• comply, so far as they are reasonably able, with instructions given by the employer for their own safety or health or for the safety or health of other persons; and

• to use such protective clothing and equipment as is provided by the employer.

• be appropriate for the job

• fit the operator correctly

• be accompanied by training on its proper use

• be clean and functional

• be regularly serviced by appropriately trained staff.

Apron

Harness

Safety helmet

Chemical gloves

Long sleeved shirt

Steel capped boots

Chemical spray suit

Long trousers

Sunblock

Dust mask

Overalls

Sunglasses

Ear muffs

Respirator

Water

Face shield

Safety glasses

Wide brimmed hat

Gloves

Safety goggles

Work boots

Gumboots

A safety helmet protects the head from falling or flying objects and should be worn when carrying out tasks like overhead pruning.

Ear muffs should be worn when operating equipment that emits extremely high sound frequency levels that can damage ears and result in permanent hearing loss, for example, lawn mowers and chain saws. For more information on how noise can affect your life visit the Occupational Health and Safety section of the Weblinks in the bookcase.

Gloves should be worn to protect the hands from abrasions/cuts, burns, infection, dermatitis and injuries. Work gloves are unsuitable for handling hazardous substances such as horticultural pesticides.

Chemical gloves should be worn to protect the hands from abrasions/cuts, burns, infection, dermatitis and injuries associated with extreme temperatures, for example, when handling horticultural pesticides that are corrosive or cause burns. Chemical gloves should be made from chemical resistant material, for example, PVC, be unlined, waterproof, elbow length for maximum protection and worn on the outside of clothing. Never wear rubber products when handling horticultural pesticide because they can react with some substances and dissolve.

Safety goggles should be worn to protect the eyes from flying objects, and splashes, fumes, gasses, vapours and dusts from horticultural pesticides. It is important that they are tight-fitting and make a good seal around the eyes.

Safety glasses should be worn to protect the eyes from flying objects, for example, when using a line trimmer or brushcutter. They should have protective sidepieces and be made from toughened glass or plastic so they don't shatter into fragments upon impact. It is essential that safety glasses fit snugly so they don't slip off when bending over.

Chemical spray suits should be worn to protect the head, arms, upper body and legs from injury, for example, when using horticultural pesticides.

Overalls should be worn to protect the arms, upper body and legs from abrasions/cuts, allergic reactions and injuries, for example, when working with horticultural pesticides.

Work boots should be worn to protect the feet from injuries and puncture wounds, and should be worn at all times.

Steel capped boots should be worn to protect the feet from crushing and impact injuries, and puncture wounds, for example, when operating equipment.

A wide brimmed hat should be worn when working outside to protect the head, face and neck from the sun.

It is important to drink plenty of water when carrying out manual tasks to replenish fluids lost through perspiration and sweat. Water should be taken more frequently and in larger quantities especially during summer and for strenuous activity.

A dust mask should be worn to stop fine dust particles from being inhaled, for example, when handling or using materials like fertilisers, pollen, lime, sawdust and potting media.

Dirty or contaminated masks should never be re-used. This mask should not be worn when dealing with toxic gases; a respirator should be used instead.

Face shields should be worn to protect the whole face from flying objects or splashes, for example, when mixing chemicals or using a brushcutter.

Respirators should be worn when working with toxic gases, fumes or dust. It is important to use the right type of filter, for example, activated charcoal filters remove dangerous chemical vapours while particle filters are used for chemical dust.

Sunblock or sunscreen protects the skin from sun damage and should be worn on any area that is exposed to the sun. Sunblocks that are 30+ or higher are more effective and should be reapplied every two hours.

Sunglasses should be worn to protect the eyes from the sun's glare and reduce the effects of long-term exposure to bright sunlight.

A long sleeved shirt should be worn to protect the arms and upper body from abrasions/cuts, allergic reactions, sun damage and injuries, for example, when working with hazardous substances, thorny or poisonous plants and in extreme heat.

Long trousers should be worn to protect the legs from abrasions/cuts, allergic reactions, sun damage and injuries, for example, when working with hazardous substances, thorny or poisonous plants and in extreme heat.

An apron should be worn to protect the body and clothing from splashes and spills, for example, when mixing horticulture pesticides that are corrosive or cause burns. This means they must be long enough to cover the body from the shoulder to mid calf and made from chemical resistant material, for example, PVC.

Always wash down your apron after use and hang it up when not in use.

Gumboots, also known as Wellingtons, water or rubber boots, should be worn to protect the feet from chemical burns and poisoning. Gumboots should be unlined and made from chemical resistant material, for example, PVC. Never wear boots made from absorbent material such as leather, canvas or cloth when applying horticultural pesticides.

To prevent chemicals from running down the legs and into the boot, trousers or overalls should be worn outside the boots.

Always wash down your gumboots after use and hang them upside down when not in use.

A harness should be worn to protect the back, neck, shoulders and upper body from strain and stress injuries, for example, when operating equipment such as line trimmers and brushcutters.