Personal Protective Equipment

What standard of PPE is required?

PPE used at a workplace must be:

• selected to minimise risk to work health and safety
• suitable for the nature of the work and any hazard associated with the work
• a suitable size and fit and reasonably comfortable for the person wearing it
• maintained, repaired or replaced so it continues to minimise the worker’s health and safety risk
• used or worn by the worker, so far as is reasonably practicable.

What are the problems with using PPE?

Where PPE is provided and used at work, you should remember that:

• wearing PPE may adversely affect the performance of tasks being undertaken (for example restricting vision

or mobility)

• PPE may be uncomfortable to wear and some workers may not be able to wear it (for example, workers who

are allergic to latex cannot wear rubber gloves)

• PPE should not interfere with any medical conditions

of the worker using the PPE

What is the worker’s duty in relation to PPE?

• If the PPE is uncomfortable or does not fit properly, the

worker should consult with their manager.