Personal protective equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE), (e.g. gloves, respirators, safety boots) should only be used as a last resort and should be used in conjunction with other control measures, including safe work practices.
Efforts to eliminate health and safety risks using other methods of control should continue in an effort to minimise the need for PPE.
Best practice for the use of PPE involves:
- choosing PPE that is appropriate to the task and level of risk,
- using PPE in every situation where the need has been identified,
- ensuring that all PPE complies with the relevant Australian Standard, and
- selecting and fitting PPE to suit the individual user.
All staff and students who purchase, use or maintain PPE must be trained in:
- correct use and fit testing,
- limitations and effectiveness of the PPE,
- maintenance, storage and replacement procedures, and
- emergency procedures in case of special risks such as chemical spills.
Information on chemical permeabilities of gloves from Ansell.
Factsheet on respiratory protective equipment showing different classes of respirators.
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