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PPE for Warehouses and Trades: Coveralls, Safety Glasses and P2 Respirators
Warehouses, construction sites and trade workshops expose workers to dust, fibres, chemicals and flying particles. Personal protective equipment protects workers when other controls can't remove the risk completely.
Key takeaways
- Use PPE alongside, not instead of, higher-level controls.
- Disposable coverall types indicate protection: Type 5 for dust, Type 6 for light splashes, taped seams for more.
- Safety eyewear should meet AS/NZS 1337.
- P2 respirators must fit and seal to work.
PPE and the hierarchy of controls
Work health and safety laws require employers to manage risks using the hierarchy of controls: eliminate the hazard, substitute something safer, isolate it, use engineering controls (like dust extraction), then administrative controls, and finally PPE. PPE is the last line of defence, so it needs to be chosen and used correctly.
Disposable coveralls
| Common rating | Protects against | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Type 5 | Hazardous dry particles | Dust, insulation, cleaning |
| Type 6 | Light liquid splashes | Light spraying, cleaning |
| Type 4 (often taped seams) | Spray-tight protection | Spraying, heavier contamination |
These are European (EN) chemical protective clothing types commonly shown on coverall packaging. Taped seams stop particles and liquids getting through stitching holes. Choose a size large enough to crouch and reach without splitting.
Safety glasses
In Australia, safety eyewear should be certified to AS/NZS 1337. Consider:
- Clear lenses for indoor work; tinted for outdoor glare
- Anti-fog coating where workers move between temperatures or wear respirators
- Wraparound designs for side protection
- Goggles or face shields where chemical splashes are possible
P2 respirators for dust
For dusts such as silica, wood dust and fibres, a P2 respirator is commonly the minimum. Respirators only work if they seal, so workers should be fit tested and do a fit check every time. Facial hair under the seal stops a disposable respirator working. Engineered stone and silica work has specific additional rules, so check Safe Work Australia and your state regulator.
Don't forget feet and hands
Shoe covers keep contamination out of clean areas, and heavy-duty nitrile gloves protect against oils and grime.
Shop workplace PPE
Coveralls, safety glasses, P2 respirators, shoe covers and heavy-duty gloves in bulk.
CoShield taped-seam coveralls →Arc Vision safety glasses →Trident P2 respirators →Safety & PPE →Frequently asked questions
What type of disposable coverall protects against dust?
Coveralls rated Type 5 are designed to protect against hazardous dry particles such as dust and fibres. Type 5/6 coveralls add protection from light liquid splashes.
What standard should safety glasses meet in Australia?
Safety eyewear in Australia should be certified to AS/NZS 1337, which covers impact protection for eye and face protectors.
Is a P2 respirator enough for silica dust?
A properly fitted P2 respirator is commonly the minimum for silica dust, but higher protection and other controls may be required depending on the task and exposure. Check Safe Work Australia and your state regulator.
Why do coveralls have taped seams?
Taped seams cover the tiny holes made by stitching, which stops fine particles and liquids getting through the seams.
Related guides
- N95 vs P2 vs Surgical Masks: What's the Difference and When Do You Need Each?
- How to Put On and Fit-Check a Flat-Fold N95 Respirator
- What Should Be in a Workplace First Aid Kit? An Australian Checklist
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: October 2026 by the Innovation Project team.