Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the gear people wear to reduce risk on a job, such as hard hats, hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, boots and high-visibility clothing. This guide explains how to think about PPE and what to check, based on guidance from Safe Work Australia. Applicable work health and safety laws, workplace risk assessments, employer instructions and site requirements determine which PPE is needed. This guide explains the general principles but does not replace those obligations.
1. PPE is one part of managing risk
Safe Work Australia says PPE is important but should not be relied on as the only way to address work health and safety risks. It describes PPE as one of the least effective control measures, to be used after higher-level measures such as removing a hazard or substituting something safer, or as a backup to them. Ask first whether a hazard can be removed or reduced, and treat PPE as one layer.
2. Who provides it
Under Australian work health and safety rules, a business or undertaking must provide workers with the PPE they need, unless another business has already provided it. Some businesses give an allowance for workers to buy PPE. The employer remains responsible for making sure the PPE provided, or funded through an allowance, is suitable, fits properly and is comfortable. Check what your employer provides and any requirements for anything you buy yourself.
3. Types of PPE
Safe Work Australia lists examples including:
- Hard hats
- Earplugs
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Respirators
- Sunscreen
- Safety harnesses
- Safety boots
- High-visibility clothing
Ordinary clothing and uniforms that are not designed for personal protection are not PPE.
4. Fit and suitability
PPE must be reasonably comfortable and suitable for both the person wearing it and the task. Equipment that does not fit, or is uncomfortable, is more likely to be worn incorrectly or not at all. If there is a problem with the fit or comfort of PPE, tell your employer, who is expected to take reasonable steps to resolve it.
5. Training, cleaning and storage
Workers and visitors should be given information, training and instruction on how to use, clean and store PPE correctly. PPE should also be checked from time to time to make sure it is still effective. Damaged or worn equipment should be reported and replaced.
6. Questions to ask before you buy
- What is this protecting me from, and is it suited to my task and workplace?
- Does it meet the requirements set by my employer or site?
- Does it come in a size or style that fits me properly?
- How do I clean, store and check it, and when should I replace it?
This guide is general information, not workplace safety advice. Always follow your employer's and site's requirements and current guidance from your state or territory work health and safety regulator.
Sources and further reading
- Safe Work Australia: Personal protective equipment (PPE) overview
- Safe Work Australia: Personal protective equipment (PPE), construction duties tool