CITB Personal Protective Equipment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) provides the highest level of protection?
- A disposable dust mask (FFP1)
- A half-face respirator with P2 filters
- A full-face powered air-purifying respirator (Correct answer)
- A surgical face mask
Correct answer: A full-face powered air-purifying respirator
A full-face powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) provides the highest protection factor among the options listed. It covers the full face, supplies filtered air under positive pressure, and protects against particulates, gases, and vapours depending on the filter type.
Question 2: What must an employer do before issuing RPE (respiratory protective equipment) to a worker?
- Ensure the worker has a valid CSCS card
- Arrange a face-fit test to ensure the RPE seals properly (Correct answer)
- Ask the worker to sign a disclaimer
- Check the worker has used RPE before on a previous site
Correct answer: Arrange a face-fit test to ensure the RPE seals properly
Under HSE guidance, tight-fitting RPE must be face-fit tested to ensure an adequate seal against the wearer's face. Without a proper seal, contaminated air can leak in around the edges, rendering the RPE ineffective.
Question 3: High-visibility clothing is typically required on construction sites to protect against which hazard?
- Falling from height
- Being struck by moving vehicles or plant (Correct answer)
- Exposure to UV radiation
- Contact with hazardous substances
Correct answer: Being struck by moving vehicles or plant
High-visibility clothing (hi-vis vests, jackets) makes workers visible to operators of vehicles and mobile plant on site. Being struck by moving vehicles is a leading cause of fatal accidents on UK construction sites.
Question 4: What class of ear protection should be used in an environment with noise levels of 90 dB(A)?
- No hearing protection is needed below 100 dB(A)
- Ear protection that reduces exposure to below 85 dB(A) at the ear (Correct answer)
- Any ear plugs will be sufficient
- Class 1 ear muffs only
Correct answer: Ear protection that reduces exposure to below 85 dB(A) at the ear
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require that hearing protection reduces noise exposure at the ear to below 85 dB(A). The selected ear defenders or plugs must have a sufficient Single Number Rating (SNR) to achieve this reduction for the specific noise environment.
Question 5: Safety goggles rather than safety spectacles should be worn when there is a risk of what?
- Bright sunlight
- Liquid splashes or fine dust entering the eyes from all angles (Correct answer)
- Rain on site
- Working near computer screens
Correct answer: Liquid splashes or fine dust entering the eyes from all angles
Safety goggles provide a seal around the eyes, protecting against liquid chemical splashes, fine dust, and airborne particles that could enter from the sides, top, or bottom. Safety spectacles do not provide this all-round seal.
Question 6: What is the employer's responsibility regarding PPE training?
- No training is required if the PPE comes with instructions
- Employers must train workers on how to use, fit, maintain, and store PPE correctly (Correct answer)
- Training is only required for supervisors
- A toolbox talk at the start of the project is sufficient for the entire duration
Correct answer: Employers must train workers on how to use, fit, maintain, and store PPE correctly
The PPE Regulations require employers to provide adequate information, instruction, and training on the correct use, fitting, maintenance, cleaning, and storage of PPE. Workers must understand why they need it, how it protects them, and its limitations.
CITB Personal Protective Equipment 2
Which type of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) provides the highest level of protection?