Employers obligations to personal protective equipment
You must provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers and visitors as a control measure when work hazards are unable to be eliminated or adequately controlled by other methods. PPE can be used as an interim control measure whilst employers develop and implement more effective control measures, wherever possible.
Clause 15 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 states that the employer must:
- determine if PPE is the most appropriate control, based on risk assessment
- ensure that the equipment provided is appropriate for the person and controls the risk for that person
- ensure that the person using PPE is informed about any limitations of the equipment
- ensure that appropriate instruction and training is provided so that the equipment controls the risk for the person
- ensure that additional training for supervisors so they understand their role in enforcing the use of PPE
- provide or pay for all PPE for every person at risk
- ensure that the equipment is properly maintained, repaired or replaced as necessary to control the risk for the person
- provide clean and hygienic equipment
- ensure that equipment is stored in a place provided by the employer for that purpose
- clearly identify places of work where PPE must be used
- individually issue PPE if necessary
- ensure the PPE conforms to the relevant Australian Standard, where appropriate.
Section 22 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 (Act) prohibits employers from charging employees for the PPE provided.
Workers obligations to PPE
Section 20 of the Act states that as a worker you:
- must co-operate with the OHS requirements stipulated by your employer
- must not intentionally or recklessly, interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interest of health and safety which includes PPE
- must be provided with appropriate instruction and training of the equipment
- must be informed about any limitations of the equipment.
Both your employer and yourself may be fined if you are not wearing appropriate PPE.
Call 13 10 50 for more information personal protective equipment obligations.