Is All PPE the Same in Australia?

Date Posted:18 August 2025

The wrong PPE can cause injuries or WHS breaches. Find out how to select task-specific protection that ensures safety and compliance across industries.

Is All PPE the Same? Here’s Why the Answer Is No

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is not a “one size fits all” solution. While it may be tempting to assume that any PPE will do the job, using the wrong type of gear can put workers at risk and give a false sense of security.

Each piece of PPE is designed to mitigate specific hazards—such as chemical exposure, impact injuries, noise pollution, poor visibility, or biohazards. For example, the gloves that protect against sharp tools won’t help with hazardous liquids, and basic safety glasses won’t shield a welder from blinding UV radiation.

To stay compliant with WHS regulations and genuinely protect your team, employers must ensure PPE matches the hazards of the task and the workplace environment.

What Affects the Type of PPE You Need?

Type of Industry

Different industries face distinct hazards, which demand tailored PPE solutions.

For instance, construction workers commonly require hard hats, steel-capped boots, and hi-vis clothing. In contrast, food processing staff may need hair nets, slip-resistant shoes, and disposable gloves. Meanwhile, warehouse teams working in dusty environments might wear dust masks, but those handling chemicals would require a certified respirator.

At Verdex, we understand using PPE not suited to your industry risks both non-compliance and employee harm.

Type of Task Performed

Even within the same industry, PPE varies by job function. A welder needs eye and face shields, flame-resistant clothing, and gauntlet gloves. A forklift operator may only need safety boots and a hi-vis vest. A worker cleaning up a chemical spill needs full-body protection, splash-proof goggles, and chemical-resistant gloves.

Choosing task-appropriate PPE ensures workers are adequately protected without unnecessary discomfort or reduced mobility.

Level of Risk or Exposure

Risk level plays a crucial role in PPE selection. A receptionist in a logistics office faces far fewer hazards than a picker on a warehouse floor.

Jobs involving high-frequency or high-severity exposure—such as operating heavy machinery or handling corrosive substances—demand PPE that provides greater coverage and durability. Matching PPE to risk levels keeps workers safe and helps avoid over- or under-protection.

construction managers engineers standing on construction site in early stages

PPE Differences by Category

Each PPE category includes multiple variations, and selecting the wrong type can compromise safety.

Eye Protection

Safety glasses shield from flying particles.
Chemical splash goggles protect from liquids.
Welding shields defend against sparks and intense light.

Each is designed for a specific hazard—using the wrong one could result in permanent eye damage.

Gloves

Not all gloves are equal. Options include:

Cut-resistant gloves for handling sharp materials
Chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile) for hazardous liquids
Heat-resistant gloves for hot surfaces

Selecting the incorrect glove can leave hands vulnerable to burns, lacerations, or chemical exposure.

Footwear

Steel-toe boots prevent crush injuries
Anti-static shoes are crucial in electronics manufacturing
Waterproof gumboots are ideal for wet or chemical-prone environments

The wrong footwear can lead to slips, falls, or even electrical accidents.

Respiratory Protection

Dust masks filter non-toxic particles
Full-face respirators protect against vapours and hazardous chemicals

Matching respiratory PPE to the air quality risk is essential for avoiding lung irritation or long-term illness.

Hi-Vis Clothing

Hi-vis garments are available in different classes:

Day-use vests
Night-use reflective jackets
Dual-purpose designs

Using the wrong class in poor lighting or traffic areas can put workers at risk of not being seen. See our full selection of PPE Clothing and Safety Gear available in Australia.

Why Using the Wrong PPE Is a Safety Risk

Incorrect PPE use can be just as dangerous as using no protection at all. Ill-matched gear can lead to:

Injury or illness due to incomplete protection
WHS breaches, inspections, or penalties from regulators
Reduced worker confidence in safety procedures

In workplaces where PPE compliance is taken seriously, staff are more likely to follow protocols and avoid injury. Misuse or neglect of proper PPE undermines safety culture and can harm morale.

To improve the quality of your workplace PPE, consider equipping your environments with safety barriers and security bollards, workplace first aid equipment kits and workplace safety signage and information.

workstaff wearing white ppe gear in workplace

Tips for Choosing the Right PPE for Your Workplace

The best way to ensure you have the right PPE is through a systematic and tailored approach. Here’s what to do:

Conduct a hazard assessment: Identify potential risks across all job roles.
Match PPE to the task and risk: Choose gear that addresses the specific hazards present.
Ensure compliance: PPE must meet relevant Australian Standards such as AS/NZS 4501, 2210, or 1716.
Provide training: Show workers how to wear, adjust, and maintain PPE correctly.
Review and replace: Inspect PPE regularly for damage or wear and replace it when needed.
Use a trusted supplier: Sourcing PPE from reputable providers like Verdex ensures quality, compliance, and support.

Choosing the right PPE is an investment in both safety and productivity.

Need Help Selecting the Right PPE?

At Verdex, we understand that selecting PPE can be complex—but getting it right is non-negotiable. Our team offers expert advice and a full range of certified, task-specific PPE solutions tailored to Australian workplaces.

Whether you’re managing a construction crew, warehouse floor, or food processing plant, we can help you keep your team protected and compliant with the best workplace safety equipment and supplies.

Get in touch with the team to learn more about our range of safety equipment by calling us on our toll free number 1800 750 500, emailing our helpful team at sales@verdex.com.au or filling out our online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PPE the same across all job roles?

No. PPE varies based on the tasks performed and hazards encountered. For example, a welder’s PPE differs greatly from that of a cleaner or forklift driver.

Can I buy general PPE and use it for everything?

No. Generic PPE often lacks the specific features required for certain tasks. Using non-specialised gear may not protect against particular hazards and could breach WHS obligations.

Who decides what PPE is required?

The employer is responsible for identifying necessary PPE through a risk assessment and must consult workers and safety representatives during the selection process.

Do all PPE items have to meet Australian Standards?

Yes. PPE used in Australian workplaces must meet relevant AS/NZS standards to ensure it offers adequate protection and is legally compliant.

What happens if staff use incorrect PPE?

Using incorrect PPE can result in injuries, fines, or legal action. It may also lead to insurance complications and a poor safety reputation.

Is All PPE the Same in Australia?

Is All PPE the Same? Here’s Why the Answer Is No