Employers are responsible for the provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the workplace and must ensure that personal protective equipment is provided and used in the workplace wherever there is a health and safety risk that cannot be adequately controlled the other way.

Personal protective equipment should only be used when precautions sufficiently have not reduced the risk of injury. Employers are required to address risks at the source whenever possible, and technical solutions such as the provision of safety equipment for machines should be a top priority for improving health and safety with the protective face shields in Melbourne.

PPE is defined in the regulations as "any equipment (including clothing that protects against the elements)" which is intended to be stored or used that protects them by someone in a workplace from one or more risks to their safety and health. Therefore, PPE includes:

* Face mask

* Safety helmet

* High visibility clothing

* Safety shoes

* Eye protection

* Gloves

PPE includes waterproof or insulated clothing. However, this does not include normal work clothes and uniforms that do not specifically protect against health and safety risks.

The regulations not only require that PPE be provided and used in workplaces that pose a risk to health and safety but also require that PPE:

* Provides instructions for safe use

* Evaluate properly before use to make sure it fits

* Used properly by employees

* Is maintained and stored properly