Personal Protective Equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimise exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Personal protective equipment may include items such as masks, face shields, gloves, safety glasses, shoes, respirators, gowns, sanitiser and more.
It is important all workforces are able to undertake their duties in a safe manner during this time and minimise the spread of coronavirus (C-OVID-19). Due to the global demand for personal protective equipment, it is vitally important this equipment is used in the appropriate circumstances to maintain adequate supply.
Firstly, it’s important that your workforce(s) understand the range of effective prevention measures against coronavirus (C-OVID-19), including the potential use of personal protective equipment, by sharing the relevant advice with them. As a reminder, the most effective prevention measures are:
- washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- if you cannot access hand washing facilities, using a hand sanitiser
- avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- practicing respiratory hygiene by coughing or sneezing into your elbow or upper sleeve, or tissue and then immediately disposing of the tissue
- maintaining physical distance of at least 1.5 metres between yourself and others
- cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces regularly, including phones, keyboards, door handles, light switches, bench tops etc.
Secondly, please ensure your workforce(s) are implementing all possible measures to enable physical distancing of at least 1.5 metres between people at all times. This may include implementing changes to existing practices to:
- enable remote working arrangements or support staff and clients to be spaced at least 1.5 metres apart at all times
- remove the need for in-person meetings or training sessions in enclosed spaces if the rule of no more than one person per four square metres of floor space cannot be adhered to
- use technology to support the delivery of key tasks, such as video conferencing.
Thirdly, if there are any instances where these preventative measures or changes to work practices cannot be applied completely, work with your service(s) to determine what additional precautions they can take and whether any personal protective equipment is required.
What should I look for when buying PPE?
- Be aware of what standards are applicable to the products you are purchasing and ask your supplier for evidence that their products meet these standards.
- A list of PPE standards is available on the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources website. This list is intended for information purposes only, and readers are encouraged to seek out further information on standards that are specific to their needs.
- If the product is defined by the TGA as a medical device it needs to be included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
- If you are seeking to purchase items from overseas, check that the product being sold is subject to the same level of quality control and assurance as would be expected from an Australian product.
- Check that you are purchasing from a legitimate supplier and be wary of fraudulent offers.
- Take note of the user guidance for products – you may need updated training and operating procedures before using.
- Keep records of PPE – delivery, specifications, user instructions
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