CSCS Personal Protective Equipment 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the lifespan of a typical construction safety helmet?
- Unlimited if undamaged
- Typically 3-5 years from manufacture, depending on material and manufacturer guidance (Correct answer)
- 10 years
- 1 year
Correct answer: Typically 3-5 years from manufacture, depending on material and manufacturer guidance
Most manufacturers recommend replacing safety helmets every 3-5 years from date of manufacture (check the date stamp inside). UV exposure, temperature extremes, and chemicals can degrade the shell material over time.
Question 2: What type of eye protection is needed when cutting materials with an angle grinder?
- Standard spectacles
- Safety goggles or a face shield rated to BS EN 166 with appropriate impact resistance (Correct answer)
- Sunglasses
- No eye protection if the guard is fitted
Correct answer: Safety goggles or a face shield rated to BS EN 166 with appropriate impact resistance
Angle grinding produces high-velocity particles that require safety goggles or a face shield rated to BS EN 166 (now superseded by BS EN ISO 16321). The eye protection must have appropriate impact resistance grade for the hazard.
Question 3: What must an employer do before issuing PPE to a worker?
- Nothing — just hand it out
- Assess the suitability of the PPE for the task and the individual, and provide training in its use (Correct answer)
- Check the worker's CSCS card only
- Get HSE approval
Correct answer: Assess the suitability of the PPE for the task and the individual, and provide training in its use
Before issuing PPE, employers must assess whether it is suitable for the specific hazards, compatible with other PPE being worn, fits the individual correctly, and provide adequate training and information on its proper use, storage, and maintenance.
Question 4: What is the difference between a disposable FFP2 mask and an FFP3 mask?
- FFP2 is reusable, FFP3 is disposable
- FFP3 has a higher assigned protection factor (APF 20) compared to FFP2 (APF 10) (Correct answer)
- There is no difference
- FFP2 protects against gases, FFP3 against dust
Correct answer: FFP3 has a higher assigned protection factor (APF 20) compared to FFP2 (APF 10)
FFP3 masks have an APF of 20 (filtering at least 99% of particles), while FFP2 masks have an APF of 10 (filtering at least 94%). FFP3 is required for higher-risk exposures such as silica dust and asbestos.
Question 5: Why is it important that PPE fits the individual worker correctly?
- For appearance only
- Ill-fitting PPE may not provide adequate protection and may create additional hazards (Correct answer)
- It is a legal requirement for aesthetics
- To reduce costs
Correct answer: Ill-fitting PPE may not provide adequate protection and may create additional hazards
PPE that does not fit correctly will not provide the intended level of protection. For example, a loose-fitting respirator will allow contaminants to bypass the filter, and oversized gloves may catch in machinery.
Question 6: What records should an employer keep regarding PPE provision?
- No records are needed
- Records of PPE issued, training provided, maintenance, inspections, and face-fit test results (Correct answer)
- Only the purchase receipts
- Records are only needed for RPE
Correct answer: Records of PPE issued, training provided, maintenance, inspections, and face-fit test results
Employers should keep records of PPE issued to each worker, training provided, maintenance and inspection records, replacement schedules, and face-fit test results for RPE. These demonstrate compliance and aid in management.
CSCS Personal Protective Equipment 3
What is the lifespan of a typical construction safety helmet?