IHSA Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Selection & Use 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A worker is handling concentrated hydrochloric acid. Which glove material provides the best chemical resistance for this task?
- Leather
- Neoprene or nitrile (Correct answer)
- Cotton-knit
- Latex (natural rubber)
Correct answer: Neoprene or nitrile
Neoprene and nitrile gloves offer superior resistance to strong inorganic acids like hydrochloric acid; always verify chemical compatibility charts, but these materials consistently outperform latex and cotton against HCl.
Question 2: The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of a hearing protector is 30 dB. Using OSHA's derating method, what is the estimated real-world noise reduction applied to the NRR?
- 30 dB
- 25 dB
- 15 dB (Correct answer)
- 10 dB
Correct answer: 15 dB
OSHA requires the NRR to be derated by 50% for earmuffs and most earplugs; thus 30 dB × 0.50 = 15 dB of effective protection is applied in OSHA's exposure calculations.
Question 3: ANSI/ISEA 107 classifies high-visibility safety apparel. Which performance class is required for workers exposed to highway speeds greater than 50 mph?
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3 (Correct answer)
- Class E (Enhancement only)
Correct answer: Class 3
ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 3 provides the highest level of visibility with the most background and retroreflective material, required for workers near high-speed roadways exceeding 50 mph.
Question 4: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502, what is the maximum free-fall distance permitted for a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) in construction?
- 3 feet
- 4 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 10 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
OSHA 1926.502 requires that a personal fall arrest system limit the free-fall distance to 6 feet or less to minimize injury forces on the body.
Question 5: Which component of a personal fall arrest system absorbs the energy of a fall and must be replaced after any fall event?
- Self-retracting lifeline (SRL) only
- Anchorage connector
- Shock-absorbing lanyard or deceleration device (Correct answer)
- D-ring on the full-body harness
Correct answer: Shock-absorbing lanyard or deceleration device
The shock-absorbing (energy-absorbing) lanyard or deceleration device is designed to deploy and dissipate fall energy; once activated it is permanently deformed and must be replaced before further use.
Question 6: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132(f) requires employers to provide PPE training to each employee. Which element is NOT required to be covered in PPE training?
- When PPE is necessary
- How to properly put on, adjust, and remove PPE
- Limitations of the PPE
- The purchase cost and replacement schedule of each PPE item (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The purchase cost and replacement schedule of each PPE item
OSHA's PPE training requirements focus on when, how, and limitations of PPE use; cost and procurement details for PPE items are not a mandated training element under 1910.132(f).
Question 7: A coach is advising workers on PPE limitations. Which statement accurately describes a key limitation of PPE that workers must understand?
- PPE eliminates the hazard at its source
- PPE reduces exposure but the hazard remains present (Correct answer)
- PPE is effective regardless of fit or condition
- PPE is the most reliable control because it is always visible to supervisors
Correct answer: PPE reduces exposure but the hazard remains present
PPE does not eliminate or control the hazard; it only serves as a barrier between the worker and the hazard, meaning exposure continues if PPE fails or is removed.
IHSA Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Selection & Use 2
A worker is handling concentrated hydrochloric acid.
Which glove material provides the best chemical resistance for this task?