CITB Personal Protective Equipment — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, when should PPE be used as a control measure?
- As the first line of defence against all hazards
- Only when other control measures cannot adequately reduce the risk (Correct answer)
- Whenever a worker requests it
- Only for tasks lasting more than one hour
Correct 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.
Question 2: What does the CE marking on PPE indicate?
- It was manufactured in the European Union
- It meets the essential health and safety requirements set out in the relevant regulations (Correct answer)
- It is the cheapest option available
- It has been tested by the site safety officer
Correct 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.
Question 3: How often should PPE be inspected by the user?
- Once a month
- Only after an accident
- Before each use (Correct answer)
- Once a year during the annual safety audit
Correct 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.
Question 4: What type of safety footwear is typically required on a construction site?
- Any closed-toe shoes
- Steel or composite toe-cap boots with mid-sole protection, to S3 standard (Correct answer)
- Rubber wellington boots
- Trainers with ankle support
Correct 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.
Question 5: Who is responsible for providing PPE on a construction site?
- Each worker must buy their own PPE
- The employer must provide PPE free of charge (Correct answer)
- The client who commissioned the project
- The local authority health and safety inspector
Correct 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.
Question 6: What should you do if your hard hat has been struck by a falling object?
- Continue using it if there is no visible crack
- Replace it immediately as internal damage may not be visible (Correct answer)
- Apply tape to any damaged areas
- Turn it around so the damaged area is at the back
Correct 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.
CITB Personal Protective Equipment
Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, when should PPE be used as a control measure?