How to Choose the Right Safety Gear for Your Job in Brookvale

Every trade comes with its own set of risks. A bricklayer on a Brookvale construction site faces different hazards than a marine mechanic down near the coast, and a warehouse picker has a different safety checklist again. The one thing they all share? The need for reliable, compliant safety gear that fits their job — and their body — perfectly.

At Brookvale Workwear & Safety, we know the local industries inside-out. Whether you’re a sole tradie or managing a crew of 50, the right protective clothing and PPE can mean the difference between a safe shift and a serious injury.

Step 1 – Identify the risks of your job

The first step in choosing the right safety gear is understanding your hazards. A quick risk assessment can help you decide exactly what’s essential.

Examples of local job-specific hazards:

• Construction sites: Falling objects, dust, noise, and working at height.
• Warehousing and logistics: Slippery floors, forklift traffic, repetitive lifting.
• Marine trades: Saltwater corrosion, chemical exposure, electrical hazards.
• Manufacturing: Sparks, hot metal, and high-decibel machinery.

Knowing the risks means you can match the right PPE to the task, rather than relying on guesswork.

Step 2 – Understand PPE requirements in NSW

SafeWork NSW sets strict guidelines for PPE use. While your employer should supply compliant gear, many tradies — especially subcontractors — prefer to purchase their own to guarantee comfort and quality.

Some key requirements include:

• Hi-vis clothing meeting AS/NZS 4602.1 standards
• Protective footwear compliant with AS 2210.3
• Respiratory protection meeting AS/NZS 1716 for dust, fumes, or vapours
• Hearing protection meeting AS/NZS 1270

You’ll find these standards met across our PPE & Safety Gear range.

Step 3 – Choose the right protective clothing

Not all workwear is created equal. In Brookvale, where summer sun, coastal air, and industrial grit can all hit in the same week, you need gear that can adapt.

Hi-vis classifications explained:

• Class D – Designed for daytime use only. Ideal for road work, landscaping, or outdoor construction.
• Class D/N – Suitable for both day and night, with reflective tape for low-light conditions.

Other considerations:

• Flame-retardant fabrics for welding or hot works.
• Chemical-resistant coveralls for spray painting or hazardous material handling.
• Lightweight moisture-wicking shirts for high-heat jobs.

Browse our Hi-Vis Workwear to find the right fit for your trade.

Step 4 – Footwear that works as hard as you do

Your feet take more punishment on the job than you might realise. The right work boots can prevent fatigue, reduce the risk of slips, and protect against crush injuries.

Key features to consider:

• Toe protection: Steel toe for maximum impact resistance, composite toe for lighter weight and non-conductive properties.
• Outsole grip: Slip-resistant soles for oily, wet, or dusty surfaces.
• Waterproofing: Essential for outdoor trades and marine industries.
• Breathability: Keeps feet cooler and drier in summer.

Check out our Safety Boots for options that meet Australian Standards.

Step 5 – Don’t forget head, eye, and ear protection

Brookvale’s worksites and warehouses can be noisy, dusty, and unpredictable. Investing in quality helmets, safety glasses, and earmuffs can protect you from long-term damage.

• Helmets should be impact-rated and fit securely without discomfort.
• Safety glasses should meet AS/NZS 1337.1 for high-impact protection.
• Ear protection should be matched to the noise levels of your job — from reusable plugs to over-ear defenders.

Step 6 – Fit and comfort matter

Even the safest PPE won’t help if it’s uncomfortable or badly fitted. Loose gloves can snag in machinery, oversized boots can trip you up, and tight hi-vis shirts can restrict movement.

Where possible, try your gear in-store. At Brookvale Workwear & Safety, our staff are trained to help you find the right size and adjust for comfort, so your gear works with you, not against you.

Step 7 – Why buy from a local workwear supplier?

Sure, you can find PPE online, but buying locally gives you:

• The ability to try before you buy.
• Expert advice tailored to Sydney’s industries and climate.
• Fast replacements when gear wears out or gets damaged.
• The satisfaction of supporting a local business that supports local tradies.

Plus, if you can’t find it in-store, we can source it from our extended range at Workboot Warehouse.

Common mistakes to avoid when buying safety gear

1. Choosing the cheapest option – Low-cost gear may fail early or not meet standards.
2. Ignoring comfort – If you won’t wear it, it can’t protect you.
3. Buying the wrong classification – Wearing Class D hi-vis at night, for example, reduces visibility and increases risk.
4. Not replacing worn gear – Damaged PPE can’t do its job.

The right safety gear protects your body, boosts confidence on the job, and ensures compliance with NSW safety regulations. At Brookvale Workwear & Safety, we stock only gear we’d trust ourselves — from hi-vis clothing to steel cap boots, gloves, helmets, and beyond.

Visit our Brookvale store or browse online to get equipped for your next shift.

FAQs

What safety gear is required for tradies in NSW?

Requirements vary by trade, but most will need hi-vis clothing, protective footwear, gloves, and eye/ear protection that meet Australian Standards. Some roles also require respiratory protection or specialised PPE.

How do I choose the right PPE for my job?

Start with a risk assessment, match gear to the specific hazards, and ensure it meets the relevant Australian Standard. Comfort and correct fit are equally important.

What’s the difference between Class D and Class D/N hi-vis?

Class D is for daytime visibility only, while Class D/N includes reflective elements for both day and night use, making it suitable for low-light conditions.