Inadequate PPE or safety equipment toolbox talk
Read it out at the pre-start or a toolbox meeting, talk through the questions, and have everyone sign on. It's built from our inadequate PPE or safety equipment page and the 59 SafetyDocs templates that cover it.
- Site
- Date
- Presented by
What it is
PPE, harnesses, retrieval and rescue equipment that is unsuitable for the task, missing or used incorrectly.
Controls to check, most effective first
- Use higher-order controls first, so PPE backs up other controls rather than being the only protection.
- Select PPE using the risk assessment and safety data sheets, making sure it suits the task, conditions and wearer.
- Fit-test tight-fitting respirators, and provide PPE in a range of sizes so it fits every worker properly.
- Inspect PPE, harnesses and retrieval equipment before each use, and withdraw anything worn, damaged or past its service life.
- Train workers to wear, adjust, clean, store and check their PPE, and supervise its correct use.
- Confirm rescue and retrieval equipment is on site, suitable for the task and set up before work starts.
Questions for the crew
- Where could inadequate PPE or safety equipment come up on this job today?
- The most effective control is: “Use higher-order controls first, so PPE backs up other controls rather than being the only protection”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
- Which controls for inadequate PPE or safety equipment are missing or not working on this site?
- When would you stop work because of inadequate PPE or safety equipment, and who would you tell?
- How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?
Sign-on record
Everyone who attended signs below. Keep it with your toolbox talk records.
| Name | Company | Signature |
|---|---|---|
A starting point for a talk, not a SWMS or a risk assessment. Add what's particular to your site and crew.