you need it. Having the right kit, stored safely and used properly, can help prevent accidents, protect anyone working on your property, and give you peace of mind that you’ve done the right thing.
This guidance is provided for information purposes and is general and educational in nature and does not constitute legal advice. You are free to choose whether or not to use it and it should not be considered a substitute for seeking professional help in specific circumstances. Boshers shall not be liable for any losses, damages, charges or expenses, whether direct, indirect, or consequential and howsoever arising, that you suffer or incur as a result of or in connection with your use or reliance on the information provided in this guidance except for those which cannot be excluded by law. Where this guidance contains links to other sites and resources provided by third parties, these links are provided for your information only.
Boshers is not responsible for the contents of those sites or resources. You acknowledge that over time the information provided in this guidance may become out of date and may not constitute best market practice.
