A Complete Guide to Workplace PPE in Australia
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Personal protective equipment is the last line of defence in any safe workplace. When engineering controls, safe systems of work and administrative measures have all been applied, PPE is what stands between a worker and a hazard.
This guide covers the main categories of workplace PPE, what each one protects against, and how to make sure you're buying the right gear for your site.
What Is PPE?
PPE stands for personal protective equipment — any clothing, equipment or substance designed to protect a person from health or safety risks at work. It includes everything from safety glasses and gloves through to respirators, hard hats, harnesses and hi-vis vests.
Under Australian work health and safety legislation, employers must provide PPE that is suitable for the hazard, properly maintained, and correctly fitted and used by workers.
The Main Categories of Workplace PPE
Head Protection
Hard hats and safety helmets protect against falling objects, overhead hazards and bump risks on construction sites, warehouses, mines and anywhere overhead work is carried out.
Eye and Face Protection
Safety glasses, goggles and face shields protect against flying debris, chemical splash, dust, UV radiation and grinding sparks. The right choice depends on the task — safety glasses for general use, sealed goggles for liquid hazards, face shields for grinding or pouring.
Hearing Protection
Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and one of the most common occupational injuries in Australia. Earplugs and earmuffs reduce noise exposure in loud environments — manufacturing, construction, agriculture and mining are the most common risk areas.
Respiratory Protection
Respirators protect against dusts, fumes, vapours, mists and airborne contaminants. Disposable P2 masks suit most dust and particulate tasks. Half-face and full-face respirators with replaceable cartridges are used for chemical vapours and higher-risk environments.
Hand Protection
Gloves protect against cuts, abrasions, heat, cold, chemicals and vibration. No single glove works for every hazard — cut-resistant gloves for handling sharp materials, chemical-resistant gloves for substances, thermal gloves for heat or cold work. Matching the glove to the hazard is essential.
Foot Protection
Safety footwear protects against crushing, puncture, slipping and chemical exposure. Steel-capped boots are standard on construction sites and in warehouses. Specific environments may require additional features such as slip resistance or electrical hazard protection.
Height Safety
Falls from height are one of the leading causes of serious workplace injury in Australia. Where falls cannot be prevented by other means, harnesses, lanyards and fall arrest systems are required. Height safety equipment must be correctly fitted, regularly inspected and used by trained workers.
Workwear and Hi-Vis
High-visibility clothing keeps workers visible to vehicles and plant on roads, construction sites and in warehouses. Protective workwear also covers coveralls, chemical-resistant garments and general site clothing that reduces exposure to environmental hazards.
How to Choose the Right PPE
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Identify the hazard first.
PPE selection starts with understanding what you're protecting against. A risk assessment will tell you what protection is needed before you look at products. -
Match the PPE to the task.
The same hazard in different tasks may need different PPE. General dust in a workshop is different to fumes in a confined space — even if both look like a "respiratory" problem. -
Check for Australian standards compliance.
PPE sold in Australia should meet the relevant AS/NZS standard for its category. All products in the RAS Shop are sourced from suppliers who meet Australian compliance requirements. -
Make sure it fits — and gets used.
PPE that doesn't fit properly doesn't protect properly. Workers need to be trained in how to wear, adjust, maintain and store their equipment.
Shop PPE by Category
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RAS Shop supplies compliant PPE from trusted Australian suppliers. All prices are ex GST; 10% GST is added at checkout.