Product Overview

Summary: This Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safe Operating Procedure sets out exactly how PPE is selected, issued, worn, maintained and monitored in your workplace. It helps Australian businesses meet their WHS duties while reducing injuries, improving worker buy‑in, and providing clear evidence of compliance during audits and inspections.

Personal Protective Equipment is often the last line of defence between a worker and a serious injury or illness. Yet in many Australian workplaces, PPE is issued without a clear system for selection, fit, training, maintenance or review. This Personal Protective Equipment Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step‑by‑step approach to managing PPE as part of your overall risk control strategy, ensuring it is used correctly and only where appropriate under the hierarchy of controls.

The SOP clarifies who is responsible for hazard assessment, PPE selection, procurement, issue, fit‑checking, training, storage, cleaning, inspection and replacement. It addresses common pain points such as inconsistent use of PPE across sites, non‑compliant substitutions, poor record‑keeping and confusion about employer versus worker obligations under WHS law. By implementing this procedure, your organisation can demonstrate due diligence, support safer work practices, and reduce the likelihood of incidents, workers compensation claims and regulatory enforcement action.

Designed specifically for Australian conditions and regulatory expectations, this SOP helps you standardise PPE practices across multiple locations and contractors. It also provides practical guidance on integrating PPE requirements into inductions, SWMS/JHAs, toolbox talks and contractor management, so that PPE is not treated as an afterthought but as a well‑managed component of your broader safety management system.

Key Benefits

• Ensure PPE is selected, issued and used in line with Australian WHS legislation and recognised standards.
• Reduce the risk of injuries and illnesses linked to inadequate or incorrect PPE use.
• Standardise PPE practices across sites, shifts and contractors, improving consistency and accountability.
• Demonstrate due diligence and preparedness during regulator visits, client audits and tender processes.
• Streamline PPE procurement, inspection and replacement cycles to minimise waste and stock shortages.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Site Supervisors
• Operations Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• Manufacturing Supervisors
• Facilities Managers
• Lab Managers
• Human Resources Managers
• Small Business Owners
• Warehouse and Logistics Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to airborne contaminants such as dusts, fumes, vapours and biological agents
• Noise-induced hearing loss from prolonged exposure to high noise levels
• Eye injuries from flying particles, splashes, glare and UV radiation
• Hand injuries including cuts, abrasions, punctures, burns and chemical contact
• Foot injuries from impacts, penetration, slips, trips and falls
• Head injuries from falling objects and overhead hazards
• Respiratory illness from inhalation of hazardous substances
• Thermal stress from hot or cold environments
• Skin contact with hazardous chemicals or irritants
• Injuries arising from poorly fitted, damaged or unsuitable PPE

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Legal and Other Requirements (WHS Act, Regulations and Standards)
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competencies
• 5.0 Hierarchy of Controls and When to Use PPE
• 6.0 PPE Hazard Assessment and Risk Evaluation Process
• 7.0 PPE Selection Criteria and Approval Process
• 8.0 PPE Issue, Fit Testing and Fit Checking Requirements
• 9.0 Training, Information and Instruction for Workers
• 10.0 Use, Care, Cleaning and Storage of PPE
• 11.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Replacement Schedules
• 12.0 Management of Defective, Lost or Contaminated PPE
• 13.0 Contractor, Visitor and Labour Hire PPE Requirements
• 14.0 Record Keeping, Registers and Documentation
• 15.0 Monitoring, Audit and Review of PPE Effectiveness
• 16.0 Non‑Compliance Management and Corrective Actions
• 17.0 References, Related Documents and Forms

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and harmonised state/territory versions)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth and harmonised state/territory versions) – Duties relating to PPE
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1801: Occupational protective helmets
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 2210 series: Occupational protective footwear
• AS/NZS 1270: Acoustics – Hearing protectors
• AS/NZS 4501: Occupational protective clothing