Bricklayer Workwear and PPE: What Brickies Need in Australia
Written and reviewed by the Max Global Products team · Updated October 2026
Quick answer: a bricklayer needs a fit-checked AS/NZS 1716 P2 respirator (or a half-face with P2/P3 filters) for cutting bricks and blocks, coated gloves that keep wet mortar off the skin, AS/NZS 1337.1 safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection for brick saws, AS 2210.3 safety boots, knee protection, a hard hat on commercial sites, and full sun protection.
The bricklayer's kit list
| Item | What to look for | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Silica respirator | P2 minimum for cutting and chasing, worn with wet cutting or extraction. A reusable half-face seals better over long days. Clean-shaven for a good seal. | JSP Force Typhoon 8 half mask (asbestos/silica), Pro Choice P2 with valve |
| Gloves | Nitrile-coated gloves keep alkaline mortar off the hands while handling bricks; leather for heavy blocks. | Force360 sand nitrile glove, safety gloves |
| Eye protection | AS/NZS 1337.1 glasses for laying; sealed goggles for cutting and when mortar can splash. | Pro Choice Ambush foam-bound spec/goggle |
| Hearing protection | Brick saws and grinders exceed the noise exposure standard within minutes. | Howard Leight Sync earmuffs, hearing protection |
| Boots | AS 2210.3 with toecaps for dropped bricks; water resistant leather for wet mortar. | Safety boots, e.g. Hard Yakka Toughmaxx water-resistant zip boot, Mongrel 461 with scuff cap |
| Knee protection | For footings, low courses and paving. | DNC 3372 knee pad cargo pants |
| Sun protection | Long sleeves, a brim and SPF 50+. Brickies spend most of the day outdoors. | Hard Yakka UPF50+ long sleeve polo, Portwest wide brim hat, sunscreen |
Silica and cement: the two big health risks
Silica: bricks, blocks, pavers and concrete contain crystalline silica. Dry cutting releases respirable dust that causes silicosis, lung cancer and kidney disease. Australia's exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica is 0.025 mg/m³ over 8 hours, a level easily exceeded by dry cutting. Use a wet saw or on-tool extraction, then a respirator. See Safe Work Australia on silica.
Cement: wet mortar and cement are strongly alkaline. They cause chemical burns and contact dermatitis. Keep mortar off skin with gloves and long sleeves, and wash it off promptly. See contact dermatitis guidance.
Frequently asked questions
What mask should a bricklayer wear when cutting bricks?
At least a P2 respirator that has passed a fit test, used together with wet cutting or dust extraction. For daily cutting, a reusable half-face respirator with P2 or P3 filters gives a more reliable seal.
Why do bricklayers get dermatitis?
Wet cement is alkaline and can contain chromium, which irritates and sensitises skin. Coated gloves, long sleeves and washing skin promptly prevent most cases.
Do bricklayers need a hard hat?
On commercial sites and anywhere with overhead work, yes. On single-storey residential jobs it depends on the site's risk assessment.
Outfitting a team
Bricklaying crew? Apply for a trade account. See the full guide by trade.
Last reviewed October 2026. This guide covers common kit; your employer's risk assessment and site rules decide what is mandatory.