Personal Protective Equipment Flashcards
6 cards from real CITB practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Personal Protective Equipment flashcards as text
Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, when should PPE be used as a control measure?
Answer: Only when other control measures cannot adequately reduce the risk
PPE should always be the last resort in the hierarchy of controls. Employers must first try to eliminate the hazard, substitute with something less dangerous, use engineering controls, and implement administrative controls before relying on PPE.
What does the CE marking on PPE indicate?
Answer: It meets the essential health and safety requirements set out in the relevant regulations
The CE marking (now UKCA in Great Britain post-Brexit) indicates that the PPE meets the essential health and safety requirements of the relevant EU regulations. It confirms the product has been assessed and meets minimum safety performance standards.
How often should PPE be inspected by the user?
Answer: Before each use
PPE should be visually inspected by the user before each use to check for damage, wear, or defects that could compromise its protective performance. Damaged PPE must be reported and replaced — it should never be used if compromised.
What type of safety footwear is typically required on a construction site?
Answer: Steel or composite toe-cap boots with mid-sole protection, to S3 standard
Construction sites typically require S3 safety boots which include a protective toe cap (steel or composite), puncture-resistant mid-sole, water-resistant upper, and a cleated sole for grip. This protects against falling objects, sharp penetration, and slips.
Who is responsible for providing PPE on a construction site?
Answer: The employer must provide PPE free of charge
Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, the employer is responsible for providing suitable PPE free of charge to employees who need it. The employer must also ensure it is properly maintained, stored, and replaced when necessary.
What should you do if your hard hat has been struck by a falling object?
Answer: Replace it immediately as internal damage may not be visible
After any significant impact, a hard hat should be replaced even if there is no visible external damage. The internal structure (particularly the cradle and shell) may have micro-fractures that compromise its ability to absorb future impacts.