Plumber Workwear and PPE: What Plumbers and Gasfitters Need in Australia
Written and reviewed by the Max Global Products team · Updated October 2026
Quick answer: a plumber needs waterproof AS 2210.3 safety boots (plus safety gumboots for trenches and wet work), pants with knee pads, disposable nitrile gloves under heavier chemical-resistant gloves for sewage and drain work, AS/NZS 1337.1 glasses or sealed goggles, a P2 respirator for cutting and dusty ceiling spaces, hearing protection for drilling and jackhammering, and hi-vis on construction sites and roads.
The plumber's kit list
| Item | What to look for | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Safety boots | AS 2210.3, water resistant leather, oil and slip resistant sole. Zip-side for jobs where you take boots off inside homes. | Zip-side safety boots, e.g. Hard Yakka Utility zip-sided boot, Blundstone 992 water resistant lace/zip |
| Safety gumboots | Steel toe plus a penetration-resistant midsole for trenches, drains and flooded sites. | Gumboots, e.g. Blundstone 024 safety gumboot with steel midsole |
| Knee protection | Knee pad pants for under-sink, bathroom and subfloor work. | Hard Yakka Legends knee pad pocket pants, DNC 3370 knee pad cargo pants, Portwest gel knee pads |
| Gloves | Disposable nitrile for sewage contact; extended-cuff nitrile or PVC for drains and chemical cleaners; cut-rated for cutting pipe and sheet. | Pro Choice heavy-duty disposable nitrile, BN60 extended-length chemical glove |
| Eye protection | AS/NZS 1337.1 glasses for general work; sealed goggles against splashes when clearing drains and soldering overhead. | Scope Maxx Pro anti-fog goggles |
| Respiratory protection | P2 for cutting fibre cement, chasing walls and ceiling and subfloor dust. Older homes may contain asbestos: stop and test before disturbing pipes, flues or sheeting. | Pro Choice P2 with valve |
| Hearing protection | For core drilling, jackhammers and concrete saws. | Hearing protection |
| Wet weather and hi-vis | Waterproof hi-vis jacket and pants for roadside and trench work. | Hard Yakka 4-in-1 taped wet weather jacket, Syzmik ZJ357 waterproof taped jacket, DNC 3772 D/N rain pants, rainwear |
Sewage, drains and biological hazards
Sewage exposes plumbers to bacteria and viruses. Cover cuts, wear disposable nitrile under heavier gloves, keep hands away from your face, and wash before eating or smoking. Goggles stop splashes reaching your eyes. Safe Work Australia covers this under biological hazards.
Comfort for the job
- Quick-release boots: zip-side boots save time on residential jobs where you remove boots at the door.
- Stretch cargo pants: help when crawling under houses and into cabinets.
- Layers: a waterproof shell over a fleece beats one heavy jacket for winter call-outs.
Frequently asked questions
What gloves should plumbers use for sewage?
Disposable nitrile gloves as a base layer, with extended-cuff nitrile or PVC gloves over the top for drains and blockages. Change them if torn, and wash hands afterwards.
Are gumboots or safety boots better for plumbers?
Both have a place. Safety boots suit everyday work; safety gumboots with a steel toe and penetration-resistant midsole suit trenches, flooding and drain work where water would get into a leather boot.
Do plumbers need a respirator?
A P2 respirator is needed for dusty tasks such as cutting fibre cement, chasing masonry and working in ceiling spaces. If asbestos may be present, stop work and have it tested before disturbing the material.
Outfitting a team
Running a plumbing 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.