Every item of PPE issued on an Australian worksite has to be fit for the hazard, made to the relevant Australian/New Zealand Standard, and maintained and replaced on time. That is the employer’s duty under the model WHS Regulations, and it is what an auditor or inspector asks to see. Download our free eight-point checklist as a PDF, or work through it below with links to compliant gear for each category.
Download the free PPE compliance checklist (PDF)
The eight-point PPE compliance checklist
- Safety footwear — AS/NZS 2210.3: 200-joule toe cap, slip-resistant outsole; penetration-resistant midsole where nails or rebar are underfoot. See construction site boots and waterproof boots.
- Hi-vis clothing — AS/NZS 4602.1: Class D for daylight, Class D/N with tape to AS/NZS 1906.4 for low light. See hi-vis shirts and traffic control vests.
- Gloves — AS/NZS 2161 series: cut resistance graded A–F under AS/NZS 2161.3; match the level to the hazard. See cut-resistant gloves.
- Head protection — AS/NZS 1801: Type 1 for general work, Type 2 for high temperatures; replace on the maker’s schedule and after impact. See hard hats.
- Respiratory protection — AS/NZS 1716: P2 minimum for fine dust and silica, P3 via full-face or PAPR for high exposures; selected and fit-tested under AS/NZS 1715. See P2 and P3 respirators.
- Hearing protection — AS/NZS 1270: Class 1–5 earmuffs and earplugs chosen for the measured noise level. See hearing protection.
- Eye and face protection — AS/NZS 1337.1: medium impact for most work, high impact for grinding and chipping; goggles or face shields for splash. See safety glasses.
- Fall protection — AS/NZS 1891 series: harnesses to 1891.1, inspected under 1891.4, used with rated anchors and energy absorbers. See roofing harnesses and the working at heights guide.
What “compliant” means in practice
- Certified product: the standard number is marked on the item or its label (AS/NZS 2210.3 on the boot tongue, AS/NZS 4602.1 on the garment label, AS/NZS 1337.1 on the lens or frame). Keep the supplier’s documentation.
- Right selection: PPE is the last control in the hierarchy, chosen for the specific hazard in the risk assessment — a P2 mask for silica, not a P1; a Class D/N vest for night work, not Class D.
- Fit and training: respirators fit-tested, harnesses adjusted, workers shown how to wear, check and store the gear.
- Maintenance and replacement: hard hats and harnesses have service lives; filters have change-out schedules; faded hi-vis and scratched lenses are replaced, not tolerated.
- Records: an issue register, inspection logs and fit-test records are what an inspector asks for after an incident.
The rules behind the checklist
- Under the model Work Health and Safety Regulations, a person conducting a business or undertaking who relies on PPE must provide it at no cost, ensure it is suitable, fits and is maintained, and provide information and training in its use; workers must wear it as instructed.
- Penalties for WHS breaches are set by each state and territory and scale with the seriousness of the offence — see Safe Work Australia for the current figures rather than any single number.
- Industry codes add detail: the model Code of Practice on managing risks of falls, the silica code, and state traffic-control and rail standards all specify PPE classes.
- Need help building a PPE program for your site? Talk to us — we supply trade accounts and bulk pricing across every category above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What PPE must an employer provide in Australia?
Whatever the risk assessment identifies as necessary once higher-order controls are in place, provided at no cost to the worker, suitable for the hazard and the person, maintained and replaced as needed, with training in its use — as set out in the model WHS Regulations.
How do I know a product is compliant?
Look for the AS/NZS standard marking on the product or its label and ask the supplier for the certification documents. Every category page linked above lists the standard the products are made to.
How often does PPE need to be inspected or replaced?
It depends on the item: harnesses are inspected before use and periodically by a competent person under AS/NZS 1891.4; hard hats follow the maker’s service life and are replaced after impact; respirator filters follow the site change-out schedule; hi-vis is replaced when faded or torn.
Is hi-vis clothing required by law?
Not universally — the duty is to control the risk. Where workers are exposed to traffic or mobile plant, hi-vis to AS/NZS 4602.1 is the accepted control, and state road and rail authorities mandate it for work in their corridors.
Kitting out a crew? Trade pricing and account terms are available — contact us or call 0457 545 175. Free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $200; collection from our Auburn NSW warehouse by arrangement (call first), 7:30am–3:30pm Mon–Fri.