Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

About this topic

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the gear you wear to protect yourself, hard hats, hi-vis, boots, gloves, eye and hearing protection. It is essential on every construction site and a core White Card (CPCWHS1001) topic. But there is one big idea the test wants you to understand: PPE is your last line of defence, not your first.

Common types of PPE

Different jobs call for different gear. The most common construction PPE includes:

• Head protection – hard hats (AS/NZS 1801) against falling objects.
• High-visibility clothing – hi-vis vests and shirts (AS/NZS 4602) so plant operators can see you.
• Foot protection – steel-cap safety boots (AS/NZS 2210).
• Eye protection – safety glasses or goggles against dust, debris and sparks.
• Hearing protection – earplugs or earmuffs around loud plant.
• Hand protection – gloves suited to the task.
• Respiratory protection – masks or respirators against dust and fumes.

PPE is the last line of defence

In the hierarchy of control, PPE sits at the very bottom. That is because it only protects the individual wearing it and does nothing to remove the hazard. Wherever possible, the hazard should be eliminated or controlled by higher measures first, with PPE used to manage whatever risk is left over.

Your responsibilities with PPE

Your employer (the PCBU) must provide the right PPE at no cost to you, along with training on how to use it. Your job is to wear it whenever required, check it before use, store it properly, and report any damage or wear so it can be replaced. PPE that is faulty or worn incorrectly may not protect you.

Key facts to remember

• PPE is the least effective control, it only protects the wearer.
• Your employer must provide required PPE at no cost to you.
• Common PPE: hard hat, hi-vis, safety boots, eye and hearing protection, gloves.
• Hi-vis exists so machinery and vehicle operators can see you.
• Check PPE before each use and report damaged gear.

Frequently asked questions

Is PPE the most effective safety control?
No. PPE is the least effective control in the hierarchy because it only protects the person wearing it. Eliminating or engineering out the hazard protects everyone and comes first.

Who pays for PPE on a construction site?
Your employer (the PCBU) must provide the PPE you need to do your job safely at no cost to you, along with training on how to use it.

What PPE is usually required on site?
Typically a hard hat, high-visibility clothing and steel-cap boots as a minimum, plus eye, hearing, hand or respiratory protection depending on the task.

Do I still have to wear PPE if I think it's unnecessary?
Yes. If PPE is required for the task or the site, you must wear it. It is both a site rule and part of your duty to take reasonable care for your own safety.

Sample exam questions

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