Health and Safety

Taking care with materials, equipment and work procedures and dealing with hazards.

Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used to minimise the exposure to hazards (but is not a solution for controlling hazards by elimination or isolation).

Find out about:

  • uses for personal protective equipment
  • types of personal protective equipment
  • selecting PPE
  • HSE Act requirements.

Uses for personal protective equipment

Personal protection in the workplace may be used against:

  • chemicals – risk of inhalation, skin exposure
  • temperature – causing burns,
  • UV – exposure to weather
  • airborne pollutants – dust, solvents and vapours
  • radiation
  • infection – bacteria, fungi
  • physical injuries – cuts, falls, being struck by falling objects
  • equipment use – power tools, plant and machinery
  • electrical faults – power tool use, cables
  • noise generally
  • falls or slips when working at height.

Types of personal protective equipment

  • Eyes – safety glasses, goggles, face shields.
  • Hearing – ear plugs, ear muffs.
  • Respiratory – masks, respirators, cartridge filters.
  • Head – hard hat.
  • Body – overalls, safety harness, high-visibility clothing, gloves.
  • Foot – steel-capped boots/shoes.
  • Safety at heights – harnesses (installed anchors or restraining cables), roof edge barriers.
  • Visibility – hi-visibility vests, jackets.

Selecting PPE

When selecting appropriate clothing or equipment for a task:

  • talk to experts, i.e. those who use the clothing or equipment
  • ensure clothing or equipment carries a standards mark
  • ensure that clothing or equipment fits and looks ok (or it will not be used).

HSE Act requirements

The HSE Act has specific requirements including that:

  • the employer must provide safety equipment and clothing, and ensure that it is accessible and used (section 10)
  • information regarding the protection and correct use of the PPE is provided (section 12)
  • the employer provides training in the use, maintenance, cleaning, storing and inspection of the PPE (section 13) and damaged PPE must be replaced immediately
  • employees also have a responsibility for their own safety (section 19).

More information