CSCS Personal Protective Equipment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the three categories of PPE under the PPE Regulation 2016/425?
- Small, medium, large
- Category I (minimal risk), Category II (intermediate risk), Category III (serious/fatal risk) (Correct answer)
- Basic, standard, premium
- Level 1, Level 2, Level 3
Correct answer: Category I (minimal risk), Category II (intermediate risk), Category III (serious/fatal risk)
PPE is classified into three categories: Category I covers minimal risks (e.g., gardening gloves), Category II covers intermediate risks (e.g., safety glasses, hard hats), and Category III covers serious or irreversible injury/death risks (e.g., RPE, fall arrest).
Question 2: How often should RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) face-fit testing be carried out?
- Once when first issued
- At initial issue and repeated when there are changes to the wearer's face or the RPE model (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
- Face-fit testing is not required
Correct answer: At initial issue and repeated when there are changes to the wearer's face or the RPE model
RPE face-fit testing should be carried out at initial issue and whenever there are changes that could affect the seal, such as significant weight change, dental work, or facial scarring. It should also be repeated if the RPE model changes.
Question 3: What is an Assigned Protection Factor (APF) in relation to RPE?
- The cost of the RPE
- A number indicating the level of protection the RPE provides when properly fitted and worn (Correct answer)
- The weight of the RPE
- The colour code of the filter
Correct answer: A number indicating the level of protection the RPE provides when properly fitted and worn
The Assigned Protection Factor (APF) indicates the level of respiratory protection a particular type of RPE will provide when properly fitted and worn. For example, an APF of 20 means the RPE reduces exposure by a factor of 20.
Question 4: What colour filter is used in RPE for protection against organic vapours?
- White
- Brown (Type A) (Correct answer)
- Grey
- Blue
Correct answer: Brown (Type A)
Brown-coded filters (Type A) are used for protection against organic vapours and gases with a boiling point above 65°C. Different hazards require different coloured filters — it is essential to use the correct type.
Question 5: When must hearing protection be provided on a construction site?
- When noise levels exceed 100 dB(A)
- When the daily noise exposure reaches the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A) (Correct answer)
- Only when workers request it
- When noise levels exceed 70 dB(A)
Correct answer: When the daily noise exposure reaches the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A)
Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, employers must provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones when the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A) daily exposure or 137 dB(C) peak is reached or exceeded.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a hard hat liner or chin strap?
- To improve comfort only
- To ensure the hard hat stays in place, particularly in windy conditions or when working at height (Correct answer)
- To identify the worker's trade
- To protect against sun exposure only
Correct answer: To ensure the hard hat stays in place, particularly in windy conditions or when working at height
A chin strap ensures the hard hat remains securely on the head in windy conditions, when working at height, or when bending over. Without it, the hard hat could fall off precisely when protection is most needed.
CSCS Personal Protective Equipment 2
What are the three categories of PPE under the PPE Regulation 2016/425?