Employers 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. (Clause 15 of the OHS Regulation 2001)

An employer must undertake a risk assessment before choosing PPE as the appropriate control measure. (See Risk Management FAQS.)

PPE must be provided when other methods of control do not adequately control the risk. It is the least preferred means of control and can be used in addition to other methods to minimise the risk to the lowest level reasonably practical.

Clause 15 of the Regulation states that the employer must:

• 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 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; and
• clearly identify places of work where PPE must be used.

Employees also have obligations under the OHS Act 2000 to:

• co-operate with any requirement imposed by the employer in the interests of health, safety and welfare (Section 20), and
• not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety and welfare (Section 21). This can include the use, cleaning, storage etc of PPE.