CSCS Personal Protective Equipment 4

Question 1

What does the term 'RPE' stand for on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory Protective Equipment

Answer

RPE stands for Respiratory Protective Equipment, which includes disposable masks, half-face and full-face respirators, powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Question 2

What should a worker do if their PPE is damaged or defective?

Accepted Answer

Stop using it immediately, report the defect, and obtain replacement PPE before continuing work

Answer

A worker must stop using damaged or defective PPE immediately, report the defect to their supervisor, and obtain suitable replacement PPE before continuing the task. Using damaged PPE could provide a false sense of security.

Question 3

What type of gloves should be worn when handling cement on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

Chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile or PVC) that prevent skin contact with wet cement

Answer

Wet cement is highly alkaline (pH 12-13) and causes serious chemical burns and dermatitis. Chemical-resistant gloves made of nitrile or PVC must be worn to prevent skin contact. Leather and cotton gloves absorb moisture and make burns worse.

Question 4

What is the purpose of high-visibility clothing on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

To make the worker visible to operators of vehicles and plant, reducing the risk of being struck

Answer

High-visibility clothing ensures workers are seen by operators of vehicles, plant, and equipment, reducing the risk of struck-by incidents. BS EN ISO 20471 specifies three classes of high-visibility clothing.

Question 5

What standard must safety spectacles meet for use on UK construction sites?

Accepted Answer

BS EN 166 or its replacement BS EN ISO 16321

Answer

Safety spectacles for construction use must meet BS EN 166 (Personal eye protection — Specifications) or its successor BS EN ISO 16321. They must be marked with the relevant impact grade and optical class.

CSCS Green Card Practice Test

CSCS Green Card Practice Test

CSCS Personal Protective Equipment 4