Personal Protective Equipment Flashcards

What is RPE and when is it required?

Answer: Respiratory Protective Equipment, required when airborne hazards cannot be controlled at source

RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) includes masks and respirators required when workers may be exposed to harmful dusts, fumes, gases, or vapours that cannot be controlled by other means.

What is the difference between a dust mask and a respirator?

Answer: A dust mask filters particles only; a respirator can filter gases, vapours, and particles

A basic dust mask (filtering facepiece) only filters particulate matter. A respirator can be fitted with different cartridges to filter gases, vapours, and finer particles.

What does FFP3 mean on a disposable dust mask?

Answer: Filtering Facepiece class 3 — the highest level of particulate filtration

FFP3 is the highest classification of disposable filtering facepiece, offering at least 99% filtration efficiency, suitable for the most hazardous dusts including asbestos.

What must an employer do before issuing RPE to workers?

Answer: Ensure it fits properly through face-fit testing

Before issuing RPE, employers must ensure it is suitable for the hazard, fits the individual worker properly (through face-fit testing), and the worker is trained in its use.

What type of gloves should be used for handling rough materials like concrete blocks?

Answer: Rigger gloves with reinforced palms for abrasion resistance

Rigger gloves with reinforced palms provide abrasion resistance and grip when handling rough materials like concrete blocks, bricks, and timber.

Why must chemical-resistant gloves be matched to the specific chemical?

Answer: Different chemicals penetrate different glove materials — wrong gloves provide no protection

Different chemicals can penetrate, degrade, or permeate different glove materials. The wrong type of chemical-resistant glove may offer no protection at all.