PPE stand for personal protective equipment and is something used or worn by a person to minimise risk to their health and safety. It is important to understand that PPE is used to supplement the other control measures in place to reduce risks rather than be the only safety measure used.

It is essential that all PPE is:

• suitable for the work and hazards encountered

• a suitable size and fit and reasonably comfortable for the worker

• maintained, repaired or replaced to ensure continued safety

• clean and hygienic, and in good working order

• used or worn by the worker, so far as is reasonably practicable

• the worker must be provided with information, training and instruction in the proper use and wearing personal protective equipment

• stored and maintained correctly.

The following is a list of things you should remember about PPE:

• It is designed to give protection for individual workers.It is not designed to prevent injury, but simply to help to limit or avoid damage.

• It is your duty to use or wear required PPE (as far as you are reasonably able to).

• You must not deliberately misuse or damage PPE.

• PPE is the lowest control method in the hierarchy of control.

• PPE simply offers another level of protection.

• You need to observe all other systems to reduce and eliminate hazards and risks.

• PPE must be supplied by the PCBU. Ensure that you are trained in its use

Safety glasses or goggles or face shields protect the eyes and vision Work Examples: Working with stone, drilling or sawing, grinding metal, protection against welding UV. 

Must be fit for purpose and worn where there is potential for eye damage or where signage specifies that it must be worn.  

Masks protect lungs and respiratory organs.Work Examples: Working with silica (concrete dust), painting or staining, working with asbestos, hazardous fumes. 

Sealing is critical to proper use. Gas type cartridges or scuba equipment may be required when handling chemicals - you will need to check the relevant MSDS. 

Hardhats protect the head.  

Work Example: Working on demolition projects or building sites with multiple levels. 

Hardhats must be carried at all times on a construction site and must be worn whenever there is a risk of being struck by falling objects or where signage specifies that it must be worn. 

Wide brimmed hats or hats with flaps help to protect from the sun. 

Gloves prevent your hands from being damaged.  

Work Examples: Welding, demolition work, rubbish removal, working with sharp objects. 

They can also prevent hazardous substances from entering your body through hand contact. Care must be taken that gloves do not get tangled in machinery or moving objects. If this happens, the gloves themselves can become a risk to your safety. 

Earplugs and Ear muffs protect the ears and hearing. 

Work Examples: Working with loud equipment such as circular saws or jackhammers, working near plant and machinery. 

Ear plugs and muffs are required where noise is a risk to health and safety. Industrial noise is a major factor in partial or permanent hearing loss.  

Protects the feet and toes. Work Examples: Demolition work, working with machinery, construction sites. 

Overalls, coveralls and aprons – should be used to keep contaminants from soiling your clothes and from being carried off site.  

High visibility clothing and vests – help you to be seen by others. This helps to avoid the risk of your being struck by traffic, mobile plant or loads being shifted. 

Click on the worksheet (left) and save to your drive. Fill in the boxes with the missing PPE.

Complete the section on 'PPE' in your workbook (pages 30-41).