Skip to content
Sign in
Artwork for PPEQuest
LeisureHobbies

PPEQuest

Laura Dorman

Join Laura Dorman, part-time comedian and PPE enthusiast, as she embarks on a global quest to uncover the latest innovations, challenges, and stories in the world of Personal Protective Equipment. From industry experts and safety engineers to manufacturers and real-world users, each episode dives deep into the gear that keeps us safe.

Expect insightful interviews, sharp humour, and practical advice—because safety doesn’t have to be boring! Whether you’re a safety pro, a PPE nerd, or just curious about the gear that protects us, PPE Quest is your go-to podcast for all things protection.

Play
Open in
  • 6 episodes
  • Avg 25 min
  • English

Episodes 6

NewestOldestLongest
All6Unplayed6In progress0Played0
  • S1 · E5
    January 16 · 16 min

    Ep. 5: PPE is certified...but why is it not working?

    PPE is certified. It meets the standard. The label says it’s compliant. So why do accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses still happen? In this episode, we unpack the uncomfortable truth: certification alone doesn’t guarantee protection. We talk about poor fit, wrong selection, human behaviour, workplace culture, procurement decisions, and the dangerous assumption that “certified = safe.” If you’ve ever wondered why PPE fails after it passes testing — this episode is for you. Real-world safety is messier than the lab. Let’s talk about it.

  • S1 · E4
    Oct 2, 2025 · 36 min

    Fit Testing Down Under : Rebekah McCutcheon on Respirators, Beards & Best Practice

    In this episode of PPE Quest, I’m joined by Rebekah McCutcheon, founder of Fit Test Australia, for an honest and eye-opening chat about all things respiratory protection. We talk about: How fit testing started (badly) in Australia Why disposables are still everywhere—and why that’s a problem The ongoing battle with facial hair Quantitative vs qualitative fit testing The emotional side of the job (yes, really!) How one paramedic went from refusing a mask to praising it Why being a good fit tester takes more than just a machine Rebekah brings both expertise and heart to the topic—and she doesn’t hold back. If you’ve ever asked “Do I reallyneed a fit test?”—this one’s for you. She also shares what it’s like building a respiratory-focused business across Australia, her thoughts on PAPRs, and why she welcomes stricter regulations—even if it means putting herself out of business. 📍 Rebekah joins us from Sydney, where Fit Test Australia is raising the bar and challenging the status quo. 👉 Subscribe for more honest conversations about PPE and safety culture. 🎙 Available on all major podcast platforms.

  • S1 · E3
    Sep 4, 2025 · 31 min

    Pizza, PIPS & PPE - With Suzanne Lucas The Evil HR Lady

    HR, PPE & the People Problem: A Surprisingly Fun Conversation with the Evil HR Lady In this episode of PPE Quest, I’m joined by the one and only Suzanne Lucas, better known as the Evil HR Lady – a title she wears with a wink and a whole lot of insight. We talk about: ✔️ Why HR and Safety are the departments everyone loves to hate ✔️ The truth behind performance improvement plans (PIPs) and safety training ✔️ Why clarity reduces stress – and how both HR and safety can provide it ✔️ Workplace culture, compliance, and that famous Coldplay concert incident 👀 ✔️ The power of documentation, positive reinforcement, and planning for real life ✔️ And yes… pizza politics in the office 🍕 Whether you’re in HR, health & safety, or just curious why these roles matter more than ever – this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen, laugh, and learn. 🌐 Suzanne’s site: https://www.evilhrlady.org — 🙋‍♀️ About PPE Quest: Your monthly dose of practical insight and unfiltered conversations from the world of PPE and workplace safety – hosted by Laura Dorman, Swiss-based safety consultant, trainer, and occasional stand-up comic.

  • S1 · E2
    Jun 26, 2025 · 26 min

    Closing the Gap: Women’s Safety and the Fight for Proper PPE - with Amy Roosa

    In this conversation, I speak with Amy Roosa, founder of The Safety Rack, about the critical issues surrounding women’s safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) in various industries. We discuss the challenges women face in accessing properly fitting PPE, the importance of data in driving change, and the impact of political shifts on safety regulations. Amy shares her journey in creating The Safety Rack, a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the PPE equity gap for women. Our conversation highlights the urgent need for awareness, advocacy, and action to ensure women’s safety is treated as a priority—not an afterthought—in the workplace.

  • S1 · E1
    May 5, 2025 · 38 min

    Episode 1: Behind the Seal with Nathan Wilkinson Jones

    In this episode of PPE Quest, I speak with Nathan Wilkinson Jones from 1974 Rapport about the critical role of face fit testing and respiratory protection in the workplace. We discuss the impact of facial hair on mask seal, the dangers of counterfeit PPE, and the shared responsibility of employers and workers in maintaining safety standards. Nathan shares practical insights from his experience, highlighting the importance of proper training, regular testing, and expert guidance when choosing PPE. If you’ve ever questioned how well your mask fits—or why it matters—this conversation is a must-listen.

  • S1 · E1
    Feb 14, 2025 · 4 min

    PPE Quest and a Glove Story – The Podcast Trailer

    Welcome to PPE Quest, the podcast where I make safety gear exciting, insightful, and maybe even a little funny! I’m Laura Dorman, a comedian and PPE enthusiast, and I’ll be diving into the world of Personal Protective Equipment with expert interviews, industry stories, and the quirks of staying safe on the job. In this trailer episode, I’ll introduce what’s to come on PPE Quest and share a glove story—the fascinating history of the first rubber gloves. From skeptical surgeons to a love story that revolutionized hand protection, discover how one simple innovation changed PPE forever. Subscribe now and join me on this ultimate safety gear adventure! 🦺🧤🎙️

Showing 1–6 of 6 episodes