Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

What is PPE?

PPE refers to Personal Protective Equipment and is designed to protect the wearer from harm. PPE can provide full-body protection, hand protection, eye protection, head & face protection, hearing protection and respiratory protection.

PPE is also available for specific tasks and environments such as Welding, Confined Space, Rescue, and Height Safety. It is made of various materials to provide strength and protection.

Importance of PPE

Even when all other safety measures have been taken, PPE can be essential in preventing harm from hazardous activities and accidents. Quality personal protective equipment provides a safety barrier and a last line of defence.

Wearing a safety harness when working at height, gloves when handling hot or items or eye protection when grinding just makes good sense. Check the recommended PPE for your workplace.

Choosing the correct PPE

When choosing any PPE, several factors need to be taken into account:

• Do you have the correct PPE for the job? Are there regulations or internal company policies stating what PPE must be worn?
• Do you personally feel that an item of PPE should be worn for the task? Even though there may be no policy or regulation stating that PPE need be worn, your safety is in your hands, and you should wear whatever PPE you feel will keep you safe.
• Its is important that all personal protective equipment complies with applicable AS/NZS standards to provide peace of mind that it will work as intended.
• Ensure that the PPE fits correctly, securely and is comfortable. All PPE must be worn according to manufacturers' instructions.
• Have you checked the PPE is in good condition, regularly maintained and replaced when damaged or out of recommended usage times. E.g. Hard hats should be replaced at least every three years.

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