PPE

What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

• AClothing only
• BEquipment worn to minimize health and safety risks not controlled by other means✓
• COnly helmets
• DOptional clothing

Answer: PPE is equipment worn or held to protect against health and safety hazards (gloves, hard hats, safety glasses, respirators, high-visibility clothing, footwear).

What is the hierarchy of controls regarding PPE?

• APPE first, always
• BPPE is the last resort; engineering and administrative controls should be used first✓
• CPPE is only for training
• DNo hierarchy exists

Answer: PPE is the lowest level of control. Priority is: eliminate hazard, substitute for safer method, engineer controls, administrative controls, then PPE as a last resort.

Who is responsible for providing PPE?

• AWorkers must buy their own
• BThe employer must provide appropriate PPE at no cost✓
• COnly if requested
• DThe safety manager only

Answer: The employer must provide appropriate PPE free of charge. Workers are responsible for using it correctly and reporting defects. Cost cannot be passed to employees.

What does a hard hat protect against?

• AAll injuries
• BImpacts from falling objects and bumps against fixed structures✓
• CRain
• DNothing specific

Answer: A hard hat protects the head from impacts of falling objects (tools, materials) and collision with fixed structures. Different types are for different industries/hazards.

What protection do safety glasses provide?

• AEye wear only
• BProtection against splinters, dust, and minor impacts to the eyes✓
• CComplete eye protection in all hazards
• DNo real protection

Answer: Safety glasses protect eyes from flying particles, dust, and splinters. For chemical or thermal hazards, chemical splash goggles or face shields are needed.

What is a respiratory protective device used for?

• ATo look cool
• BTo protect against inhalation of hazardous substances (dust, fumes, gases)✓
• CTo keep warm
• DOnly in hospitals

Answer: Respiratory protection (masks, respirators) protects against inhalation hazards: dust, chemical fumes, oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Type depends on specific hazard.

What is 'fit-testing' for respirators?

• AJust putting on a mask
• BProcedure verifying a specific respirator fits properly on an individual's face✓
• CNot necessary
• DOnly for professionals

Answer: Fit-testing ensures the respirator creates a proper seal on the wearer's face, preventing hazardous air from leaking in. Must be done before first use and periodically.

What hazards do safety footwear protect against?

• AJust comfort
• BImpact from dropped objects, crushing, penetration from nails/sharp objects✓
• COnly mud
• DPrevents slipping

Answer: Safety footwear protects against: impact from dropped objects (steel toe), crushing hazards (metatarsal protection), puncture hazards (steel insole), and electrical hazards.

What is the purpose of high-visibility clothing?

• ATo look bright
• BTo make the wearer visible to moving vehicles and equipment operators✓
• COnly for decoration
• DNo specific purpose

Answer: High-visibility clothing (safety vests) increases visibility of workers to vehicle/equipment operators, reducing risk of being struck or run over on sites.

What protection do insulating gloves provide in electrical work?

• ANo protection
• BProtection against electric shock when working with live parts✓
• COnly for cold weather
• DJust to keep hands clean

Answer: Insulating (electrical) gloves prevent electric shock by creating a non-conductive barrier between hands and live parts. Must be tested and certified annually.

What is the purpose of a safety harness with lanyard?

• ATo restrict movement
• BTo protect against falls when working at height by restraining or catching a fall✓
• CJust to hold tools
• DOnly for show

Answer: A harness with lanyard protects workers at height by either restricting movement (restraint) or slowing/stopping a fall (arrest harness), when connected to secure anchor.

How should PPE be maintained?

• ANever clean it
• BRegular inspection, cleaning, and replacement when damaged✓
• CJust store it anywhere
• DNo maintenance needed

Answer: PPE maintenance includes: regular inspection before use, cleaning according to manufacturer instructions, repair of minor damage, and replacement if damaged beyond repair.