All guides are intended to give further details to information contained in a particular piece of legislation, policy, code, agreement or procedure and must therefore be read in conjunction with them.
INTRODUCTION
To meet the requirements of the NT Workplace Health & Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 and
Regulations and the CDU Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy, CDU has produced this Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) Guide.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this document is to assist University workers with the process of selecting, purchasing and use of the correct PPE for the activities they are undertaking. It should be used in conjunction with the Risk
Assessments conducted by the Team Leaders and staff to determine what PPE in required.
It is to be used in addition to, and not as a substitute for, general safety principles and safe work instructions applicable to all types of personal protective equipment (PPE).
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1.
Abbreviations................................................................................................................................... 2
2.
Relevant Definitions ........................................................................................................................ 2
3.
Health and Safety Responsibilities ................................................................................................. 3
3.1 How to manage work health and safety risks ......................................................................... 3
3.2 Duty of Care ............................................................................................................................ 3
4.
General PPE Information ................................................................................................................ 4
5.
Training and Promoting the Use of PPE ......................................................................................... 4
6.
Selection of PPE ............................................................................................................................. 5
7.
Head Protection .............................................................................................................................. 5
8.
Hearing Protection .......................................................................................................................... 5
9.
Eye Protection ................................................................................................................................. 6
10.
Skin and Body Protection ............................................................................................................ 6
10.1 Protective clothing .................................................................................................................. 6
10.2 Creams, lotions and repellents ............................................................................................... 7
11.
Respiratory Protection ................................................................................................................. 7
12.
Foot Protection ............................................................................................................................ 8
13.
Hand Protection .......................................................................................................................... 8
14.
Fall Protection ............................................................................................................................. 9
15.
Signage and Placarding .............................................................................................................. 9
16.
Essential Supporting Information .............................................................................................. 10
1.
AS/NZS
CDU dB(A)
ECO
NUL
PCBU
PPE
SDS
SOP
WHS
Australian/New Zealand Standard
Charles Darwin University deciBel level
Emergency Control Organisation
National Uniform Legislation
Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking
Personal Protective Equipment
Safety Data Sheet
Safe Operating Procedure
Work Health and Safety
2.
In the context of this document:
Authorised Person means a person who has permission, qualified, licensed or competent for the task at hand.
Chemical is defined as any element, chemical compound or mixture of elements and/or compounds where chemical(s) are distributed. Chemicals may be in solid, liquid, gas or plasma.
Hazard means a situation or thing that has the potential to harm people, property or the environment.
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Hazardous chemicals are pure chemicals, or chemical mixtures that present an immediate or long term risk of injury or illness. The risk can be associated with health hazards or physiochemical hazards (e.g. flammable, corrosive, reactive, radioactive etc.).
A hazardous substance can also be a dangerous good and/or a drug, poison or controlled substance.
PCBU is the legal entity operating a business or undertaking. A PCBU may be an individual person or an organisation conducting a business or undertaking. It is not an individual, unless they are conducting the business in their own name as a sole trader or partner. Persons engaged solely as a worker or officer of the business or undertaking are excluded from the definition of PCBU.
Plant relates to and includes any machinery, equipment, appliance, container, implement or tool, including any component or anything fitted or connected to any of those items. Plant includes items as diverse as hoists, cranes, computers, machinery, vehicles, power tools, etc. (as per Code of Practice
– Managing risks of plant in the workplace).
Risk is the possibility that death, injury or illness might occur when exposed to a hazard.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document prepared by the vendor (manufacturer/importer/supplier) of a chemical which describes uses, chemical and physical properties, health hazard information, precautions for use, safe handling and emergency information. It is a legislative requirement for the vendor to supply a copy of the SDS for each chemical to the end user.
Worker is a person carrying out work in any capacity for a PCBU. This includes staff (including casual/temporary) , students, and authorised contractors /visitors.
Workplace means any area or place, including vehicle or vessel, where a worker goes or is expected to be, whilst performing a business or undertaking for the University.
3.
3.1 How to manage work health and safety risks
It is the responsibility of all workers to identify any hazards and ensure they are reported to supervisors or management so that effective controls can be implemented. Employees are encouraged to attend WHS Risk Management Training and to read the CDU Risk Management
Policy. http://www.cdu.edu.au/governance/policies/pol-036.pdf
This document will provide information relating to:

Duty of Care

Duty to identify hazards

Managing risks to health and safety

Hierarchy of control measures

Maintenance of control measures

Review of control measures
3.2 Duty of Care
Primary duty of care – Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable the health and safety of all persons engaged or influenced by the persons activities, by eliminating or minimising the exposure to hazards and risks.
Workers and others – while at work, a worker must take reasonable care for their own health and safety whilst also taking all reasonable measures to ensure that their acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons. The worker must comply and cooperate with any reasonable policy or procedure relating to health or safety at the workplace.
Work Health and Safety Policy http://www.cdu.edu.au/governance/policies/pol-044.pdf
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Risk Assessment Form
Risk management is about exercising responsibility to ensure workers and the public are properly protected. The Risk Assessment Form allows you to identify the hazard, then identify and control the associated risk.
4.
The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should only be considered when there are no other practical control measures available (as a last resort).

Normally PPE is used in combination with other control measures to provide the best solution.

PPE may be used as an interim measure until a more effective way of controlling the risk can be established.

When PPE is used, ensure the PPE is suitable for the task, that it is clean and in good condition before and after use.

When using or handling hazardous chemicals it is important to read the label or Safety Data
Sheet which will specify the recommended PPE to use.

Persons having to operate, service or maintain machinery - it is the individuals responsibility to ensure that all their PPE is of the correct type, and that it is regularly inspected and in good working order.

PPE shall, wherever possible and appropriate, be provided for the exclusive use of an individual.

Shared use of PPE is to be discouraged particularly for items such as gloves and footwear.

Suitable PPE shall be provided for visitors who may be exposed to hazards in the workplace.
This equipment shall be properly cleaned before re-issue.
It is strongly recommended that all PPE supplied or purchased be certified with the current relevant
Australian Standards (AS), and should be stamped or labelled with the AS. 5 tick of approval
AS approval label
.
5.
To ensure safe work practices, the correct selection and use of PPE is important. The cooperation of employees to promote and advise others to wear the correct PPE should be encouraged.
It is essential that students in particular receive the necessary training and instructions as to the purpose and correct use of PPE. Information or instructions should be delivered in a way that is readily understandable by any person to whom it is provided. User instructions supplied by the manufacturer should be referred to.
Training and instructions should include:
• When is PPE necessary
• What PPE is necessary
• How to properly use and wear PPE
• The limitations of PPE
• Proper care, maintenance and disposal of PPE
• Consideration to the need for protecting persons who are working nearby or passing close to hazardous areas.
• The meaning of the different types and location of PPE signage and placarding.
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6.
All Personal Protection Equipment clothing and equipment should be of safe design and comply with the appropriate Australian Standard. PPE should be maintained in a clean and reliable fashion, and replaced/deposed of if damaged, defective or approaching the expiry date.
PPE is available for the following categories:

Head Protection

Hearing Protection

Eye Protection

Skin Protection

Respiratory Protection

Foot Protection

Hand Protection

Fall arrest systems
The following considerations are appropriate when selecting PPE:

Nature of the hazard or risk

Conditions/requirements of the task

Fit and comfort of PPE

Availability, use and effect of accessories to the PPE
7.
The purpose of wearing head protection is to reduce the risk or severity of injuries to the head, by:
 absorbing the impact of falling objects
 protection from striking of the head against fixed objects
 protection from inadvertent contact with electrical hazards
 protection from the weather if working outdoors or in situations of prolonged elevated temperatures.
The selection, care and use of the following forms of head protection must comply with any relevant
Australian Standard (AS/NZS) when available:

Protective helmets – AS/NZS 1800:1998 Occupational protective helmets – Selection, care and use

Sun hats (example: broad brimmed hats) – AS/NZS 4399:1998 Sun protective clothing

Wet weather or water proof hats

Motorcycle helmets – AS/NZS1698:2011 – Protective helmets for motorcycle and quad bike users

Helmets for horse riding and horse related activities – AS/NZS 3838:2006

Bicycle Helmets – AS/NZS 2063:2008
A wide range of accessories can be fitted to helmets to make them more suitable for variable working conditions. Care should be taken to ensure that accessories and their attachment systems do not reduce the safety characteristics of the helmet nor adversely affect the balance or comfort of the helmet.
8.
Exposure to noise, vibration and certain substances can either cause gradual hearing loss over a period of time or a noise can be so loud that it causes immediate hearing loss. High noise levels can destroy the ability to hear clearly and can also make it more difficult to hear sounds necessary for working safely, such as hearing instructions and warning signals.
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Preventative measures may include:

Elimination or isolation of hazard

Minimising exposure time

Selection and use of suitable PPE
The primary function of a hearing protector is to reduce the amount of noise reaching the inner ear of the wearer. When determining the type of protector to be used, consideration should be given to the level of the noise (decibel (dB) level), nature of the task, wearing duration, compatibility with the workplace and personal characteristics.
Types of hearing protectors are:

Earmuffs – colour coded accordingly to noise levels (eg yellow (80-95dB), orange (95-110dB), red (110dB - upwards).

Earplugs –disposable, pre-shaped or custom fitted

Ear canal caps

Acoustic helmets
All hearing protectors used shall be type tested to comply with the requirements of AS/NZS
1270:2002 Acoustics – Hearing protectors.
9.
Every effort should be made to eliminate or isolate eye hazards by means of appropriate engineering controls, e.g. Guards, use of screens, fume cabinets, etc.
As a direct result of a risk assessment for an area, task or process to identify the associated hazards and risks, suitable eye protection shall be worn by individuals where a risk of an eye injury exists.
Typical hazards might include:
 flying particles – low, medium or high impact
 dust
 splashing substances
 harmful gases or vapours
 aerosols
 high intensity radiation from welding operations
 use of particular laser equipment
Types of Eye Protectors are:

Goggles – eye cup, wide vision, coverall with direct ventilation

Welding helmet or hand held shield – to be used in accordance with AS/NZS 1338.1:1992
Filters for eye protectors, Part 1: Filters for protection against radiation generated in welding and allied operations

Face shields

Safety spectacles

Prescription eye protectors
Further information and details can be obtained from AS/NZS 1337:2010 Personal eye protection – Eye and face protectors for occupational applications
10.
10.1 Protective clothing
Protective clothing is provided to protect workers that are at risk of injury due to the nature of their work environment or task. Clothing should be supplied and worn to provide:
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
Protection from the weather

High visible presence by others

Protection from chemical or substance splashes

Protection from flying particles or debris

Hygiene purposes

Protection from stings, bites, cuts and scratches
10.2 Creams, lotions and repellents
For individuals who are required to work in environments where they are exposed to the sun, insect bites and chemicals for continuous periods on any day, shall have access to an adequate supply of any necessary creams, lotions and repellents to protect them from such hazards.
Selection of creams, lotions and repellents must take into account:

Product suitable for environmental conditions.

User acceptance of product (odour, consistency, colour).

Existence of product literature on health effects (e.g. allergic reactions, dermatitis, long term effects).

Suitability and durability of packaging.
AS/NZS 2604:2012 – Sunscreen products provides further information
11.
Respiratory protective devices (respirators) provide, according to the type, varying degrees of protection against atmospheric contaminants/airborne substances which may be harmful if inhaled. Other particular respirators are used to protect wearers in atmospheres deficient in oxygen.
Where it is not possible to remove the contaminant, the University shall provide suitable respiratory protective equipment in accordance with Selection of Respirators, Section 4 of AS/NZS 1715:2009.
CLASSIFICATION OF HAZARDS

Deficiency of oxygen;

Particulate contaminants;

Gaseous or vapour contaminants.
TYPES OF PROTECTION DEVICES
There are 2 main types:

Air purifying devices – gas filters and particle filters

Devices which supply air – oxygen feed respirators
Gas Filters - filter fitted into a full or half face mask suitable for removing low concentrates of certain gases and vapours. Each filter type is designated by a letter or chemical abbreviation indicative of the substance or group of substances for which protection is intended, i.e. type ‘A’ organic gases and vapours or type ‘NO’ for use against oxides of nitrogen.
Particle filters - are used to remove finely divided solid or liquid particles from the inhaled air. There are 3 types of particulate filter suitable for filtering finely divided solid or liquid particles, or both, from the inhaled air.

CLASS P1 - Intended for use against mechanically generated particulates of sizes most commonly encountered in industry, e.g. silica, wood dust, chrysotile.

CLASS P2 - Intended for use against both mechanically and thermally generated particulates, e.g. metal fumes.
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
CLASS P3 - Intended for use against all particulates including highly toxic materials, e.g. beryllium. NB: Requires a full face mask.
Air supplied Devices – provide compressed oxygen carried by the wearer and minimise entry of the external atmosphere. e.g. Scuba-diving equipment.
Factors which influence selection include:

Adequacy of warning available

Type of hazard

Concentration of contaminant

Acuteness of hazard, i.e. effect of short exposure

Time spent in contaminated atmosphere

Nature of the working environment

Activity of the wearer

Mobility of the wearer

Whether for routine or emergency use.
AS/NZS 1716:2012 - Respiratory protection devices should be referenced when assessing tasks, as this will assist with selecting a suitable respirator for the task.
12.
In general, safety, protective and occupational footwear should be worn to reduce injuries resulting from:
 contact with falling, rolling or cutting objects
 penetration through the sole or uppers
 friction or pressure blistering
 explosions and electrical hazards
 contact with chemicals, heat and molten metals
 slipping
Footwear is divided into 3 categories:
 protective – toecaps fitted and may incorporate additional safety features
 safety – the toecaps have a higher resistance to impact and compression and may incorporate additional safety features
 occupational –no toecaps but may incorporate additional safety features
The selection and supply of footwear to be worn will be determined by an assessment of the task or activities of the area (e.g. protective footwear for workshops, occupational footwear for office work areas), and comfort to the wearer.
AS2010:2010 – Safety, protective and occupational footwear – Guide to selection, care and use.
13.
Many jobs/tasks cannot be done safely without some form of hand protection. Gloves of a suitable material, length and design are essential for some operations. In some workplaces, gloves are the primary barrier, for example, when biological or chemical materials are handled.
When selecting hand protection, the product should comply with relevant performance criteria. Table
1 of AS 2161.1:2000 – Occupational protective gloves – Selection, use and maintenance: provides a guide to the selection of gloves against common occupational hazards.
It is important that users select a glove that fits correctly to ensure comfort and efficiency.
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For a variety of reasons, gloves tend to be taken off and put back on frequently and, because of this, can become contaminated inside. Thus, hand cleanliness prior to donning gloves and on their removal is important.
The protective glove should be used in accordance to ma nufacturer’s instructions, and users must be aware of the limitations associated with the glove being used.
14.
Falls are a major cause of death and serious injury within Australian workplaces hence working safely at heights continues to be a key issue. Despite continual education and training, workers are continuing to fall and injure themselves.
Therefore, information relating to individual fall-arrest systems has been included. An individual fallarrest system may consist of components such as:

Harness – recommend full body harness

Lanyard – of fixed length

Anchorages

Lifelines and rails

Snap hooks
Individual fall-arrest systems rely on users to have correctly fitted their harness and ensure lanyards and anchor points are installed so that the maximum distance a person would free fall before the fall arrest takes effect is two meters.
For further information see Code of Practice – Managing the risk of falls at workplaces.
15.
Safety signs, labels or placarding displaying legible messages should be prominently located to alert persons to the dangers/hazards of some equipment, areas, activities and materials. Signage may also indicate the location of emergency items and mandatory requirements such as PPE.
Examples being:

Mandatory signs – indicate that an instruction must be carried out (eg. Use of PPE)

Warning signs – warning of a non-life threatening hazard (eg. Flammable substance)

Prohibition signs - indicate restricted areas, actions or activities are not permitted.

Danger signs – warning of a particular hazard or hazardous condition that is likely to be life threatening.

Safety or Emergency information signs – indicate emergency exits, First Aid facilities

Fire signs – advise of the location of fire-fighting equipment and alarms
Display signs in locations to attract the attention of all concerned.
The signs should be placed as close as practicable to the observer’s line of sight and should be so sighted in relation to the particular hazard as to allow the worker ample time, after first viewing the sign, to heed the warning.
All persons (including visitors) must comply with the requirements of the workshop signage.
For further information refer to CDU Safety Signage Guide.
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16.
CDU Policies, Guides or Procedures
Work Health and Safety Policy
Emergency Management Plan
Induction, information, training and supervision
Risk Assessment Form
Plant, Machinery and Equipment
Risk Management Policy
Safe Work Procedures (SOPs)
Acts & Regulations
Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011
Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations
Codes of Practice
How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
Hazardous manual tasks
Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work
Managing the risks of falls at workplaces
Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
Australian and New Zealand Standards
• AS/NZS 1336:1997 – Recommended practices for occupational eye protection
• AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 – Personal eye protection – Eye and face protectors for occupational applications
• AS/NZS 1337.6:2012 - Personal eye protection – Prescription eye protectors for occupational applications
• AS/NZS 1337.2:2012 – Personal eye protection – Mesh eye and face protectors for occupational applications
• AS/NZS 1715:2009 – Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• ASNZS 1716:2012 – Respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1800:1998 – Occupational protective helmets – Selection, care and use
• AS/NZS 3838:2006 – Helmets for horse riding and horse-related activities
• AS/NZS 2063:2008 – Bicycle helmets
• AS/NZS 4399:1996 – Sun protective clothing – Evaluation and classification
• AS/NZS 4501.1.2008 – Occupational protective clothing – Guidelines on the selection, use, care and maintenance of protective clothing
• AS/NZS 4501.2:2006 – Occupational protective clothing – General requirements
• AS/NZS 2604:2012 – Sunscreen products – Evaluation and classification
• AS/NZS 2210.1:2010 – Safety, protective and occupational footwear – Guide to selection, care and use
• AS/NZS 2161.1:2000 – Occupational protective gloves – Selection, use and maintenance
• AS/NZS 1891.4:2009 – Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use and maintenance
• AS1319.1994 – Safety signs for the occupational environment
• ISO 3864 – Graphical symbols and signs
• AS/NZS 31000.2009 – Risk Management – Principals and guidelines
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Document History and Version Control
Version Date Approved Approved by Brief Description
1 14/07/2014 WHS Manager Created document
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