Mining Workwear and PPE: What FIFO and Mine Site Workers Need in Australia
Written and reviewed by the Max Global Products team · Updated October 2026
Quick answer: most Australian mine sites require long sleeve, long leg Class D/N taped hi-vis (AS/NZS 4602.1), AS 2210.3 safety boots (lace-up or zip with ankle support), an AS/NZS 1801 hard hat (often with a lamp bracket underground), AS/NZS 1337.1 safety glasses, hearing protection, impact and cut-rated gloves, a P2 respirator for dust, and flame-resistant clothing in areas the site designates. Each site's PPE standard is final.
The mine site kit list
| Item | What to look for | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Hi-vis shirt | Long sleeve, D/N taped. Cotton drill for durability; lightweight vented for hot sites. | Hard Yakka Y07990 taped cotton drill shirt, Hard Yakka Koolgear vented taped shirt, Syzmik ZW640 taped cotton twill shirt, Syzmik ZW129 vented taped ripstop shirt |
| Hi-vis pants | Taped cotton drill cargo; check your site's tape pattern. | Hard Yakka Y02575 taped drill cargo pants, DNC 3361 taped cotton drill cargo pants |
| FR clothing | Inherent FR, D/N taped, where the site requires it (processing plants, electrical, hot work). | FR workwear, e.g. DNC 3482 inherent FR PPE2 D/N coverall |
| Boots | AS 2210.3, lace-up or lace-zip with ankle support; a penetration-resistant midsole where the site requires it. Composite caps pass metal detectors. | Safety boots, e.g. Hard Yakka 3056 lace-up side-zip boot, Blundstone 992 lace/zip (EH) |
| Hard hat | AS/NZS 1801; lamp bracket and cable clips for underground. | Pro Choice V6 full brim with lamp bracket |
| Eye protection | AS/NZS 1337.1 medium impact, tinted for open cut, clear underground. | Safety eyewear |
| Hearing protection | Plugs plus hard-hat earmuffs for very loud plant. | Howard Leight corded earplugs, Pro Choice Class 5 hard hat earmuffs |
| Gloves | Impact-backed and cut-rated for maintenance and handling. | Pro Choice cut F impact rigger |
| Heat and hydration | Cooling vests and electrolytes for 12-hour shifts in the Pilbara or Bowen Basin heat. | Thorzt evaporative cooling vest, hydration |
Dust, heat and fatigue
Mining exposes workers to respirable crystalline silica and coal dust. Site dust controls come first, with fit-tested respirators as backup. Heat stress is a constant on surface operations. See Safe Work Australia's mining, coal dust and working in heat guidance.
Frequently asked questions
What hi-vis do mine sites require?
Most require Class D/N taped hi-vis with long sleeves and long legs, often in a specific tape pattern. Check your site's PPE standard before buying.
Do I need composite toe boots for FIFO?
Not always, but composite toecaps pass through airport and site metal detectors without being flagged, which is why many FIFO workers choose them.
Do mine workers need FR clothing?
Only in areas the site designates, such as processing plants, electrical work and hot work zones. Some sites make FR the standard uniform.
Outfitting a team
Mining contractor or labour hire? Apply for a trade account. Read our hi-vis compliance guide or 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.