49.1 Where the employer requires an employee to wear a particular uniform, this shall be supplied free of charge but shall remain the property of the employer. Suitable protective clothing shall also be provided at the employer’s expense where the duty involves a risk of excessive soiling or damage to uniforms or personal clothing, or cross-infection or transmission of illness to the employee or family.
49.2 All items of uniform clothing supplied by the employer shall be laundered or dry-cleaned at the employer’s expense, as and when required. Each case is to be determined on its merits by the employer.
49.3 Damage to personal clothing – an employee may, at the employer’s discretion, be compensated for damage to personal clothing worn on duty, or reimbursed dry-cleaning charges for excessive soiling which did not occur as a result of the employee’s negligence or failure to wear the protective clothing available. Each case shall be determined on its merits by the employer.
49.4 Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) will be checked annually for fit and fitness for purpose.