Complete PPE Checklist Australia 2026

Whether you're a site manager building a PPE program from scratch, a worker checking your compliance, or an employer meeting your WHS Act obligations, this checklist covers everything. Use the interactive checkboxes below, print the checklist for your site, and follow the inspection and replacement schedules to stay safe and legally compliant in 2026.

Why PPE Matters: The Hierarchy of Controls

Under Australian WHS regulations, PPE sits at the bottom of the Hierarchy of Controls — not because it is unimportant, but because it is the last line of defence. Safe Work Australia's hierarchy is:

That said, on real Australian worksites, PPE is essential and often legally mandatory. The checklist below helps ensure every worker has the right protection for their specific role and environment.

Australian Standards Quick Reference

All PPE used on Australian worksites should meet the relevant Australian and New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS). Below is a quick reference for 2026.

PPE Category	Standard	What It Covers	Key Requirement
Industrial Safety Helmets	AS/NZS 1801:1997	Hard hats / safety helmets	Type 1 (top impact) or Type 2 (lateral impact)
Hi-Vis Clothing	AS/NZS 4602.1:2011	High visibility safety garments	Class D/N (day/night), background + retroreflective tape
Eye & Face Protection	AS/NZS 1337.1:2010	Safety spectacles, goggles, face shields	Rated for impact, chemical, radiation or UV as required
Hearing Protection	AS/NZS 1269.3:2005	Occupational noise management — hearing protectors	SLC80 or Class rating based on noise exposure level
Occupational Footwear	AS/NZS 2210.3:2019	Safety, protective and occupational footwear	Toecap (200J), midsole, slip resistance rating
Respiratory Protection	AS/NZS 1716:2012	Respiratory protective devices	Rated for specific hazard (P1/P2/P3 particulates, gas/vapour)
Hand Protection	AS/NZS 2161 series	Occupational protective gloves	Rated for mechanical, chemical, electrical or thermal risk
Fall Protection	AS/NZS 1891 series	Industrial fall-arrest systems and harnesses	Full body harness for work at height >2m (construction)
Sun Protection Clothing	AS/NZS 4399:2020	UPF rated sun protective clothing	UPF 50+ for outdoor workers in UV-exposed environments
Electrical Protective Equipment	AS/NZS 4676:2016	Structural requirements for electrical safety helmets	Class E (20,000V) for live electrical work

PPE Requirements by Industry

Minimum PPE requirements vary significantly by industry and specific work activity. The grid below summarises mandatory and commonly required PPE for Australia's major industries in 2026.

Construction High Risk

Hard hat — AS/NZS 1801 (mandatory)
Hi-vis clothing — Class 2 minimum
Safety boots — AS/NZS 2210.3 (steel cap)
Eye protection — where flying debris risk
Hearing protection — above 85dB(A)
Gloves — for manual handling and tool use
Fall harness — all work >2m height
Dust mask — P2 minimum for concrete/silica

Mining & Resources High Risk

Hard hat — AS/NZS 1801, full-brim preferred
Hi-vis — Class 3 Day/Night mandatory
Safety boots — metatarsal and chemical protection
Eye protection — safety glasses + goggles on hand
Hearing protection — mandatory underground and plant areas
Respirator — half or full-face for dust/gas
Flame-resistant (FR) clothing in many zones
Gloves — cut-resistant at minimum

Electrical Work High Risk

Electrical safety helmet — Class E (AS/NZS 4676)
Insulated gloves — rated voltage class
Arc flash face shield or hood
Arc-rated FR clothing (HRC level matched to arc hazard)
Insulated safety boots — EH rated
Safety glasses under arc flash hood
Non-vented helmet — no vents near electrical hazards

General Industry / Warehousing

Safety boots — AS/NZS 2210.3 (200J toecap)
Hi-vis vest — where vehicles are present
Safety glasses — near machinery and tools
Hearing protection — forklift/noisy areas
Gloves — handling/chemical as required
Hard hat — around racking, overhead work
Dust mask — P1/P2 near dusty operations

Oil & Gas High Risk

FR/antistatic clothing — mandatory in hazardous areas
Hard hat — full-brim, non-vented in some zones
Chemical splash goggles
H2S gas detector — personal monitor
Supplied air respirator (SAR) for confined spaces
Chemical-resistant gloves and boots
Hi-vis — Class 3 minimum

Agriculture & Forestry

Sun-protective hat/helmet — UPF 50+
Chainsaw PPE kit — helmet + visor + chaps
Chemical-resistant gloves and apron
Respirator — P2 for pesticide dust; half-face for spray
Hearing protection — near machinery
Safety boots — ankle support, puncture-resistant
Hi-vis vest — near roads or plant

Master PPE Checklist

Use the interactive checklist below to audit your PPE compliance. Each item includes the relevant Australian standard and links to our in-depth product guides where applicable.

Head Protection (AS/NZS 1801:1997)

Hard hat / industrial safety helmet in use where overhead hazards exist AS/NZS 1801 Required on all construction sites, mining, warehousing with overhead racking, and any area with falling-object risk.
See our Best Hard Hats in Australia guide →

Helmet is Type 1 (top impact) or Type 2 (lateral impact) as required by the site risk assessment AS/NZS 1801 Type 2 required for confined spaces, trenches, and work where lateral head impact is a risk.

Helmet is not older than 5 years from the manufacture date stamped inside the shell Manufacture date is moulded or stamped inside the helmet shell. Replace immediately if date is exceeded.

Helmet shell has no cracks, dents, UV chalking, or discolouration Visual inspection before each shift. Chalky or faded plastic indicates UV degradation — replace immediately.

Suspension harness (headband & cradle) is intact, undamaged, and correctly adjusted Minimum 25mm clearance between shell and head. Replace suspension every 2–3 years or if frayed/torn.

For electrical work: non-vented Class E helmet in use (AS/NZS 4676, rated to 20,000V) AS/NZS 4676 Vented helmets must NEVER be used near energised electrical equipment.

Helmet has been replaced after any significant impact, even if no visible damage Impact can micro-fracture the shell without visible signs. The helmet must be removed from service after any blow.

Eye & Face Protection (AS/NZS 1337.1:2010)

Safety spectacles or goggles worn where flying particles, dust, or chemical splash risk exists AS/NZS 1337.1 Required for grinding, cutting, drilling, welding (with appropriate shade), and chemical handling.
See our Best Safety Glasses in Australia guide →

Lens shade/tint is appropriate for the specific hazard (clear for impact, shade 5+ for welding) AS/NZS 1337.1 Incorrect shade is as dangerous as no protection. Welding: shade 9–13 for arc; shade 5–6 for gas cutting.

Goggles (not spectacles) in use for chemical splash, fine dust, and molten metal environments Spectacles do not seal around the eye — goggles provide full perimeter protection.

Face shield in use for tasks generating large particles, chemical splashes, or molten material Face shields supplement (not replace) safety glasses — wear both for maximum protection.

Lenses are free from scratches, pitting, fogging, or damage that impairs vision Damaged lenses reduce both visibility and protection. Replace at first sign of impairment.

Anti-fog coating or ventilation present for high-humidity or temperature-differential environments Fogged lenses are a significant hazard — use anti-fog treated lenses or indirect-vent goggles.

Hearing Protection (AS/NZS 1269.3:2005)

Hearing protection worn in all areas where noise exposure exceeds 85 dB(A) average or 140 dB peak AS/NZS 1269.3 Mandatory in most construction, mining, manufacturing, and plant-operation environments.
See our Best Ear Muffs in Australia guide →

Protection class is matched to noise level: Class 1 (low) through Class 5 (very high) under AS/NZS 1269 AS/NZS 1269.3 Aim for residual noise at the ear of 75–80 dB(A). Over-protection (below 70 dB) isolates workers dangerously.

Earmuffs: cushions are clean, intact, and seal correctly around the ear (no glasses-arm interference) Damaged or flattened cushions reduce noise attenuation significantly. Replace cushions every 6–12 months.

Disposable earplugs: fresh plug per use, correct insertion technique demonstrated to all workers Incorrect insertion is the leading cause of inadequate hearing protection. Conduct insertion training at induction.

Workers in high-noise zones are enrolled in audiometric (hearing) testing program (mandatory for >85dB(A) exposure) Baseline audiogram within 3 months of commencing noisy work; annual testing thereafter under WHS regulations.

Hi-Vis Clothing (AS/NZS 4602.1:2011)

Hi-vis garments comply with AS/NZS 4602.1 and display the standard marking on the label AS/NZS 4602.1 Look for the standard reference and Class marking on the internal garment label.
See our Best Hi-Vis Vests in Australia guide →

Class D (Day only) garments used during daylight; Class D/N (Day/Night) used near traffic or in low-light Class D/N garments incorporate retroreflective tape visible to vehicle headlights. Required near roads at all hours.

Garment background (fluorescent) material covers minimum areas: vest (0.14m²), shirt/jacket (0.2m²) The AS/NZS 4602.1 minimum background material areas must be met — cheap vests often fall short.

Retroreflective tape is clean, unobscured, and intact (not peeling, cracked, or covered by other PPE) Dirty or peeling tape drastically reduces night-time visibility. Clean or replace garments regularly.

Hi-vis is the outermost garment layer — not covered by rain gear, tool belts, or harnesses PPE worn over hi-vis must not obscure the reflective tape or reduce the visible fluorescent area below minimums.

Road workers & traffic controllers: Class 3 minimum hi-vis (highest visibility category) per AS/NZS 4602.1 AS/NZS 4602.1 Class 3 requires significantly more fluorescent and retroreflective material than Class 1 or 2.
Read: Hi-Vis Requirements in Australia →

Foot Protection (AS/NZS 2210.3:2019)

Safety footwear meets AS/NZS 2210.3 and is appropriate for site hazards AS/NZS 2210.3 Check the SB–S5 classification label inside the boot. Most construction and mining sites require SB minimum (toecap).
See our Best Safety Boots in Australia guide →

Steel or composite toecap rated to 200 Joules impact protection 200J toecap is the standard for most heavy-industry applications. Composite caps are non-magnetic and non-conductive.

Penetration-resistant midsole in use where nail/spike puncture risk exists (construction, demolition) Steel or Kevlar midsoles protect against nails and sharp objects penetrating the sole.

Slip-resistant outsole appropriate for the work surface (oil-resistant for workshops; lug sole for muddy ground) Slips and falls are the leading cause of injury on Australian worksites. Match outsole to the actual floor/ground surface.

Electrical hazard (EH) rated footwear in use for electrical work (non-conductive sole and heel) EH-rated boots provide secondary protection from electrical shock — not a substitute for insulated tools or live-work permits.

Boots are in good condition: no separated soles, cracked uppers, or worn-through outsoles Inspect weekly. Worn outsoles lose both grip and puncture resistance. Replace when tread depth falls below 2mm.

Hand Protection (AS/NZS 2161 Series)

Gloves selected and worn based on the specific hand hazard (cut, chemical, heat, abrasion, vibration) AS/NZS 2161 No single glove protects against all hazards — match glove type to risk.
See our Best Work Gloves in Australia guide →

Cut-resistant gloves (EN 388 Level B/C or higher) for handling sheet metal, glass, blades, or demolition materials AS/NZS 2161.3 Check the EN 388 pictogram and cut-resistance level on glove packaging. Level A4+ for high-risk cut tasks.

Chemical-resistant gloves selected using the manufacturer's chemical permeation data for specific substances in use AS/NZS 2161.2 Nitrile protects against oils/fuels; neoprene for caustics; butyl for ketones/esters. Never assume one material covers all chemicals.

Heat/welding gloves in use for welding, grinding sparks, hot surfaces, and flame cutting Leather welding gauntlets for direct flame/spark exposure. Chrome leather for hot work.

Gloves are free from holes, tears, chemical staining, or degradation Inspect before each use. Damaged gloves can be worse than no gloves (create false sense of security while allowing chemical contact).

Gloves are NOT worn when operating rotating machinery (lathes, drill presses, grinders) — entanglement risk Gloves must not be worn near rotating nip points — the catch hazard outweighs hand protection benefit.

Respiratory Protection (AS/NZS 1716:2012)

Respiratory protection provided and used where airborne hazards cannot be controlled by ventilation alone AS/NZS 1716 Required for asbestos, silica dust, chemical vapours, welding fumes, paint spraying, and many other tasks.

P2 (FFP2/N95 equivalent) respirator minimum for silica dust, asbestos fibres, and fine dust AS/NZS 1716 P1 (dust mask) is insufficient for silica, asbestos, or fine metal fumes. P2 is the minimum for these hazards in Australia.

Half-face or full-face respirator with appropriate cartridges in use for chemical vapours, gases, and paint spray Cartridge type must match the contaminant: organic vapour (OV), acid gas (AG), P100 for particulates combined.

Fit test conducted for tight-fitting respirators (half-face, full-face, and powered air-purifying) Fit testing is required under AS/NZS 1715 selection, use, and maintenance guidelines. Beards prevent an adequate seal.

Disposable P2/P3 masks replaced at end of each shift or when breathing resistance increases A clogged mask does not mean better filtration — it means bypassing occurs at the face seal. Replace per manufacturer schedule.

Supplied Air Respirator (SAR) or Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) in use for oxygen-deficient confined spaces Air-purifying respirators do NOT provide oxygen. Confined space with <19.5% O₂ requires supplied-air equipment.

Fall Protection (AS/NZS 1891 Series)

Fall protection system in place for all work at height >2 metres (WHS Regulations, Regulation 79) AS/NZS 1891 Options: guardrails (preferred), safety nets, personal fall-arrest system (PFAS). PFAS is last resort when other controls are not practicable.

Full-body harness (not body belt) worn as part of PFAS — body belts prohibited for fall arrest in Australia AS/NZS 1891.1 Body belts can cause serious internal injuries during fall arrest. Full-body harnesses distribute forces across the body.

Lanyard/energy absorber rated to AS/NZS 1891.1 and appropriate length calculated with fall-clearance distance in mind Minimum fall-clearance calculation: 1.75m (energy absorber extension) + 2m (lanyard) + 0.3m (D-ring to top of head) = 4.05m minimum below anchor.

Anchor point is rated to at least 15kN per person attached (AS/NZS 1891.4) AS/NZS 1891.4 Never anchor to handrails, scaffolding ties, or plant unless specifically rated as an anchor point.

Harness inspected before each use and formally inspected/tagged every 6 months by a competent person Check webbing for cuts, fraying, chemical degradation, and UV damage. Inspect stitching, buckles, and D-rings.

Harness and lanyard replaced after any fall arrest event, regardless of visible condition AS/NZS 1891.1 requires removal from service after any fall arrest load. The force may have caused internal damage not visible externally.

Rescue plan documented and practiced before workers use personal fall-arrest equipment Suspension trauma (harness hang syndrome) can be fatal within minutes. A rescue plan is required before work begins.

Inspection & Replacement Schedules

Even compliant PPE can fail if it is not maintained and replaced on schedule. Below are the recommended inspection intervals and replacement triggers for each major PPE category.

Hard Hat

5 Years

From manufacture date. Inspect shell + suspension before each use. Replace immediately after any impact.

Safety Glasses / Goggles

1–2 Years

Or when lenses are scratched, pitted, or fogged. Check for frame cracks and damaged cushioning.

Ear Muffs

Cushions: 6–12 mo

Replace cushion seals when flattened or cracked. Full unit replacement every 3–5 years.

Hi-Vis Garments

~50 Washes

Or when fluorescence fades or retroreflective tape peels. Check with retroreflectometer if formal compliance required.

Safety Boots

6–24 Months

Depends on use intensity. Replace when tread falls below 2mm, sole delaminates, or toecap is dented/exposed.

Disposable P2 Respirator

1 Shift

Or sooner if breathing resistance increases, mask is damaged, or seal is broken. Never reuse disposable masks.

Respirator Cartridges

Per schedule

Follow manufacturer's change-out schedule based on contaminant concentration, humidity, and exposure duration.

Fall Harness

10 Years max

Formal 6-monthly inspection. Replace immediately after any fall arrest event.

Lanyards & SRLs

After fall arrest

Replace after any fall arrest loading. Inspect webbing and hardware before each use.

Employer Obligations Under the WHS Act

The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Commonwealth) and corresponding state and territory legislation impose clear obligations on Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs — effectively employers) regarding PPE.

What Employers Must Do

What Workers Must Do

Relevant Legislation by State/Territory (2026)

Printable Site PPE Checklist

The simplified checklist below is formatted for printing. Click the button to open your browser's print dialog, or use Ctrl+P / Cmd+P. The navigation, buttons, and non-essential content will be hidden automatically.

Related Safety Guides

Use these in-depth guides to choose the right PPE products and understand the standards behind each category:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PPE mandatory in Australian workplaces?

Yes. Under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011 and corresponding state legislation, employers (PCBUs) must provide appropriate PPE at no cost to workers when hazards cannot be eliminated or adequately controlled by other means. Workers are legally required to use the PPE provided.

What Australian standard applies to hard hats?

Jurisdiction	Act	Regulator
Federal / ACT / NT / QLD / SA / TAS / WA / NSW	WHS Act 2011 (harmonised)	Safe Work Australia; state regulators
Victoria	Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004	WorkSafe Victoria
Western Australia	Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA)	WorkSafe WA

PPE Item	Standard	Replace If
Hard hat	AS/NZS 1801	>5 yrs, cracked, post-impact
Safety glasses / goggles	AS/NZS 1337.1	Scratched, cracked, fogged
Hearing protection	AS/NZS 1269.3	Damaged cushions, cracked shell
Hi-vis clothing	AS/NZS 4602.1	Tape peeling, faded fluorescence
Safety boots	AS/NZS 2210.3	Sole <2mm, delamination
Gloves	AS/NZS 2161	Holes, tears, chemical staining
Respiratory protection	AS/NZS 1716	Per shift (disposable); cartridge schedule (reusable)
Fall harness & lanyard	AS/NZS 1891.1	Post-fall, fraying, >10 yrs
Face shield (if required)	AS/NZS 1337.1	Cracked visor, damaged ratchet
High-voltage insulating gloves (electrical)	AS/NZS 2161	Puncture, discolouration, 6-month test expiry

Hard hats (industrial safety helmets) in Australia must comply with AS/NZS 1801:1997. Some sites also accept helmets certified to the European standard EN 397. Always verify the specific standard required by your site or principal contractor. For more detail, see our hard hat strength standards article or the best hard hats guide.

How often should PPE be inspected?

PPE should be inspected before each use by the worker, and formally inspected at regular intervals. Specific replacement schedules vary by item: hard hats every 5 years from manufacture, safety harnesses every 10 years or after any fall arrest event, and respiratory cartridges per the manufacturer's change-out schedule based on exposure conditions.

Who pays for PPE in Australia?

The employer (PCBU) is legally required to provide, maintain, and replace PPE at no cost to workers under the WHS Act 2011. Workers cannot be asked to pay for mandatory PPE, nor can the cost be deducted from wages.

What PPE is required on a construction site in Australia?

Minimum PPE on Australian construction sites typically includes: AS/NZS 1801 compliant hard hat, AS/NZS 4602.1 hi-vis clothing (Class 2 minimum), AS/NZS 2210.3 safety footwear with steel cap, and AS/NZS 1337.1 eye protection where required. Fall protection (AS/NZS 1891) is mandatory for work above 2 metres. Additional PPE depends on site-specific hazards identified in the risk assessment.

Can an employer force workers to wear PPE?

Yes. Under the WHS Act, workers have a legal duty to comply with reasonable instructions from their employer, including wearing required PPE. Refusing to wear mandatory PPE can result in disciplinary action and may affect workers' compensation claims in the event of an injury.

What hi-vis class do I need near roads?

Workers near traffic (including road construction workers and traffic controllers) require Class 3 Day/Night (D/N) garments under AS/NZS 4602.1. This is the highest visibility class with the most background fluorescent material and retroreflective tape. See our hi-vis requirements guide and best hi-vis vests for product recommendations.

Do P2 masks protect against silica dust?

Yes — P2 (equivalent to N95/FFP2) is the minimum standard for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in Australia. For sustained high-dust environments and for workers with a history of respiratory conditions, a P3 half-face respirator is preferred. Surgical/procedure masks (not rated under AS/NZS 1716) do not provide adequate protection for silica.

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