Running a small business in Australia? Failing to provide or maintain compliant PPE is a breach of your duties under Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws, and the penalties are substantial — maximum fines are set by offence category and vary by jurisdiction, running from tens of thousands of dollars for an individual up to several hundred thousand for a company on a Category 3 offence, and into the millions for more serious categories. Current maximums are published by Safe Work Australia, and your state regulator sets the figures that apply to you.
The good news: most PPE compliance gaps are simple to find and fix.
Download our free PPE Compliance Checklist (PDF) below and book a no-cost safety audit with our Sydney team.
Download Checklist (PDF)
Book Free Audit – Call 0457 545 175
Your 7-Point PPE Compliance Checklist
Reference: Safe Work Australia – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
| Item | Standard | Must-Have | 1st Safety Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Safety Footwear | AS 2210.3 | Steel or composite toe, slip-resistant sole | Steel Blue, Blundstone & Mongrel safety boots |
| 2. Hi-Vis Clothing | AS 4602.1 (Day) / AS 4602.2 (Night) | Class D/N, UPF 50+ | Bisley Hi-Vis Drill Shirt |
| 3. Hand Protection | AS/NZS 2161.3 | Cut C for general handling, Cut D for blades | Cut-resistant work gloves |
| 4. Head Protection | AS 1801 | Type 1 hard hat | Vented & non-vented hard hats |
| 5. Fall Protection | AS 1891 | Full-body harness + shock absorber | Height safety harnesses & lanyards |
| 6. Eye Protection | AS 1337.1 | Medium impact rated | Safety glasses & goggles |
| 7. Hearing Protection | AS 1270 | Class 5 (over 105 dB) | Class 5 earmuffs & earplugs |
Note: cut resistance is now graded A to F under AS/NZS 2161.3 and EN 388:2016, replacing the old Level 1–5 scale. See what “Cut Level 5” actually means for the detail.
Common Compliance Traps (And How to Avoid Them)
- Outdated Certifications — Check the date stamp on hard hats and harnesses and replace them in line with the manufacturer's stated service life, or sooner if damaged.
- Incorrect Sizing — One size does not fit all. Offer XS–6XL in hi-vis and boots.
- No Training Records — Keep signed PPE training logs. SafeWork NSW will ask.
- Mixing Brands — Stick to AS/NZS-certified suppliers like 1st Safety to avoid liability.
Get Compliant in 3 Steps
- Download the Checklist — above
- Audit your current gear (use the table)
- Call 0457 545 175 for a FREE 15-minute compliance review
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1st Safety is led by William Livas, with three decades in Australian PPE and workwear supply. Based in Auburn, NSW, we supply AS/NZS-compliant PPE to trades, construction, and industrial businesses across Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can happen if my business isn't PPE compliant in Australia?
Failing to provide or maintain compliant PPE breaches your health and safety duty under WHS laws. Maximum penalties are set by offence category and vary by jurisdiction, ranging from tens of thousands of dollars for an individual to several hundred thousand for a company on a Category 3 offence. Check Safe Work Australia or your state regulator for the figures that apply to you.
What Australian standard applies to safety footwear?
Safety footwear must meet AS 2210.3, with a steel or composite toe and a slip-resistant sole.
What standard covers hi-vis clothing?
Hi-vis clothing must meet AS 4602.1 for daytime use or AS 4602.2 for night use, with a Class D/N rating and UPF 50+ protection.
What cut rating do work gloves need?
Cut resistance is graded A to F under AS/NZS 2161.3 and EN 388:2016, replacing the older Level 1 to 5 scale. Cut C suits general handling and Cut D suits blade and sharp-edge work. Check the marking on the glove rather than relying on the legacy level number.
How often should safety harnesses and hard hats be replaced?
Check the date stamp on the item and replace it in line with the manufacturer's stated service life, or immediately if it is damaged or has arrested a fall.