Important: From 1 January 2012, information on this website is being reviewed and must be read in conjunction with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is clothing, equipment or substances designed to be worn by someone to protect them from risks of injury or illness.

PPE should only be considered as a control measure when exposure to a risk cannot be minimised in another way, or when used in conjunction with other control measures as a final barrier between the worker and the hazard. PPE does not control the hazard at the source.

This information should be read in conjunction with the Risk Management Code of Practice 2007. In particular, more information on PPE is provided in Supplement No. 3 – Control, Implement, Monitor and Review - of the code.

What law applies
Legal obligations, legislation, code of practice

What is personal protective equipment?
Examples and definition

When should you use it?
Use with other control measures, risk control priorities

Who pays?
When should an employer provide personal protective equipment (PPE)

Selecting PPE
General principles to be used when selecting PPE for a particular job or task

Using PPE
Manufacturers¿ instructions, instruction to workers, fit of PPE, signage

Storing and maintaining PPE
How to store PPE, maintenance programs

Personal protective equipment plan
Requirements for a PPE plan

Make sure you select appropriate PPE

Workers should be instructed how to use PPE

Store and maintain PPE properly

Don't rely on PPE as the only way to do work safely

For more information contact:

Queensland Government

Call Workplace Health and Safety Infoline on 1300 369 915 or email a question.