Last updated:
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is anything a worker wears or uses to reduce exposure to a hazard, such as hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, respirators, high-visibility clothing, safety boots and fall arrest harnesses. PPE is the last line of defence in the hierarchy of controls, used when other controls can’t reduce the risk enough on their own.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Choosing, Using and Checking It
PPE only works if it’s the right equipment, it fits, it’s in good condition and it’s worn properly for the whole task. A cracked hard hat, a respirator that doesn’t seal or earplugs left in a pocket give no protection at all. This guide covers what WHS law expects, the main types of PPE, how to choose it, and how to keep it checked and used.
Key points
- PPE is the last line of defence, used alongside higher-level controls.
- Businesses must provide PPE to workers at no cost to them.
- PPE must suit the task, fit the worker and be maintained.
- Workers must use PPE as instructed and report damage.
- Regular checks keep PPE in good condition and in use.
What WHS law expects
Under the WHS regulations, where PPE is needed to manage a risk, the business must provide it to workers at no cost to them, make sure it is suitable for the work and the hazard, fits the worker and is reasonably comfortable, and is maintained, repaired or replaced so it stays clean, hygienic and in good working order. Workers must be given information, training and instruction in its proper use. Workers must use and wear PPE as instructed, not misuse or damage it, and report any damage or defect.
Because PPE sits at the bottom of the hierarchy of controls, businesses should first look for ways to remove, substitute, isolate or engineer out the hazard, and use PPE for the risk that remains.
Types of PPE
| Body part | Examples | Protects against |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Hard hats, bump caps | Falling objects, impacts |
| Eyes and face | Safety glasses, goggles, face shields | Flying particles, splashes, UV and welding light |
| Hearing | Earplugs, earmuffs | Noise above the exposure standard |
| Breathing | Disposable masks, half-face and full-face respirators | Dust, fumes, vapours, biological hazards |
| Hands | Cut, chemical, heat and general-purpose gloves | Cuts, chemicals, burns, abrasion |
| Feet | Safety boots, rubber boots | Crushing, punctures, slips, chemicals |
| Body | High-visibility clothing, coveralls, aprons, sun protection | Being struck, chemicals, UV, heat |
| Falls | Harnesses, lanyards, anchors | Falls from height |
Choosing and managing PPE
- Assess the hazard. Work out what the PPE needs to protect against, and confirm other controls have been considered first.
- Choose the right equipment. Select PPE that meets the relevant Australian Standard and suits the task and environment.
- Fit it to the worker. Provide the right sizes, and fit test tight-fitting respirators.
- Train workers. Explain why it’s needed, how to wear it, how to check it and how to store it.
- Inspect and maintain. Check PPE regularly and replace anything damaged, worn or past its service life.
- Supervise and review. Check PPE is worn, ask workers for feedback, and review after incidents.
Getting PPE worn properly
- Comfort and fit: uncomfortable PPE gets taken off, so involve workers in choosing it.
- Compatibility: make sure items work together, such as glasses with respirators or earmuffs with hard hats.
- Availability: keep stock where it’s needed so replacement is easy.
- Clear signage: mark areas where specific PPE is required.
- Leadership: supervisors and managers wear PPE too.
See our guides to noise hazards and chemical hazards.
PPE checks on the phone
With DIGI CLIP, supervisors and workers complete PPE inspections on a phone: harness checks, respirator checks, stock checks and area compliance, with photos. Each form is location- and time-stamped. Damaged PPE or low stock creates an action in the Action Log, so it’s replaced and closed out with evidence, and reminders prompt inspections when they’re due.
Illustrative scenario: a damaged harness
During a pre-use harness check on a roofing job, a worker finds fraying on the webbing near a D-ring. He fails the item in DIGI CLIP with a photo, tags the harness out of service and takes a spare. An action goes to the supervisor to replace the harness, and it’s closed out with a photo of the new one.
This scenario is illustrative. It shows how a business could use DIGI CLIP and is not an account of a specific customer.
Keep PPE Checked and in Use
Put PPE inspections on your team’s phones and see problems land in the Action Log, ready to fix and prove.
Start Your 14-Day Free TrialNo credit card required. Set up in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Who has to pay for PPE?
The business. Under the WHS regulations, where PPE is needed to manage a risk, the business must provide it to workers at no cost to them.
Why is PPE the last line of defence?
Because it doesn’t remove the hazard and only works if it’s the right equipment, fits, is in good condition and is worn properly. Higher-level controls should be used first, with PPE for the risk that remains.
What are the main types of PPE?
Head, eye and face, hearing, respiratory, hand, foot, body and fall protection, such as hard hats, safety glasses, earmuffs, respirators, gloves, safety boots, high-visibility clothing and harnesses.
What are workers’ responsibilities for PPE?
Workers must use and wear PPE as instructed, not intentionally misuse or damage it, and tell the business about any damage, defect or need to clean or decontaminate it.
How often should PPE be inspected?
Before each use for items like harnesses and respirators, and regularly for other PPE, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Replace anything damaged, worn or past its service life.
Can PPE inspections be recorded on a phone?
Yes. In DIGI CLIP, PPE inspections are completed on a phone with photos, and damaged items or low stock become actions in the Action Log.
About DIGI CLIP Mobile Forms
DIGI CLIP is an Australian-built mobile checklist and inspection platform. Inspections. Actions. Evidence. Teams complete checks on a phone or tablet, turn defects into assigned actions, and keep the proof that each one was fixed and verified.
See our Form Library for ready-made templates.
