Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is anything used or worn by a worker to assist to reduce health and safety risks. PPE can include:

hard hats
sun hats
earplugs or earmuffs
gloves
protective eye wear
respirators
sunscreen
safety harnesses
safety boots
coveralls
high-visibility clothing, or clothing designed to protect against UV or other hazards.

Clothing and uniforms that are not for personal protection are not PPE.

PPE limits exposure to the harmful effects of a hazard but only if workers wear and use them. If they are not worn or maintained properly, workers may be exposed to health and safety risks such as reduced mobility or vision, overheating, or allergic reactions.

When to use PPE

PPE is one of the least effective control measures. It should generally only be used after all practicable higher-level controls have been put in place.

Work health and safety duties

A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must put control measures in place to protect workers’ health and safety. That includes giving workers PPE, if required to minimise a risk.

Workers and other people visiting the workplace also have responsibilities for PPE.

It’s the duty of the PCBU to:
- select suitable PPE for the worker and the task, including that it is reasonably comfortable and is of a suitable size and fit for each worker
- consult with their workers about selecting the most suitable PPE
- provide information, training and instructions to workers and people visiting your workplace about how to use PPE
- guide workers and others to use PPE properly
- ensure that the PPE is used or worn by the worker properly as far as they reasonably can
- periodically assess whether the PPE is and continues to be effective
- put up signs about using PPE
- make sure PPE remains in good working order and instruct workers on how to do this.
Read How to manage work health and safety risks: Code of practice for more information.
Choosing the right PPE
As the PCBU, you must select the type of PPE that:
- protects the worker’s health and safety
- is right for the work, and reduce any hazards posed by the work
- for PPE that is clothing, the PPE must be designed for the gender of the worker, as men and women have different body shapes
- fits properly and is comfortable
- is compatible with other PPE worn (for example, a combination of protective eye wear, hearing protection and a hardhat).
Workers issued PPE must:
- wear and use it properly as instructed
- take care not to misuse or damage it
- report any faults, damage, or need for cleaning or decontamination.
Refusing to use PPE, or intentionally misusing or damaging it, could result in disciplinary action or prosecution.

Visiting a workplace that requires PPE

Anyone visiting a workplace that requires PPE must wear it correctly according to the information, training or instruction given to them.

When to use PPE

Work health and safety duties

Choosing the right PPE

Visiting a workplace that requires PPE

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Personal protective equipment (PPE)

When to use PPE

Work health and safety duties

Visiting a workplace that requires PPE

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Acknowledgement of Country