PTS Protective Equipment (PPE) 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A worker's disposable N95 respirator becomes wet from sweat during a shift. What is the correct action?
- Continue using it — N95s are rated for moisture exposure
- Allow it to air dry and reuse it on the next shift
- Discard it and replace with a new respirator (Correct answer)
- Rinse with water and allow to dry before reuse
Correct answer: Discard it and replace with a new respirator
Moisture compromises the electrostatic charge of N95 filter media, reducing its filtration efficiency, so a wet N95 must be discarded and replaced.
Question 2: What is the purpose of metatarsal guards on safety boots used during heavy track construction?
- To provide ankle support on uneven ballast
- To protect the upper foot bones from crushing by heavy objects (Correct answer)
- To insulate the feet from electrical current
- To increase boot flexibility during tamping operations
Correct answer: To protect the upper foot bones from crushing by heavy objects
Metatarsal guards protect the bones across the top of the foot from impact by heavy objects such as rail, tie plates, or dropped tools.
Question 3: Which ANSI/ISEA standard governs high-visibility safety apparel worn by railroad workers?
- ANSI/ISEA 107 (Correct answer)
- ANSI/ISEA 112
- ANSI Z89.1
- ANSI Z87.1
Correct answer: ANSI/ISEA 107
ANSI/ISEA 107 is the American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Accessories, which defines Classes 1, 2, 3, and E for workers in various risk environments.
Question 4: A track worker develops a rash after wearing nitrile gloves for several weeks. What is the most likely cause and appropriate response?
- Dirt accumulation — increase handwashing frequency only
- Contact dermatitis from glove material — report to supervisor and request alternative gloves (Correct answer)
- Normal skin toughening from track work — no action needed
- Sunburn from reflected light off rails — apply sunscreen
Correct answer: Contact dermatitis from glove material — report to supervisor and request alternative gloves
Contact dermatitis from PPE materials is an occupational health concern that must be reported and addressed by substituting compatible alternative PPE.
Question 5: When entering a confined space on the right-of-way (such as a culvert or tunnel), which PPE item is added beyond standard track PPE?
- Steel-toed rubber boots instead of leather
- Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or supplied-air respirator if atmosphere is hazardous (Correct answer)
- Class 3 high-visibility vest instead of Class 2
- Additional hard hat liner for impact protection
Correct answer: Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or supplied-air respirator if atmosphere is hazardous
Confined spaces may contain oxygen-deficient or toxic atmospheres requiring SCBA or supplied-air respirators when air monitoring shows hazardous conditions.
Question 6: What is the correct donning sequence for PPE before entering an active track zone?
- High-visibility vest → safety glasses → gloves → hard hat → safety boots (already worn)
- Safety boots (already worn) → hard hat → safety glasses → high-visibility vest → gloves (Correct answer)
- Gloves → safety glasses → hard hat → high-visibility vest
- There is no required donning sequence for rail PPE
Correct answer: Safety boots (already worn) → hard hat → safety glasses → high-visibility vest → gloves
Safety boots are donned first as they are worn throughout the workday; head and eye protection follow, then the high-visibility vest and finally gloves as the last item before handling materials.
Question 7: Under FRA regulations, what is the employer's responsibility when a worker's PPE is damaged on the job?
- The worker is responsible for replacing their own damaged PPE at their own expense
- The employer must provide replacement PPE at no cost to the employee (Correct answer)
- Damaged PPE may be repaired by the worker and returned to service
- Replacement PPE is optional if the damage occurred during the final hour of the shift
Correct answer: The employer must provide replacement PPE at no cost to the employee
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 and FRA safety regulations, employers must provide and pay for required PPE; workers are not responsible for replacement costs.
PTS Protective Equipment (PPE) 5
A worker's disposable N95 respirator becomes wet from sweat during a shift.
What is the correct action?