Site Safe Personal Protective Equipment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a high-visibility vest on a construction site?
- To make the worker visible to operators of vehicles, machinery, and other workers on site (Correct answer)
- To keep the worker warm
- To show which company the worker belongs to
- To protect against UV radiation
Correct answer: To make the worker visible to operators of vehicles, machinery, and other workers on site
High-visibility clothing ensures workers can be seen by operators of vehicles, cranes, excavators, and other machinery, reducing the risk of being struck. It is especially important in areas with moving plant.
Question 2: When must respiratory protection be worn on a NZ construction site?
- When workers are exposed to airborne contaminants such as dust, fumes, vapours, or gases that exceed workplace exposure standards (Correct answer)
- Only when workers can see dust in the air
- Only when cutting concrete
- Only when the site manager orders it
Correct answer: When workers are exposed to airborne contaminants such as dust, fumes, vapours, or gases that exceed workplace exposure standards
Respiratory protection is required when airborne contaminants exceed workplace exposure standards (WES) and other controls (ventilation, elimination) are not sufficient. This includes dust, fumes, vapours, gases, and fibres.
Question 3: What is the difference between a P1 and P2 respirator?
- P1 filters mechanically generated particles (like dust); P2 also filters thermally generated particles (like fumes and smoke) and provides higher protection (Correct answer)
- P1 is for chemicals and P2 is for dust
- P1 is more expensive than P2
- There is no difference — they are interchangeable
Correct answer: P1 filters mechanically generated particles (like dust); P2 also filters thermally generated particles (like fumes and smoke) and provides higher protection
P1 (Class 1) filters are suitable for mechanically generated particles like dust. P2 (Class 2) filters provide higher protection and also filter thermally generated particles such as welding fumes, smoke, and fine dust.
Question 4: How should a disposable dust mask be fitted to ensure it provides protection?
- It must form a seal around the nose and mouth with no gaps, and the nose clip must be shaped to the face (Correct answer)
- It can be worn loosely for comfort
- It only needs to cover the mouth, not the nose
- Any fit is acceptable as long as it stays on the face
Correct answer: It must form a seal around the nose and mouth with no gaps, and the nose clip must be shaped to the face
A disposable dust mask must form a tight seal around the nose and mouth. The nose clip should be pressed to shape it to the face, and a fit check should be performed to ensure there are no gaps where contaminated air could enter.
Question 5: What type of eye protection should be used when grinding on a NZ construction site?
- Safety goggles or a face shield that provides protection from flying particles and sparks (Correct answer)
- Normal prescription glasses
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- A welding helmet
Correct answer: Safety goggles or a face shield that provides protection from flying particles and sparks
Grinding generates high-velocity particles and sparks that require safety goggles or a face shield with appropriate impact rating. Normal glasses and sunglasses do not provide adequate protection.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a face-fit test for respiratory protection?
- To ensure the respirator forms an adequate seal on the wearer's face and provides the intended level of protection (Correct answer)
- To check if the respirator looks professional
- To determine if the worker is allergic to the mask material
- To test the worker's lung capacity
Correct answer: To ensure the respirator forms an adequate seal on the wearer's face and provides the intended level of protection
A face-fit test verifies that the specific brand and size of respirator forms an adequate seal on the wearer's face. Facial hair, facial features, and face shape can all affect fit, so testing ensures effective protection.
Site Safe Personal Protective Equipment 2
What is the purpose of a high-visibility vest on a construction site?