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”.

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 hearing. Refer WHS Regulations 2012 (SA) [36].

Generally this would be applied as a result of:

• the School/Branch mandating the use of hearing 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, gloves, 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.

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

Where workers are frequently required to wear hearing protection as an identified control, audiometric testing will be required. See the Noise and Sound Safety Management chapter for more information.

Yes. In accordance with the WHS Regulations 2012 (SA)  [56] the exposure standards to noise, measured in decibels (dB), are as follows:

• Limit of 85dB(A) over an 8 hour working day;
  (Exposures will vary based on the location and activity, however as a guide consider that the limit of 85dB(A) over 8 hrs is also the equivalent of a continuous exposure of 88dB(A) over 4 hours, 91 dB(A) over 2 hours, 94dB(A) over 1 hr, 97dB(A) over 30 minutes, 100dB(A) over 15 minutes.); and
• Peak of 140dB(C) sound pressure. (The impulse noise should not exceed 140dB(C) at any instant in time).

If you believe that you are approaching these levels, please refer to the Noise and Sound Safety Management chapter.

Earplugs

Earplugs are available in three types:

• Disposable, which are for single use and the cheapest option.
• Pre-shaped, which cover or insert into the auditory canal. These are reusable and washable.
• Custom moulded earplugs, which are made-to-measure and are the most effective.

Disposable and Pre-shaped

Advantages of disposable and pre-shaped earplugs:

• Easily available and fit most users.
• No additional load on the head (such as with earmuffs).
• More comfortable in a warm environment than earmuffs.
• Minimal or no interference with other PPE.
• Directional hearing is not affected.

Disadvantages of disposable and pre-shaped earplugs:

• Level of protection is very dependent on correct fitting.
• Can come loose slowly, so regular re-fitting is needed.
• Can be uncomfortable due to the pressure in the ear canal.
• Limited choice in noise reduction levels.
• Proper function can be dependent on ear canal geometry.

Custom-moulded earplugs

Advantages of custom-moulded earplugs:

• Maximal wearing comfort.
• Easy and safe to fit.
• Provide a high level of protection.
• Availability of materials to achieve the best level of noise reduction and sound perception.
• Practical in dirty environments.

Disadvantages of custom-moulded earplugs:

• Require a production time before they are available for use.
• Are specific to a person.

Earmuffs

Earmuffs enclose the ear and seal to the head with soft cushions. An acoustic foam inside provides the majority of the noise reduction. A head band connects the cups and provides the necessary sealing force. This band can be over the head, neck, or chin, and can also be part of a helmet. Advantages:

• Simple to use.
• Easily available and fit most users.
• Minimises auditory canal problems (no insertion of objects, and protection from dirt ingress).
• Effective reduction of high frequency sounds.
• Available in a range of specifications to achieve the most appropriate level of frequency and noise level attenuation.

Disadvantages:

• Adds weight and pressure to the head.
• Uncomfortable in warm climates or work areas.
• Less effective with low frequency noises.
• Loss of "directional hearing".
• Some compatibility issues with other PPE such as safety glasses.

• Auditory effects of noise (e.g. tinnitus or hearing loss);
• Prolonged constriction of blood vessels;
• Increased stress levels; and
• Reduced performance in work requiring thought and sustained intellectual effort. 

In the first instance, please refer to the Noise and Sound Safety Management chapter. If there are any concerns about noise exposure in the University, your supervisor/manager or Health and Safety Officer should be contacted to organise a noise level assessment of the area.

The following factors should be considered when choosing hearing protection:

• the level of noise reduction required;
• the working conditions (heat, dust etc);
• suitability of the hearing protection with the task;
• the clamping force (of earmuff cushions) where relevant; and/or
• suitability for use with other forms of PPE.

Where a risk assessment control measure includes the requirement to wear or use hearing 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.

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 hearing 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)
• Code of Practice for Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work (December 2011)
• AS/NZS 1269.0 (2005) “Occupational noise management – overview and general requirements”
• AS/NZS 1269.2 (2005) “Occupational noise management – noise control management”
• AS/NZS 1269.3 (2005) “Occupational noise management - Hearing protector program”
• AS/NZS 1270 (2002) “Acoustics - Hearing protectors”
• HSW Handbook Chapter 3.36 “Noise and Sound Safety Management”

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 body. Refer WHS Regulations 2012 (SA) [36].

Generally this would be applied as a result of:

• the School/Branch 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, e.g. the use of hazardous chemicals where specific PPE would be prescribed to manage the hazard e.g. type of goggles, gloves, 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.

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

The choice of protective clothing will depend on several factors, including the substances being worked with and the task performed. Protective clothing can be loosely categorised as providing protection from:

• hazardous chemicals;
• heat and cold;
• harmful radiation (excluding ionising radiation);
• mechanical hazards, and
• biological hazards (e.g. blood).

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

Where a risk assessment control measure includes the requirement to wear or use protective clothing, 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.

Where workers are required to wear protective clothing, 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 protective clothing 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 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.

Any contaminated protective clothing and/or foot wear 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, please dispose of the clothing as waste (of the type of substance it has been contaminated by).

In general, 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; and
• slipping.

Refer to AS/NZS 2210.1 “Occupational protective footwear – Guide to selection, care and use

• 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 2161 “Occupational protective gloves”
• AS/NZS 2210.1 “Occupational protective footwear – Guide to selection, care and use”

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.  Respiratory protection (or Respiratory Protection Equipment, 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 need for RPE

In special situations:

• the Faculty/Division/Area may mandate the use of breathing 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, the Emergency Services (MFS) should be contacted in lieu of using RPE, by dialling (0) 000. This 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 breathing protection is mandatory in an area, appropriate signage complying with AS 1319 (1994) “Safety signs for the occupational environment” must be displayed.

Breathing protection can be categorised into two types:

• Air-purifying devices: 
  These are designed to filter contaminated air before it is inhaled by personnel.  They exist as either disposable respirators or non-disposable respirators with disposable filters.
• Air-supplied devices: 
  These deliver clean air from an independent supply to the wearer.  Air-supplied respirators are often used for toxic or oxygen-deficient atmospheres and confined spaces.

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

The program includes procedures specific to your worksite intended to prevent you from inhaling harmful contaminants in your workplace. 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;
• The issue of RPE;
• The fitting of equipment;
• Wearing of RPE;
• Disposal of equipment;
• Record keeping;
• Program evaluation.

For specific requirements please refer to Standard AS/NZS 1715.

The Supervisor/Personal in control is to ensure:

• that the appropriate RPE is used and worn by the worker;that the workers are provided with the appropriate level of information, instruction and training (as applicable) in the use, maintenance and storage of the RPE;
• that the RPE is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions;
• that the RPE does not interfere with any medical conditions of the worker using it and is a suitable size and fit;
• that appropriate signs are used to remind workers where it must be worn;
• that the RPE is periodically assessed to ensure it is and continues to be effective;
• that the RPE is maintained, repaired or replaced and stored correctly (It is clean, hygienic and in good working order) so that it continues to minimise risk to the worker.

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; and
• to report if there is any damage or defect relating to the equipment.

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.  (Refer to the HSW Handbook Chapter Hazard Management chapter for further information on this process.)

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

Where a risk assessment control measure includes the requirement to wear or use RPE, it is important that workers are provided with the relevant level of information/instruction/training by their Supervisor or the person who is directing the work, on the nature of the work, how to correctly fit the RPE and the limitations of the RPE. This will also include suitable selection, fit and comfort for the individual, prior to commencing the activity. This information/instruction/training 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 frequency will depend on the complexity of the activity and the level of risk. To determine the level of information/instruction/training and requirements for record keeping refer to the HSW Handbook chapter HSW Training Plan.

Users should consult 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 breathing equipment used to supply air to a person.

• The University’s HSW Handbook Chapter Hazard Management (Hierarchy of control measures);
• AS/NZS 1715 “Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective devices”;
• AS/NZS 1716 “Respiratory protective devices”;
• WHS Regulations 2012 (SA)

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