CITB PPE & Site Welfare 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Where does PPE sit in the hierarchy of controls?
- First choice — always apply PPE before considering other controls
- Last resort — used only after higher-level controls have been implemented and residual risk remains (Correct answer)
- Equal to engineering controls
- Only required for work at height
Correct answer: Last resort — used only after higher-level controls have been implemented and residual risk remains
PPE is the last line of defence; higher-level measures such as elimination, substitution, engineering controls, and administrative controls must be implemented first.
Question 2: Which standard governs the selection and use of safety helmets on UK construction sites?
- BS EN 166 (eye protection)
- BS EN 397 (industrial safety helmets) (Correct answer)
- BS EN 374 (chemical protective gloves)
- BS EN 20345 (safety footwear)
Correct answer: BS EN 397 (industrial safety helmets)
BS EN 397 is the standard for industrial safety helmets, specifying impact resistance, penetration resistance, and chin strap performance requirements.
Question 3: What does the CE or UKCA marking on PPE indicate?
- The PPE is recommended by CITB
- The PPE meets harmonised safety standards and has been conformity-assessed (Correct answer)
- The PPE was manufactured in China or Europe
- The PPE has been tested by the HSE
Correct answer: The PPE meets harmonised safety standards and has been conformity-assessed
CE marking (UKCA marking for the GB market post-Brexit) confirms the PPE has been assessed against relevant harmonised standards and complies with applicable PPE regulations.
Question 4: Who is responsible for ensuring PPE is properly used on a construction site?
- Only the individual worker wearing the PPE
- Both the employer (to provide, train, and enforce use) and the worker (to use and maintain PPE correctly) (Correct answer)
- Only the principal contractor
- The PPE manufacturer
Correct answer: Both the employer (to provide, train, and enforce use) and the worker (to use and maintain PPE correctly)
PPE regulations place duties on both employers (provision, training, enforcement, maintenance) and workers (correct use and reporting defects) — responsibility is shared.
Question 5: What type of PPE protects against noise levels above 85 dB(A) on a construction site?
- A face shield
- Hearing protection such as earmuffs or earplugs with an adequate SNR rating (Correct answer)
- A respirator with noise-reducing seals
- A hard hat with acoustic lining
Correct answer: Hearing protection such as earmuffs or earplugs with an adequate SNR rating
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require hearing protection at or above 85 dB(A); earplugs or earmuffs with sufficient attenuation for the noise level must be selected.
Question 6: Which category of safety footwear provides penetration protection against nails underfoot?
- Steel toe-cap boots only (S1 category)
- Boots with a midsole penetration protection plate (S1P or higher) (Correct answer)
- High-top boots without internal protection
- Composite toe-cap boots only
Correct answer: Boots with a midsole penetration protection plate (S1P or higher)
S1P (and higher such as S3) footwear includes a penetration-resistant midsole that prevents nails and sharp objects from piercing through the sole — essential on demolition and construction sites.
CITB PPE & Site Welfare 1
Where does PPE sit in the hierarchy of controls?