What Is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Date Posted:7 July 2025 

Ensure Work Health and Safety compliance with this guide to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) selection and maintenance.

What Is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to clothing and equipment designed to minimise exposure to workplace hazards that can cause serious injuries or illnesses. This includes protection from physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic risks.

PPE acts as a protective barrier between the worker and potential dangers in the environment, such as falling objects, harmful substances, or excessive noise.

In Australia, PPE must comply with Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation and meet relevant standards, including AS/NZS 4501 for occupational protective clothing and others depending on the type of PPE. PPE is a critical component of workplace safety systems and must be appropriately selected, fitted, maintained, and used to be effective.

 

Why PPE Is Critical for Workplace Safety

PPE is often referred to as the last line of defence when managing risks in the workplace. When hazards can't be completely eliminated or controlled through engineering or administrative measures, PPE becomes essential.

It helps protect workers from:

  • Physical injuries like cuts, crush injuries, and burns

  • Long-term health conditions caused by chemical exposure, dust inhalation, or loud noise

  • Biological hazards in health, agriculture, or food handling environments

Employers are legally obligated under WHS laws to provide suitable PPE, ensure workers are trained in its correct use, and maintain it in good condition. Effective PPE programs reduce injury rates, improve worker confidence, and demonstrate a business' commitment to safety.

Additional workplace controls, such as clearly marked workplace safety signage and physical separation, help reinforce the safety culture and ensure PPE is only one part of a broader risk management plan.

male model safety vest with ppe gear

 

Common Types of PPE Used in Australian Workplaces

Workplaces across Australia, from construction and logistics to food manufacturing, require different types of PPE clothing depending on the nature of the job. Here's a breakdown of the most commonly used PPE categories:

Head Protection

Hard hats and bump caps are used to protect the skull from impact and falling objects. They are essential on construction sites, mining operations, and busy warehouses with overhead hazards.

Eye & Face Protection

Safety goggles and face shields prevent injury from flying debris, sparks, splashes, or dust. They're necessary when grinding, welding, cutting, or working with chemicals and biohazards.

Hand Protection

Gloves protect against cuts, punctures, abrasions, burns, and chemical exposure. Different gloves serve different needs, like cut-resistant gloves for metalwork or nitrile gloves for chemical handling.

Hearing Protection

Earplugs and earmuffs reduce the risk of hearing damage in high-noise areas, such as factories, printing plants, and construction zones. They are critical where sound levels exceed 85 dB.

Respiratory Protection

Dust masks, P2 respirators, and full-face respirators protect against airborne contaminants. Required in demolition sites, sanding operations, or where asbestos or hazardous fumes are present.

Foot Protection

Steel-capped boots and non-slip footwear prevent injury from dropped items, slips, and sharp objects. These are standard in warehousing, manufacturing, construction, and even food processing.

Body Protection

Hi-vis vests improve visibility, while coveralls and aprons shield the body from heat, chemicals, or mechanical hazards. Common across traffic control, industrial maintenance, and chemical plants.

If you’re looking to expand your workplace’s safety equipment inventory, ensure it aligns with both job-specific hazards and relevant compliance standards.

person climbing ladder with orange full body safety harness

 

When Is PPE Required by Law in Australia?

According to Safe Work Australia, PPE must be used when risks cannot be eliminated or minimised through other controls. This requirement applies under the Model WHS Regulations, which have been adopted by most states and territories.

Employers must:

  • Conduct a risk assessment to identify hazards that require PPE

  • Supply PPE at no cost to employees

  • Ensure PPE meets relevant Australian Standards

  • Provide training on how to properly use, store, and maintain PPE

PPE requirements vary depending on the industry. For example:

  • Construction workers need hard hats, boots, hi-vis, and hearing protection

  • Agricultural workers may require respiratory and skin protection for pesticides

  • Warehouse staff often use gloves, safety boots, and eye protection

Complementing PPE with appropriate barriers and bollards can further reduce the likelihood of high-risk interactions in traffic-prone or high-movement areas.


What to Look for When Choosing PPE That Works

Choosing the right PPE isn’t just about ticking a compliance box. It’s about protecting lives. Here’s how to make sure your workplace is equipped properly:

  1. Start with a risk assessment: Identify the hazards and tasks performed by each role.

  2. Select certified PPE: Look for products that meet AS/NZS standards.

  3. Consider usability: PPE should be comfortable, well-fitting, and not restrict movement or visibility.

  4. Durability matters: Choose materials that can withstand the environment (e.g., heat, chemicals, wear and tear).

  5. Train staff: Make sure every team member knows how to correctly wear and maintain their PPE.

  6. Inspect regularly: Check for wear, damage, or expiry, and replace PPE when needed.

For environments where medical response is a key concern, such as warehouses, schools, or outdoor worksites, make sure to include well-stocked workplace first aid kits as part of your safety plan.

Verdex offers a wide range of compliant PPE tailored to Australian industries, designed for performance, comfort, and WHS compliance. To find out more, get in touch with us by:

You can also explore our full range of materials handling equipment online.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered PPE under Australian law?

PPE includes any clothing or equipment designed to protect the wearer from workplace hazards, such as helmets, gloves, goggles, boots, respirators, and hi-vis clothing. It must meet relevant Australian standards.

Who is responsible for supplying PPE?

The employer is legally responsible for providing PPE to workers, ensuring it is suitable, properly maintained, and replaced when necessary. Workers must also wear and use PPE correctly.

Is PPE mandatory in every workplace?

Yes. If a risk is present that cannot be eliminated or minimised, PPE becomes mandatory under WHS regulations. The type of PPE required depends on the specific hazards.

How often should PPE be replaced?

PPE should be inspected regularly and replaced if it is damaged, worn out, contaminated, or past its expiration date. Disposable PPE should only be used once.

Does PPE need to meet Australian standards?

Yes. All PPE used in the workplace must meet Australian or joint Australian/New Zealand standards, such as AS/NZS 4501, 2210, or 1337, depending on the item type.

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