HVAC and Refrigeration Technician Workwear and PPE for Australia
Written and reviewed by the Max Global Products team · Updated October 2026
Quick answer: an air conditioning or refrigeration technician needs a P2 respirator for roof spaces and insulation, cut-resistant gloves for sheet metal and fins, insulated or chemical-resistant gloves and goggles when handling refrigerants, AS/NZS 1337.1 safety glasses, knee protection, a harness system for roof-mounted units without edge protection, lightweight breathable workwear, cooling gear for hot ceilings, and AS 2210.3 safety boots.
The HVAC technician's kit list
| Item | What to look for | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Dust mask | P2 with valve for ceiling spaces, insulation and dusty plant rooms. | Pro Choice P2 with valve |
| Cut-resistant gloves | Cut level D or higher for ductwork, sheet metal and coil fins. | PIP PosigripMAX Cut D |
| Refrigerant protection | Liquid refrigerant causes cold burns. Wear chemical-resistant gloves and sealed goggles when connecting gauges and recovering gas. | Pro Choice BN60 nitrile, Scope Maxx Pro goggles |
| Safety glasses | AS/NZS 1337.1, clear for ceilings, tinted for rooftops. | Safety eyewear |
| Knee protection | For ceiling joists, plant rooms and outdoor units. | DNC knee pad cargo pants, gel knee pads |
| Height safety | Harness and lanyard for roof units where edge protection isn't in place. | Fall protection |
| Heat stress gear | Ceiling spaces can exceed 50°C in summer. Cooling vest or neck wrap and electrolytes. | Portwest cooling vest, Thorzt cooling tie |
| Boots | AS 2210.3, lightweight, zip-side for residential jobs. | Zip-side safety boots |
Electrical and roof-space risks
HVAC work often involves electrical isolation; see our electrician guide for insulating gloves and arc-rated clothing. In ceiling spaces, watch for damaged cabling, heat and, in older buildings, asbestos and loose-fill insulation. See Safe Work Australia on working in heat.
Frequently asked questions
What PPE do refrigeration technicians need?
Chemical-resistant gloves and sealed goggles when handling refrigerants, safety glasses and cut-resistant gloves for general work, P2 masks in dusty spaces, and height safety gear for rooftop plant.
How hot do roof spaces get?
On a hot Australian day a ceiling space can exceed 50°C. Work early, limit time in the roof, use cooling gear and drink electrolytes.
Do air conditioning techs need a harness?
Where roof-mounted units have no edge protection and there is a fall risk, a harness system or other fall prevention is required.
Outfitting a team
Air conditioning or refrigeration business? 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.