Post-pandemic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is no longer viewed as merely a compliance requirement. It has become essential equipment to protect the team and businesses.
From healthcare facilities to food preparation to aged care to cleaning to construction, Australian businesses must comply with Australian safety regulations. To guide you in selecting the right certified PPE for your workplace, this PPE buyers' guide Australia will help you better understand which products will ultimately prevent workplace hazards and ensure full compliance.
This PPE Buyers Guide Australia is targeted specifically to individuals and Australian businesses looking to purchase PPE in compliance with Australian PPE standards. From construction safety equipment to medical PPE, this guide will help you navigate what needs to be worn, why and when based on your and the industry’s requirements.
With rising concerns for hygiene, safety and sustainability, it has become more important to understand the importance of buyers' guides to make informed decisions. This PPE buyers' guide Australia will help you to understand below:
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What PPE is and why it matters across industries like food, hospitality, and aged care
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The key types of PPE and when to use each
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How to select compliant, comfortable, and cost-effective PPE for your team
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Where to buy certified PPE in Australia with bulk supply options
This guide can be useful for you to protect your team and build a healthy and safe working environment.
What Is PPE and Why Does It Matter?
PPE is designed to protect individuals from workplace hazards that can create serious injury or illness. No matter where you are working, whether in construction industries, food-preparation industries, healthcare industries, aged care or hospitality, PPE protects individuals from health and safety hazards in healthcare, food, cleaning, aged care, etc.
PPE is designed to protect individuals from specific hazards such as infections, chemicals and physical injuries. To keep the workers safe and compliant with Australian safety standards, in Australia, industries like healthcare, aged care, hospitality, and construction mostly rely on PPE.
The Role of PPE in Workplace Safety
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Protects staff from infections, chemicals, and injuries
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Mandatory in many sectors: aged care, healthcare, construction, hospitality
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Reduces workplace incidents and improves safety culture
Australian Standards and Compliance
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AS/NZS 1337: Eye protection
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AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protection
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TGA-listed PPE: Mandatory in healthcare settings
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Level 2 Gowns
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Level 3 Gowns
Types of PPE and Their Uses
Each PPE type is designed to protect against specific hazards. Choosing the right one starts with knowing your actual risks.
|
Type |
Features |
Best suited for |
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Nitrile |
Chemical-resistant, powder-free |
Healthcare, cleaning, food handling |
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Latex |
High-flexibility, snug fit |
Medical Procedures, low-allergy risk |
|
Vinyl |
Cost-effective, loose fit |
Low-risk tasks, food service |
Gloves: Nitrile, Latex, Vinyl. Why You’ll Need Nitrile Gloves
When safety, hygiene, and comfort matter most, nitrile gloves are the go-to solution across a wide range of industries. Whether you're working with hazardous chemicals, caring for patients, or handling food, nitrile gloves offer unmatched performance compared to traditional latex or vinyl gloves.
Here’s why nitrile gloves are a must-have PPE item in your workplace or home:
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Ideal for Handling Chemicals and Disinfectants
Nitrile gloves are chemically resistant and provide a reliable barrier against oils, solvents, cleaning agents, and disinfectants. Whether you're working in janitorial services, laboratories, or industrial cleaning, nitrile gloves ensure your hands stay protected from harmful substances.
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Latex-Free & Allergy-Friendly
Unlike latex gloves, nitrile gloves are 100% latex-free, making them a safer alternative for those with latex allergies or sensitivities. If you're allergic to latex or work with people who are, nitrile is the safe and smart choice.
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Perfect for Healthcare and Aged Care Settings
Nitrile gloves are widely used in healthcare, aged care, disability services, and medical clinics. They provide a snug fit and excellent tactile sensitivity, crucial for tasks that require precision.
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Superior Puncture Resistance
Compared to latex and vinyl, nitrile gloves offer enhanced durability and puncture resistance, making them ideal for mechanics, dentists, veterinary care, and other hands-on professions.
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Food-Grade and HACCP Compliant
Many nitrile gloves are food-safe and HACCP certified, making them suitable for food preparation, handling, and packaging. Their resistance to grease and oil also makes them a top choice for food service professionals.
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Powder-Free Options Available
Choose powder-free nitrile gloves to reduce skin irritation and contamination risks. Powder-free gloves are preferred in sterile environments like surgical rooms, laboratories, and cleanrooms.
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High-Frequency Use and Long-Term Durability
If you use gloves frequently, you need gloves that last. Nitrile gloves are designed for extended wear, maintaining their strength and elasticity over longer periods. This reduces glove changes and increases cost efficiency in workplaces like dental clinics, warehouses, or manufacturing units.
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Available in Multiple Sizes & Pack Options
Choose from Small, Medium, Large, or Extra-Large sizes, available in boxes of 100 gloves or bulk cartons. Perfect for small businesses, clinics, or large-scale commercial operations.
Face Masks and Respirators
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Surgical Masks: Fluid-resistant, disposable
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P2/N95 Respirators: Filters airborne particles (≥94%), tight seal
Do you need Respirators?
If you're wondering whether a P2 or N95 respirator is necessary for your workplace or personal protection, this checklist will help you decide. Respirators are essential PPE when you're exposed to airborne hazards that standard surgical masks can't fully block.
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You're exposed to airborne particles
Working in areas with dust, smoke, viruses, or fine particles? A P2/N95 respirator filters at least 94–95% of these airborne contaminants, offering effective protection where regular face masks fall short.
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You work in healthcare or labs
Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, dentist, pathologist, or lab technician, respirators are crucial when you're exposed to infectious diseases, aerosols, or contaminated environments.
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You require high filtration
For high-risk situations, such as during a flu outbreak, handling chemicals, or in hazardous workspaces, P2 and N95 respirators are engineered to deliver superior filtration, surpassing regular masks in effectiveness.
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You handle infectious materials
If your work involves handling biological samples, cleaning contaminated spaces, or direct patient care, respirators help prevent cross-contamination and protect against disease transmission.
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You work in industrial dust environments
From construction sites and carpentry workshops to mining and demolition, respirators shield your lungs from harmful silica dust, wood dust, and airborne debris.
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You need a tight face fit
P2/N95 respirators are form-fitting and designed to seal tightly around the nose and mouth, reducing leakage and ensuring maximum protection — especially critical in high-risk or clinical settings.
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You work around fumes, vapours or mists
Respirators help protect against non-oil-based aerosols, chemical fumes, and toxic vapours, common in painting, welding, and chemical manufacturing environments.
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You need TGA or AS/NZS certified gear
Always choose respirators that meet Australian Standards (AS/NZS 1716) or are TGA-listed for clinical use, ensuring you're wearing approved and compliant respiratory protection.
Gowns and Coveralls
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Disposable or reusable
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Full-body, fluid-repellent protection
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Ideal for hospitals, aged care, and sanitation
Eye and Face Protection
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Goggles & Face Shields
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Protect against splashes, debris, and chemicals
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Used in medical and industrial fields
Other PPE (Aprons, Hearing Protection, Footwear)
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Aprons: Waterproof, reusable
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Shoe Covers: Prevent contamination
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Hairnets: For food safety
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Earplugs/Earmuffs: Industrial noise protection
Types of PPE vs Industry Use
|
Industry |
Gloves |
Masks |
Gowns/Coveralls |
Eye/Face |
Others |
|
Healthcare |
Nitrile |
Surgical |
Reusable gowns |
Goggles |
Shoe covers, head covers |
|
Hospitality |
Vinyl/Nitrile |
Breathable |
Disposable aprons |
Face Shields |
Hairnets/Hair cramp |
|
Construction |
Nitrile |
P2/N95 |
Coveralls |
Goggles |
Safety boots, hearing gear, safety caps |
You’ll need this PPE if
Whether you're running a healthcare facility, managing a food business, or working in high-risk industrial zones, choosing the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for safety, compliance, and hygiene. Here’s when PPE becomes non-negotiable:
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You handle chemicals
If your job involves chemical handling, laboratory work, or cleaning with industrial disinfectants, PPE like chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and coveralls will protect you from splashes, burns, and exposure.
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You are prone to airborne risks
Working in environments with dust, fumes, aerosols, or infectious particles? You need respiratory protection such as P2/N95 respirators, face shields, and disposable masks.
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You require splash protection
For settings involving liquids, body fluids, or cleaning agents, wear fluid-resistant gowns, disposable aprons, or protective eyewear to reduce the risk of contamination or injury.
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Hygiene critical
In healthcare, food service, aged care, or cleanrooms, maintaining strict hygiene is critical. Use hair nets, gloves, masks, gowns, and shoe covers to comply with infection control protocols.
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You prepare food
If you’re in commercial kitchens, catering, or food manufacturing, use food-grade gloves, disposable aprons, hair/beard nets, and non-slip footwear to maintain food safety standards.
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You manage elderly patients
In aged care or healthcare settings, PPE like surgical masks, nitrile gloves, isolation gowns, and face shields are essential for protecting both caregivers and residents/patients.
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Your staff is exposed to noise
If you're in construction, factories, or maintenance, hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs helps prevent long-term hearing damage from machinery or tool noise.
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You need disposable or reusable options
Depending on your budget, frequency of use, or infection control policy, choose between disposable PPE (e.g., nitrile gloves, surgical masks) or reusable gear (e.g., face shields, washable gowns, safety goggles).
How to Choose the Right PPE for Your Business
As PPE is designed to protect against specific hazards, identify your criteria for PPE selection, such as specific risk, budget and comfort requirements.
Step-by-Step PPE Selection Guide
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Identify workplace hazards (chemical, biological, physical)
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Identify PPE as per the risk exposure
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Verify compliance with AS/NZS or TGA standards
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Choose products that ensure comfort and a correct fit
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Ensure a continuous supply
Consider Before Buying PPE
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Are all hazards identified?
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Are products certified (TGA/AS/NZS)?
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Is the PPE disposable or reusable?
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Do you need a range of sizes?
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Can you purchase it in bulk?
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Are items appropriate for the work environment?
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Will staff be comfortable wearing them?
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Can you easily reorder when needed?
Disposable vs Reusable PPE
|
Aspect |
Disposable PPE |
Reusable PPE |
|
Cost |
Low upfront, high long-term |
Higher upfront, reusable |
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Use Cases |
High contamination risk |
Stable, predictable tasks |
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Maintenance |
One-time use |
Requires washing/sanitising |
Comfort and Fit Considerations
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Use sizing charts (glove sizes, masks)
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Look for adjustable straps and elastic bands
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Choose breathable materials for long shifts
Industry-Specific PPE Recommendations
Different sectors demand specialised PPE to meet safety and comfort standards.
Healthcare & Aged Care
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TGA-certified nitrile gloves
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Fluid-repellent gowns
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Surgical masks, P2 respirators
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Face shields, shoe covers, head covers
Cleaning & Sanitation
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Chemical-resistant gloves
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Disposable aprons and gowns
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P2/N95 masks and safety goggles
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Waterproof shoe covers
Food & Hospitality
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Food-grade vinyl or nitrile gloves
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Hairnets, aprons
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Breathable face masks
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Lightweight coveralls for hygiene
Where to Buy Certified PPE in Bulk (Australia)
Choose local, certified suppliers that guarantee Australian compliance.
Why Choose Eve Zone?
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100% Australian-owned
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TGA-certified PPE products
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Fast shipping nationwide
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Competitive bulk pricing
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Trusted by healthcare, hospitality, and cleaning industries
Bulk Order Checklist
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Ordering for 5+ team members?
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Daily/weekly PPE use?
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Need bulk pricing?
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Want certified gear?
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Prefer local suppliers?
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Require industry-specific options?
Eve Zone vs Generic Supplier
|
Feature |
Eve Zone |
General Supplier |
|
Certification |
TGA & AS/NZS |
May or may not be certified |
|
Delivery Time |
Fast Australia-Wide |
Uncertain |
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Industry Expertise |
Healthcare, food, cleaning, aged care, etc |
General only |
|
Customer Support |
24-hour support, Local Support |
Offshore or unavailable |
|
Bulk Order Discounts |
Yes |
Limited |
FAQs: PPE Buying in Australia
Q. Which PPE is the most used?
Gloves and surgical masks are among the most commonly used PPE items.
Q. What PPE do I need for a medical clinic?
TGA-approved nitrile gloves, gowns, face shields, and surgical masks.
Q. How do you choose the right PPE?
Identify workplace hazards, match PPE to risk, and ensure product certification.
Q. Are nitrile gloves safe for food handling?
Yes, powder-free nitrile gloves meet Australian food safety standards.
Q. What’s the difference between surgical and P2 masks?
Surgical masks block droplets; P2 masks filter airborne particles and seal tightly.
Q. Can I use reusable gowns in clinics?
Yes, if they are properly sanitised and certified for clinical use.
Q. Where can I buy bulk certified PPE in Australia?
Eve Zone offers certified PPE with nationwide delivery and bulk pricing.
