Personal Protective Equipment FAQs

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the least effective control measure as it does nothing to minimise the underlying hazard.  PPE relies on human behaviour and supervision. 

For these reasons higher level controls must first be considered for example, the:

• isolation of the hazardous operation;
• installation of suitable screens or guards to shield from flying fragments, particles or radiation;
• use of exhaust hoods or booths to extract dust, gases or fumes;
• damping down of dusty areas using water sprays;
• use of catchments, splash guards and baffles to confine dangerous liquids.

Where a risk of injury or illness still remains after all other control measures have been applied, the Supervisor/Person in control of the area/activity may be able to further minimise the remaining risk, by the provision and use of suitable PPE to prevent damage to the eyes and face.  Refer WHS Regulations 2012 (SA) [36].

Generally this would be applied as a result of:

1. the Supervisor/Person in control of the area/activity mandating the use of eye and/or face protectors when working in or passing through an area, based on a reasonable assessment of the hazards in the area; or
2. a risk assessment for a task which requires eye and/or face protection as a control measure.

Where eye and/or face protection has been mandated, there is a responsibility to ensure it is being worn.  This is the responsibility of the Supervisor/Person in control of the area/activity and the worker.

Standard prescription glasses e.g. reading glasses are not considered suitable for eye protection as they do not provide any side protection.  Standard prescription glasses may be worn when also wearing safety glasses which have been designed to fit over the top of prescription glasses.

Prescription safety glasses can be obtained from an optometrist.  Prescription safety glasses must be manufactured to meet the requirements of AS/NZS 1337.6 (2012) “Personal eye protection – Prescription eye protectors against low and medium impact”.

The wearing of contact lenses under eye and face protectors is satisfactory in most situations provided that the wearer has been provided with the appropriate level of information and instruction.  However, some situations could be more hazardous when contact lenses are worn e.g. where the hazard is dust or harmful liquids, gases or vapours. 

An analysis is necessary to evaluate the suitability of contact lens wear in such circumstances.

Staff and students are to inform their supervisor if wearing contact lenses to ensure appropriate protection is in place.

Please refer to Table 1 and Table 2 for a list of hazardous activities and options to control the hazards arising from them.

Table 1

Hazardous activities and recommended eye protectors
(extract from AS/NZS 1336 Eye and face protection - Guidelines)

Table 2

Recommended eye protectors to control residual risk

The Supervisor/Person in control of the activity/area is required to provide all persons with the relevant level of information and instruction where eye and face protectors are required to be worn prior to commencing the work for the first time. 

(Refer to the HSW Handbook chapter “Provision of information, instruction and training” for further information.)

The Supervisor/Person in control of the activity/area is to arrange for the appropriate type of eye and face protection based on the activity and the appropriate fit and size for the wearer.

Eye and face protectors may be issued in any of the following ways:

• For exclusive use by one person;
• For temporary use by a person for a particular task;
• For temporary use by a visitor.

The choice between an issue for exclusive use by one person and temporary issue to different people will depend on the frequency and duration of exposure to hazards, and the type of eye and face protector provided.  In general, the issue for exclusive use by one person is recommended.

Where workers are required to wear eye and face protection, the Supervisor/Person in control of the area/activity is required to:

• provide proper facilities for storage, cleaning, servicing and replacement;
• have in place a system to ensure that all workers are familiar with the arrangements for cleaning, repairing and replacing damaged or faulty equipment;

have in place a system to ensure that all eye and face protectors are checked at regular intervals to ensure it continues to minimise the risk to the worker who uses it.

The AS/NZS 1336 “Eye and face protection – guidelines (Section 5 and 6) sets out the requirements for activities such as:

• Spot welding;
• Gas welding and cutting;
• Arc welding and cutting operations (including stray radiation processes nearby);
• Working outside and exposure to solar radiation;
• Laser use.

Where eye and/or face protection is mandatory prior to entering an area, appropriate signage complying with AS 1319 (1994) “Safety signs for the occupational environment” must be displayed.

This is a sample of some approved safety signs under AS 1319 (1994) “Safety signs for the occupational environment”.  

You must ensure any signage you purchase or install meets this standard. 

• The University’s HSW Handbook Chapter Hazard Management which outlines the application of the hierarchy of control measures  (i.e. Elimination, Substitution, Engineering/Isolation, Administration and PPE);
• WHS Regulations 2012 (SA);
• AS 1319 (1994) “Safety signs for the occupational environment”
• AS/NZS 1336 “Eye and face protection - Guidelines”;
• AS/NZS 1337.0 (Int): 2010) “Personal eye protection – Eye and face protectors – Vocabulary”;
• AS/NZS 1337.1 2010 – eye and face protectors for occupational application
• AS/NZS 1337.4: 2011 “Eye and face protection: Filters and eye-protectors against laser radiation (laser eye-protectors)”;
• AS/NZS 1337.5: 2011 “Eye and face protection: Eye-protectors for adjustment work on lasers and laser systems (laser adjustment eye-protectors)”;
• AS/NZS 1337.6: 2012 “Personal eye protection – Prescription eye protectors against low and medium impact”;
• AS/NZS 1338.1: 2012 “Filters for protection against radiation generated in welding and allied operations”.
• AS/NZS 1338.2: 2012 “Filters for eye protections – Filters for protection against ultraviolet radiation”
• AS/NZS 1338.3: 2012 “Filters for eye protectors – Filters for protection against infra-red radiation”

If you would like more information about the Personal Protective Equipment chapter of the HSW Handbook please contact your local HSW team

Where a risk of injury or illness still remains after all other control measures have been applied, the Supervisor/Person in control of the area/activity may be able to further minimise the remaining risk, by the provision and use of suitable PPE to prevent damage to the hands/arms.  Refer WHS Regulations 2012 (SA) [36].  The glove forms a barrier between the hazard and the wearer.

Generally this would be applied as a result of:

• the Supervisor/Person in control of the area/activity mandating the use of hand/arm protection upon entry to the area as a general precaution such as in a workshop or laboratory, based on a reasonable assessment of the hazards in the area; and/or
• a risk assessment for a task or process requiring specific occupational gloves to be worn (e.g. during the use of hazardous chemicals).

The PPE 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;
• maintained in good working order;
• clean and hygienic;
• used or worn by the worker as intended;
• stored appropriately.
• compatible with other PPE items where more than one type is required;
• compliant with the relevant Australian Standard or equivalent standard; and
• periodically assessed to ensure it is and continues to be effective.

Where hand protection is mandatory in an area, appropriate signage complying with AS 1319 (1994) “Safety signs for the occupational environment” must be displayed.  An example of approved signage is provided in Appendix A.

Users of gloves must be aware of their limitations. 

• Like all types of PPE, they are only effective if the user remembers to wear them.
• Gloves that are designed to protect against initial splashes may not be suitable for immersion in a substance, or contact with it for long periods of time.
• Gloves may interfere with the wearer’s dexterity and tactile sensation.
• Gloves can become contaminated and if not removed prior to contact may cause contamination of other objects.
• Some gloves will degrade over time.  Please be aware of this and change gloves at suitable intervals when necessary.
• Some gloves should only be re-used with caution, and only where it is within the manufacturer’s guidelines to safety do so.
• Domestic ‘washing up’ gloves including gloves complying with AS/NZS 2161.2 (2005) “Occupational protective gloves – general requirements”, but marked ‘for minimal risks only’ have limited application beyond simple dishwashing situations.  They may, in fact, increase the health hazard as some solvents will quickly permeate the glove material and expose the skin to a high vapour concentration.
• Not all gloves are compatible with all chemicals. See question 4 for more information.

Glove material may cause an allergic reaction in the case of some wearers, for example, the proteins in natural rubber latex.  If you experience a reaction to gloves, please report this to your supervisor as an incident in the on-line incident reporting system.  Alternative glove materials can be arranged.

The choice of glove will depend on several factors, including the substances being worked with and the task performed.  Typically gloves can be categorised as providing protection in three ways:

• Protection from hazardous substances;
• Protection from mechanical hazards (e.g. cuts); and
• Protection from biological hazards.

Note that one type of glove may not be suitable for all types of anticipated hazard that may occur together and so multi-gloving may be necessary for protection against different mechanical hazards (e.g.an absorbent liner for perspiration or a cut-proof liner in surgical gloves).

To ensure the most appropriate glove is provided for the tasks and the environmental conditions, it is important to consider:

• the hazard(s) and the need for protection;
• the level of manual dexterity required;
• material suitability to give the protection required;
• style and a good fit;
• potential for adverse ramifications from the selection (e.g. a result of style, fit or material);
• whether re-useable or disposable gloves are appropriate;
• acceptance by wearers (e.g. cultural differences may rule out the use of materials such as pigskin); and
• maintenance requirements.

The Ansell Chemical Resistance Guide for gloves (SpecWare) provides information on glove selection for using many substances.  It can be accessed via the Ansell website.  Chemical specific glove selection is also found in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the chemical.

It is important that you consider the critical aspects of use and the type of glove likely to suit the work and environmental conditions.

In AS/NZS 2161.1 (2016) “Occupational protective gloves – selection, use and maintenance”:

(Please note that due to the size of the tables within the stated appendixes they have not been included in this document.)

• Appendix A gives specific advice on choosing gloves where protection against chemicals is required; 
• Appendix B gives advice on the correct fitting of gloves;

In accordance with AS/NZS 2161.1 (2016) the following examples provide some guidance on glove selection for some of the more common occupational hazards.  Information should also be sought from the manufacturer/supplier/SDS where applicable.

Where a risk assessment control measure includes the requirement to wear or use hand/arm protection, it is important that workers are instructed by their Manager/Supervisor or the person who is directing the work, on the nature of the work and how to implement the control measures.  This will also include the selection of a suitable size, fit and comfort for the individual, prior to commencing the activity.  This instruction could be provided during the local induction if the task/activity is conducted on a regular basis or prior to conducting the activity if it is a new task/activity.  The supervisor or person in control of the activity is responsible for checking that the workers wear the hand/arm protection in accordance with the information/instruction provided.

Where workers are required to wear hand/arm protection, the Supervisor/Person in control of the area/activity is required under WHS Regulation 44 to ensure that the equipment is maintained, repaired and/or replaced so that it continues to minimise the risk to the worker who uses it.  This includes ensuring that the PPE is clean and hygienic.

Where a maintenance regime for any PPE exists, refer to HSW Chapter Schedule of Programmable Events.  A pre-use inspection should always be conducted to ensure that the PPE is in good working order.

(Common signs of failure include wear between fingers, seam failure, cracking or bubbling of obvious “pinholes” (e.g. dipped gloves), swelling or shrinking after use.)

Where there is a defect or damage to the hand/arm protection, the worker is to report the damage to their Supervisor/Person in control of the activity/area as soon as possible and replace the item(s).

In accordance with WHS Regulation 44 “Provision to workers and use of Personal Protective Equipment” the person who directs the carrying out of the work activity or is responsible for the workspace must provide the PPE (e.g. Supervisor/Person in control of the area/activity) i.e. not the worker, with the exception of contractors, who are responsible for their own PPE where it relates to the contracted work activity.

• The University’s HSW Handbook Chapter Hazard Management which outlines the application of the hierarchy of control measures  (i.e. Elimination, Substitution, Engineering/Isolation, Administration and PPE);
• WHS Regulations 2012 (SA)
• AS/NZS 2161.1 (2016) “Occupational protective gloves -Selection, use and maintenance”.
• AS/NZS 2161.2 (2005) “Occupational protective gloves – General requirements”
• AS/NZS 2161.3 (2005) “Occupational protective gloves – Protection against mechanical risks”
• AS/NZS 2161.4 (1999) “Occupational protective gloves - Protection against thermal risks (heat and fire)”
• AS/NZS 2161.5 (1998) “Occupational protective gloves – Protection against cold”
• AS/NZS 2161.7.1 (1998) “Occupational protective gloves – Protection against cuts and stabs by hand knives – chainmail gloves and arm guards”
• AS/NZS 2161.7.2 (2005) “Occupational protective gloves – Protection against cuts and stabs by hand knives – Gloves and arm guards made of material other than chainmail”
• AS/NZS 2161.7.3 (2005) “Occupational protective gloves – Protection against cuts and stabs by hand knives – Impact cut test for fabric, leather and other materials”
• AS/NZS 2161.8 (2002) “Occupational protective gloves – Protection against ionizing radiation and radioactive contamination”
• AS/NZS 2161.9 (2002) “Occupational protective gloves – Method of measurement and evaluation of the vibration transmissibility of gloves at the palm of the hand”
• AS/NZS 2161.10.1 (2005) “Occupational protective gloves – Protective gloves against chemicals and micro-organisms – terminology and performance requirements”
• AS2225 “Insulating gloves for electrical purposes”

If further assistance is required, please contact your local HSW contact.

Where a risk of injury or illness still remains after all other control measures have been applied, a School/Branch may be able to further minimise the remaining risk, by the provision and use of suitable PPE to prevent damage to the head and/or face. Refer WHS Regulations 2012 (SA) [36].

Generally this would be applied as a result of:

• the School/Branch mandating the use of head and/or face protection upon entry to the area as a general precaution such as in a workshop or laboratory, based on a reasonable assessment of the hazards in the area.
• a risk assessment for a task or process, e.g. the use of hazardous chemicals where specific PPE would be prescribed to manage the hazard e.g. type of goggles, face shield, hood or helmet, screens or exhaust systems.  This risk assessment should take into account the environment that the worker is in e.g. communicating with others in the area who may also need to wear PPE.

Typically head protection would be considered as a control measure where there is a risk of a person:

• being struck on the head by a falling object;
• striking his/her head against a fixed object; or
• making head contact with electrical hazards.

Typically  face protection would be considered as a control measure where a person may be at risk of coming into contact with:

• hazardous chemicals, infectious substances, gasses or vapours (e.g. being splashed);
• flying objects (e.g. where tools or machines may cause particles or debris to fly);
• UV radiation (e.g. from welding or excessive exposure to direct sunlight);
• excessive heat.

Where head and/or face protection is mandatory in an area, appropriate signage complying with AS 1319 (1994) “Safety signs for the occupational environment” must be displayed.

From AS/NZS 1800:1998 “Occupational protective helmets – Selection, care and use”

• Type 1—Industrial: This type of helmet was formerly known as the industrial safety helmet.
  It is suitable for work in the construction industry and engineering.
• Type 2 — High temperature workplaces.
• Type 3 — Bushfire fighting.

NOTE:  Different optional or additional design and performance requirements are specified in AS/NZS 1801 (1997) “Occupational protective helmets”.  They may be specifically requested by a user, e.g. a Type 1 helmet intended to be worn by people engaged in underground mining may have retro-reflective marking and use specific accessories (see AS/NZS 1800:1998- Appendix A).

In some cases, the helmet is not intended to be used by itself but only together with other personal protective equipment, such as with a face shield and a powered air purifying respirator.  In order for the respirator to comply with AS/NZS 1716 “Respiratory protective devices” and the face shields to comply with AS/NZS 1337 “Personal eye protection”, all components of the system should be used together. The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed, especially as to the compatibility of spare parts.

From AS/NZS 1800:1998 “Occupational protective helmets – Selection, care and use”

• Follow the manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance instructions.
• Destroy any helmets that receive any significant impact, damage or deterioration to the shell.  
  (Attention is drawn to the fact that helmets complying with AS/NZS 1801 (1997) “Occupational protective helmets” are required to contain a safety warning regarding damage due to impact and deterioration.)
• Discard any helmets with excessive discolouration of the shell colour, weathering of the surface which may indicate a loss of strength, with splitting or cracking of the material.
• Mark the helmet with the date of issue to the wearer.
• Note: field tests have shown helmet shells generally have a life of at least three years from the time of issue. Components of harnesses (webbing support inside the helmet) may deteriorate more rapidly in service and harnesses should, therefore, be replaced at intervals not longer than two years.  For helmets that are used infrequently and stored away from sunlight, dirt and temperature extremes, this guideline/recommendation may not be applicable.

The following practices are considered detrimental to the safe working life and performance of the helmet and should be avoided:

• Storage or placement of helmets near any window, particularly the rear window of motor vehicles through which excessive heat can be generated.  NOTE: Helmets placed on the rear window ledge of motor vehicles may also become dangerous missiles in the event of an accident or when sudden braking occurs.
• The helmet may be damaged and rendered ineffective by petroleum and petroleum products, cleaning agents, paints or adhesives and similar products, without the damage being visible to the user.  Before any application of adhesive tape, advice should be sought to ensure that the tape adhesive will not degrade the shell material.  Generally, self-adhesive pads or stickers have been found not to affect the shell material adversely.
• Aerosol sprays, such as insect repellents, may also damage and render the helmet ineffective without the damage being visible to the user.
• Alteration, distortion or damage to the shell, e.g. splits and cracks, or to the harness, especially if such alteration reduces the clearance between the shell and the wearer’s head (Note – harness refers to the complete assembly by which the helmet is maintained in position on the head).
• The use of safety helmets for any other purpose than that for which they are designed, e.g. as seats, liquid receptacles or wheel chocks.
• The practice of carrying any object inside the helmet when it is being worn, e.g. cigarette lighters, matches, pens or disposable respirators.
• The use of a harness (webbing support inside the helmet) other than that specified by the manufacturer, i.e. another make or model.

Any unauthorised alterations to helmets, e.g. drilling of holes in helmets, should not be made, as such alterations:

• may take the helmet out of compliance with AS/NZS 1801 (1997) “Occupational protective helmets”, or its accessories out of compliance with their relevant standard;
• may reduce the effectiveness of the helmet; and
• could void any approval or certification of the helmet.

Accordingly, where alterations to a helmet are contemplated, advice should be sought from the manufacturer.

Where a risk assessment control measure includes the requirement to wear or use head and/or face protection, it is important that workers are instructed by their Manager/Supervisor or the person who is directing the work, on the nature of the work and how to implement the control measures. Instructions should also include the selection of a suitable size, fit and comfort for the individual, prior to commencing the activity.

Instruction could be provided either:

• during the local induction if the task/activity is conducted on a regular basis; or
• prior to conducting the activity if it is a new task/activity.  

Where workers are required to wear head and/or face protection, the School/Branch is required under WHS Regulation 44 to ensure that the equipment is maintained, repaired and/or replaced so that it continues to minimise the risk to the worker who uses it. This includes ensuring that the PPE is clean and hygienic.

Where a maintenance regime for any PPE exists, refer to the Schedule of Programmable Events chapter.  A pre-use inspection should always be conducted to ensure that the PPE is in good working order.

• The University’s Hazard Management chapter which outlines the application of the hierarchy of control measures  (i.e. Elimination, Substitution, Engineering/Isolation, Administration and PPE);
• WHS Regulations 2012 (SA);
• AS/NZS 1800:1998 “Occupational protective helmets – Selection, care and use”;
• AS/NZS 1801 (1997) “Occupational protective helmets”.

Noise and sound, for the purpose of the noise exposure standard, is measured as an average over eight hours. Whether the exposure standard (85 dB(A)) is exceeded, depends on the level of noise and how long workers are exposed to it. The table below provides examples of the length of time a person without hearing protection can be exposed before the standard is exceeded. Peak noise and sound levels greater than 140 dB(c) usually occur with impact or explosive noise such as sledgehammering or a gun shot.  Any exposure above this peak can cause almost instant damage to hearing.

Therefore, in conjunction with effective controls of noise at the source (such as elimination, substitution, isolation and engineering), understanding the noise emissions in your area and scheduling the activity and tasks accordingly, will assist to minimise noise exposure. Also, a different way of doing the job may provide the same result with less noise. Consider alternative methods such as bending metal in a vice rather than hammering it into shape, gluing rather than hammering in nails, clipping rather than stapling etc.

*For adjustments that need to be made for extended working hours refer to the Code of Practice.

The noise exposure standard under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations 2012 (SA), regulations [56 & 57] requires that workers are not exposed to noise (including sound) in excess of:

1. the equivalent of 85dB(A)¹ over an 8-hour working day and
2. a peak of 140dBI sound pressure. (The impulse noise should not exceed dB(C)² at any point).

This means that supervisors/the person in control of the activity/area/equipment must ensure that all reasonably practicable measures are implemented to eliminate or minimise noise and ensure the noise exposure standards are not exceeded.

Supervisors or persons in control of areas/activities/equipment that are noisy, must know the noise emissions in their work environment and implement controls to minimise these as low as is reasonably practicable. Noise emissions from equipment is commonly found in information from the manufacturer. Noise measurement/testing of some form will be required where you are uncertain of the noise emissions.

Where noise is still higher than the noise exposure standard, appropriate hearing protection must be used, and regular audiometric testing of workers occur to ensure damage to hearing is not occurring.   

Supervisors who oversee or are responsible for areas, activities, or equipment that generate high levels of noise should work through the following steps to manage noisy tasks or activities:

Identify (through observation/inspection/consultation) any noisy activities/equipment in your area of supervision/under your control. As a guide, if you need to raise your voice to communicate with someone about a metre away, the noise is likely to be hazardous to hearing.

Quantify/measure the noise emissions from the equipment/activity. The noise emission from equipment is commonly found in information from the manufacturer. Where you are uncertain of the noise emission, or there is cumulative noise emission from multiple sources of noise, arrange for noise measurement (testing).

Control noise where activities/equipment is identified as producing high levels of noise and particularly, where it is over the noise exposure standard, selecting higher level controls (such as elimination, substitution, isolation and engineering).

Remeasure the noise emissions.

Provide hearing protection where residual noise levels are still high and particularly where it exceeds the exposure standards. Refer to Questions 4 and 5 for further information.

Where workers are required to wear hearing protection as an identified control for noise and sound that exceeds the noise exposure standard the supervisor must arrange for audiometric testing to ensure:

• a base level of hearing is recorded for every affected worker and
• to ensure over time, that controls are effective in protecting workers’ hearing. 

See the Noise and Sound Safety Management Procedure for further information.

Where a risk of damage to hearing remains after all other reasonably practicable control measures have been applied, and particularly where residual noise levels are above the exposure standard, a work area must provide and require the use of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect hearing.

The need for hearing protection (PPE) may be identified through:

• noise readings that indicate residual noise emissions (those post implementation of other controls) are in excess of the exposure standard
• the supervisor, or person in control of the work area, mandating the use of hearing protection as a general precaution such as in a workshop or laboratory, based on a reasonable assessment of the noise in the area 
• a risk assessment for a task or process, e.g. a task involving the use of noisy plant or equipment.

Where workers are required to wear hearing protection as an identified control for noise and sound that exceeds the noise exposure standard the supervisor must arrange for audiometric testing to ensure:

• a base level of hearing is recorded for every affected worker and
• to ensure over time, that controls are effective in protecting workers’ hearing. 

Hearing protection will only assist if it is used and used correctly. If the use of hearing protection is necessary, it is important that the hearing protection is worn throughout the period of exposure to noise. Therefore, the supervisor/manager or the person who is directing the work, must provide instruction to the worker(s) prior to commencing the activity, on the nature of the work and how to implement the control measures, including the correct use of hearing protection. This will also include instruction on the selection of a suitable size, fit and comfort for the individual. Instruction could be provided either during the local induction if the task/activity is conducted on a regular basis or prior to conducting the activity if it is a new task/activity.

Consultation with relevant workers is required to ensure the hearing protection chosen is practicable for the task/activity and that it does not introduce any other hazards for the operators/performers of the task/activity. 

Different types of hearing protection offer various levels of real-ear noise attenuation. This information can be obtained from the manufacturer or supplier.

Earmuffs offer the highest level of noise attenuation and may be required where noise levels are high. Various types of earplugs offer variable noise attenuation, with custom moulded earplugs providing a higher level of noise attenuation than generic earplugs. In some situations of very high noise exposure (e.g. the use of firearms, both earplugs and earmuffs are required).

Where workers are required to wear hearing protection, the supervisor or person in control of the area is required to ensure that the equipment is stored, maintained, repaired and/or replaced so that it continues to minimise the risk to the worker who uses it. This includes ensuring that the hearing protection is clean and hygienic. Refer and adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding storage and maintenance.

Where a maintenance regime for any personal protection equipment exists, it must be managed. Refer to the Schedule of Programmable Events Procedure for requirements for the scheduling of safety activities. A pre-use inspection should always be conducted to ensure that the PPE is in good working order.

• Hazard Management Procedure
• Noise and Sound Safety Management Procedure
• WHS Regulations 2012 (SA)
• Code of Practice for Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work (December 2020)
• AS/NZS 1269.0 (2005) Occupational Noise Management, Part 0 Overview and General Requirements
• AS/NZS 1269.2 (2005) Occupational Noise Management, Part 2 Noise Control Management
• AS/NZS 1269.3 (2005) Occupational Noise Management, Part 3 Hearing Protector Program
• AS/NZS 1270 (2002) Acoustics - Hearing Protectors
• AS 1319 (1994) Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment

If you require further information or advice, contact the HSW Team.

Where a risk of injury or illness still remains after all other control measures have been applied, a work area may be able to further minimise remaining risk, by providing and requiring the use of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent damage to the body. Refer Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations 2012 (SA), regulation [36].

A requirement for the use of PPE may be identified through:

• the supervisor, or person in control of the work area, mandating the use of specific clothing and footwear upon entry to the area as a general precaution such as in a workshop or laboratory, based on a reasonable assessment of the hazards in the area
• a risk assessment for a task or process, such as the use of hazardous chemicals, where specific PPE is required to manage the hazard e.g. goggles, gloves, face shield, hood or respiratory equipment.

Where PPE is identified as required (e.g. through a risk assessment), it must be provided and made available to workers undertaking the activity. Ensuring the use of PPE can be reinforced through inductions to the local area, training on safe operating procedures (SOPs), supervision and spot checks. Where protective clothing and/or footwear is mandatory in an area, appropriate signage (complying with the relevant Australian Standard) should be displayed. Examples of signage appear in Appendix A.

Yes.  The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2012 (SA), sections 47-49 requires that workers who are (or are likely to be) directly affected by a health or safety matter are consulted, particularly when making decisions about ways to eliminate or minimise risks. In doing so, workers’ views must be taken into account before making the decision. In the context of PPE, this includes to consult with the relevant workers to ensure that the PPE chosen is practicable for the task/activity and that it does not introduce any other hazards for the operators/performers of the task/activity. 

Selecting suitable protective clothing and footwear will depend on several factors, including the task performed and the hazards associated with the work. Protective clothing can be categorised as providing protection from:

• hazardous chemicals
• heat and cold (working in cold rooms, working outdoors in inclement weather)
• heat/flame hazards (contact with heat, flame, sparks, molten metal splashes)
• harmful radiation (including ionising radiation)
• mechanical hazards (entanglement, abrasive objects, cutting by sharp objects)

biological hazards (e.g. blood). 

The protective clothing must be selected as suitable for the nature of the work and the hazards associated with the work.

Suppliers of protective clothing are a good source of information on the type and standard of protective clothing appropriate for the task and the hazards associated with the work and whether the product meets the relevant Australian Standard

The protective clothing selected must not create an additional hazard (e.g. dust coats worn near rotating machinery).

There are other types of PPE that may need to be considered such as eye protection, hand protection, head and face protection, hearing protection and respiratory protection. Refer to the HSW webpage for the relevant information sheet.

Where a risk assessment control measure includes the requirement to wear or use protective clothing and footwear, workers must be instructed by their supervisor/manager or the person who is directing the work, on the nature of the work and how to implement the control measures, including the use of PPE. 

This should also include the selection of a suitable size, fit and comfort for the individual, prior to commencing the activity. This instruction could be provided during the local induction if the task/activity is conducted on a regular basis or prior to conducting the activity if it is a new task/activity.

For their part, workers must, so far as is reasonably able, use or wear the equipment in accordance with any information, training or reasonable instruction provided. Supervision and regular checks are a good way to ensure local safety rules are followed.

Where workers are required to wear protective clothing and footwear, the Faculty/Division/Area is required under WHS Regulation [44],  to ensure that the equipment is maintained, repaired and/or replaced so that it continues to minimise the risk to the worker who uses it. This includes ensuring that the protective clothing is clean and hygienic. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding any maintenance and care requirements.

Where a maintenance regime for any PPE is required, the Schedule of Programmable Events (Safety Calendar) Procedure must be applied to manage this activity. A pre-use inspection should be conducted to ensure that the protective clothing and footwear is in good working order.

Protective clothing and footwear should be stored to ensure it remains effective and in good order. It should be stored separately from other items, e.g. in a plastic bag. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding storage requirements.

Any contaminated protective clothing and/or footwear should be immediately sealed in a plastic bag e.g. autoclave bag, to isolate the contamination. Contact your supervisor to discuss the possibility of decontamination. If decontamination cannot be conducted, dispose of the clothing as waste (in accordance with the type of substance it has been contaminated by).

Protective footwear should be worn to reduce injuries to feet resulting from:

• contact with falling, rolling or cutting objects
• penetration through the sole or uppers
• degloving (epidermis pulled away from the feet)
• explosions and electrical hazards
• contact with hazardous chemicals, heat and molten metals
• slipping.

Protective footwear should meet the relevant Australian Standard (see question 8). Suppliers are a good source of information on the type and standard of protective footwear appropriate for the task and the hazards associated with the work and whether the product meets the relevant Australian Standard.

• The University’s HSW Hazard Management Procedure outlines the method to select effective risk control measures
• Australian Standard AS/NZS 2210.1 (2010) Safety, Protective and Occupational Footwear, Part 1: Guide to Selection, Care and Use
• Refer to the HSW webpage for information sheets on a range of other personal protective equipment (PPE
• Contact the HSW Team advice on the selection and use of appropriate PPE.

Where a risk of injury or illness still remains after all other control measures have been applied, the supervisor/person in control of the area/activity may be able to further minimise the remaining risk, by the provision and use of suitable RPE to prevent damage to the respiratory tract and system. Refer WHS Regulations 2012 (SA) [36].

Respiratory protection is required where it is reasonably foreseeable that the operator could be exposed to a substance, agent or contaminant after all other practicable controls have been implemented.  RPE should only be used as a short-term control measure.  Where possible, a fume cupboard or other extraction device should be used to minimise the risk further.

In special situations:

• the area may mandate the use of respiratory protection upon entry to the area as a general precaution (such as in a workshop or laboratory), based on a reasonable assessment of the hazards in the area
• as a part of the emergency contingency measures, RPE may be required if the substance is spilt outside of a containment area (e.g. fume cupboard, glove box etc).  This would allow clean up with no exposure to the individual. 

Note:  where there is a life-threatening risk to any workers or others in the area (i.e. immediate health effects) in the event of a spill, emergency services, the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (SAMFS)) should be contacted in lieu of using RPE, by dialling (0) 000. 

These actions should be determined, recorded, and communicated to workers when completing the risk assessment for the activity or when they are provided information/instruction by the supervisor during their induction.

Where respiratory protection is mandatory in an area, appropriate signage (complying with the relevant Australian Standard) should be displayed on all entry points. Examples of signage appear in Appendix A.

Refer to the SafeWork SA website for information on the types of RPE available.

Health monitoring must be provided if:

• workers are using, handling, generating or storing hazardous chemicals (in particular, a chemical listed in schedules 10 and 14 of the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012), and
• the work is ongoing, and
• there is a significant risk to health because of exposure.

Refer to the Air and Health Monitoring Information Sheet for more information.

As the level of risk depends on the frequency, duration and level of exposure, carrying out a risk assessment is the best way to decide if there is significant risk or not. If risks are significant but not adequately controlled or there is uncertainty about the degree of risk, health monitoring is required.

Contact the HSW Team for assistance. Specialist advice may be required from an occupational hygienist of a medical practitioner with experience in health monitoring.

Where RPE is required to be worn, a respiratory protection program must be established by the Faculty/Division/Area which should comply with AS/NZS 1715: Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment.  

A respiratory protection program includes procedures specific to your area intended to prevent inhalation of harmful contaminants. The program requires the development of procedures for the following:

• appointment of a program administrator
• selection of RPE
• medical screening of users of RPE
• information, instruction, and training
• any identified issues of using RPE
• the correct way to fit the equipment
• when RPE is required to be worn
• storage and disposal of RPE
• record keeping
• program evaluation. 

For specific requirements refer to AS/NZS 1715: Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment.  

The supervisor/person in control is to ensure that the:

• stocks of RPE are adequate for the area
• appropriate RPE is used and worn by the worker
• workers are provided with the appropriate level of information, instruction, and training (as applicable) in the use, maintenance, and storage of the RPE
• RPE is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
• RPE does not interfere with any medical conditions of the worker using it and is a suitable size and fit
• appropriate signs are used to remind workers where it must be worn
• The RPE is periodically assessed (e.g. fit tested) to ensure it is and continues to be effective
• RPE is maintained, repaired, replaced or disposed of and stored correctly, and that it is clean, hygienic and in good working order, so that it continues to minimise risk to the worker
• associated records are kept (e.g. information, instruction, and training, fit testing, air monitoring, risk assessments, etc.)

Workers are required to:

• use or wear the equipment in accordance with any information/instruction provided by their supervisor/person in control of the area/activity or by a registered training organisation where a competency is required
• inspect the RPE prior to commencement of the task to ensure it is in good working condition
• to report if there is any damage or defect relating to the equipment and obtain a replacement before continuing the task.

If the use or wearing of equipment affects communication, it is important that appropriate steps are taken to ensure that the situation does not create additional risk to the operator. This should be considered in the risk assessment of the activity and implemented before the task is undertaken. (Refer to the Hazard Management Procedure for further information on this process.) If the issue occurs during the task, report it immediately to your supervisor.

The sharing of equipment presents a hygiene risk and therefore RPE should be provided for exclusive use or cleaned/sterilised after each use. 

If a risk assessment control measure involves the use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE), it is crucial for the workers to receive appropriate information, instruction, and training from their supervisor or the person in charge of the work. This should cover the nature of the work, correct fitting of the RPE, and limitations of the RPE, as well as suitable selection, fit, and comfort for each individual before starting the task. If the activity is conducted regularly, this information can be provided during the local induction. For new tasks or activities, it should be provided before starting the work. The frequency of this training depends on the level of risk and the complexity of the activity.

To determine the necessary level of training and record-keeping requirements, refer to the Information, Instruction, and Training Procedure.

Users should consult the manufacturers’ instructions, particularly with regard to storage recommendations.  Considerations should be made for prevention of:

• damage & distortion to face pieces
• contact with foreign particles, atmospheres and substances which could cause deterioration
• contamination, particularly for respiratory equipment used to supply air to a person.

SafeWork SA website

AS/NZS 1715: Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment.

If you require further information, contact the HSW Team.