Uniforms and PPE in Brazil: who pays, who washes them and when the employer can deduct

*Personal Protective Equipment (PPE, EPI in Portuguese) must be provided free of charge by the employer, in good condition and suited to the risk (CLT, art. 166; NR-6 — the CLT is Brazil's Consolidated Labor Laws and NR-6 is the PPE regulatory standard). The employer may set the uniform, and the worker is responsible for washing it, except when it requires products or procedures different from those used for ordinary clothes (art. 456-A).* Deducting the cost of PPE from salary is prohibited.

Quick summary

• PPE: free, with an Approval Certificate (CA), replaced when damaged and with training on use.
• Uniform: the employer sets the standard; it cannot charge for a required uniform.
• Washing: the worker's responsibility, except uniforms requiring special cleaning (art. 456-A, sole paragraph).
• Deduction for damage: only with intent, or if negligent damage is provided for in an agreement (art. 462, §1).
• Unjustified refusal to use PPE can be a disciplinary offense (art. 158).

Employer obligations (NR-6)

1. Provide PPE suited to the risk, at no cost.
2. Require and instruct on correct use.
3. Replace it immediately when damaged or lost.
4. Record delivery (PPE form).
5. Carry out periodic cleaning and maintenance where applicable.

Controversial situations

• Deducting the uniform from salary or severance: generally illegal if its use is required.
• Uniforms with logos and advertising: allowed by law, with no right to compensation for use of image, except in humiliating situations.
• PPE that does not eliminate the risk: the unhealthy-conditions supplement remains owed — see Unhealthy-conditions supplement and hazard pay.
• Washing contaminated uniforms (hospitals, chemicals): the employer's obligation.

What to do if the employer does not provide it

1. Request PPE in writing.
2. Take photos of the conditions.
3. Inform the CIPA (workplace accident prevention committee) — see CIPA.
4. File a complaint with the Ministry of Labor.
5. In serious and imminent danger, the worker may refuse to perform the task (NR-1).

Frequently asked questions

Can the employer deduct for a uniform I lost?

Only if provided for in an agreement and negligence is proven, or if there was intent.

Can I come to work already in uniform?

If the employer allows it, yes — and in that case changing time does not count as work — see Time at the employer's disposal.

Read more in this series

• Unhealthy-conditions supplement and hazard pay
• Deductions from salary: what the employer can deduct
• Time at the employer's disposal and residual minutes
• Work accidents: CAT and rights
• Index: complete guide to labor rights