Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00419:body:0:p22
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00419
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 55874–60128

equipment is selected to minimise risk to health and safety including by ensuring that the equipment is:
    * suitable for the nature of the work and any hazard associated with the work
    * a suitable size and fit and reasonably comfortable for the person wearing it
    * maintained, repaired or replaced so it continues to minimise the risk, and
    * used or worn by the worker, so far as is reasonably practicable.
A person conducting a business or undertaking who directs the carrying out of work must provide the worker with information, training and instruction in the proper use and wearing of personal protective equipment; and the storage and maintenance of personal protective equipment.
A worker must, so far as reasonably able, wear the PPE in accordance with any information, training or reasonable instruction and must not intentionally misuse or damage the equipment.
In most cases PPE must be worn by workers when welding to supplement higher levels of controls such as ventilation systems or administrative controls (see Figure 3).

Figure 3 Welder wearing welding helmet, dry leather welding gloves and leather apron

When PPE is worn by workers, it should not introduce other hazards to the worker, such as musculoskeletal injuries, thermal discomfort, or reduced visual and hearing capacity.

The types of PPE recommended for use in welding are summarised in the following table:

PPE type                                                                             Hazards                                                                      Recommendation
Eyes, face and head protection                                                       Light, radiation, burns from hot debris and sparks                               * Workers should always have their eyes, face and/or head protected whenever they are welding.
(e.g. goggles, helmets, hand shields and protective filters)                                                                                                          * For further information refer to: AS/NZS 1338: (series)
                                                                                                                                                                        Filters for eye protectors, AS/NZS 1338.1: Filters for eye protectors - Filters for protection against radiation generated in welding and allied operations and AS/NZS 1336: Recommended practices for occupational eye protection and AS/NZS 1337: Eye protectors for industrial applications.
Hearing protection                                                                   Hearing loss                                                                     * Ear plugs or ear muffs may be required to minimise the risks of noise.
(e.g. ear muffs and ear plugs)                                                                                                                                        * For further information refer to: AS/NZS 1270: Acoustics - Hearing protectors and AS/NZS 1269.3: Occupational noise management – Hearing protector program.
Gloves/ gauntlets                                                                    Heat, ultraviolet light and burns from hot debris and sparks                     * Gloves should be fire resistant and protect exposed
                                                                                                                                                                        skin on the hands and wrists.
                                                                                                                                                                      * For further information refer to: AS/NZS 2161: (series) Occupational protective gloves.
Clothing                                                                             Heat, ultraviolet light and burns from hot debris and sparks                     * Avoid clothing that has the potential to capture hot sparks and metals, for example in pockets or other folds. Clothing should be made of natural fibres.
(e.g. flame resistant long sleeved shirts, long trousers, aprons and leather spats)                                                                                   *