Site Safe Personal Protective Equipment 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should a worker do if their PPE is damaged during work?
- Stop using the damaged PPE, report it to their supervisor, and replace it before continuing work (Correct answer)
- Continue working and replace it at the end of the shift
- Repair it themselves with tape or glue
- Share someone else's PPE until a replacement is available
Correct answer: Stop using the damaged PPE, report it to their supervisor, and replace it before continuing work
Damaged PPE may not provide adequate protection. The worker should stop using it immediately, report the damage, and obtain a replacement before continuing with the task that requires PPE.
Question 2: What is the correct way to store PPE when not in use?
- In a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight, chemicals, and extreme temperatures, following manufacturer's instructions (Correct answer)
- Thrown in the back of a vehicle
- Left on the worksite floor
- Stored in a damp container
Correct answer: In a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight, chemicals, and extreme temperatures, following manufacturer's instructions
PPE should be stored in clean, dry conditions away from sunlight (which degrades plastics and straps), chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Manufacturer's instructions should be followed for specific storage requirements.
Question 3: What is Class 5 hi-vis clothing under the AS/NZS 4602 standard?
- The highest daytime visibility class, requiring fluorescent material covering the torso and extending to sleeves (Correct answer)
- A low-visibility option for indoor work
- A class for nighttime use only
- The standard for fire-resistant clothing
Correct answer: The highest daytime visibility class, requiring fluorescent material covering the torso and extending to sleeves
Class 5 is the highest daytime visibility class under AS/NZS 4602. It requires fluorescent background material on the upper body, lower body, and sleeves, providing maximum visibility during daylight hours.
Question 4: When working with hazardous substances, what additional PPE might be required beyond standard construction site PPE?
- Chemical-resistant gloves, chemical splash goggles, respiratory protection, and chemical-resistant overalls (Correct answer)
- Only standard work gloves
- A high-visibility vest only
- Standard safety glasses only
Correct answer: Chemical-resistant gloves, chemical splash goggles, respiratory protection, and chemical-resistant overalls
Hazardous substances may require specialised PPE including chemical-resistant gloves (matched to the specific chemical), splash goggles, appropriate respiratory protection, and chemical-resistant clothing, as specified in the Safety Data Sheet.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a 'hard hat brim' or 'neck flap' attachment in NZ?
- To protect the face, ears, and neck from UV radiation during outdoor work (Correct answer)
- To keep rain off the worker's neck
- To improve the hard hat's impact protection
- To display the company logo
Correct answer: To protect the face, ears, and neck from UV radiation during outdoor work
Hard hat brims and neck flaps protect exposed skin from New Zealand's high UV radiation levels. They shade the face, ears, and neck, which are common sites for skin cancer in outdoor workers.
Question 6: What are the worker's responsibilities regarding PPE under the HSWA 2015?
- To wear PPE as instructed, maintain it in good condition, report damage or defects, and not misuse or damage it (Correct answer)
- Workers have no responsibilities regarding PPE
- Only to wear it when they feel it is necessary
- To purchase their own replacement PPE
Correct answer: To wear PPE as instructed, maintain it in good condition, report damage or defects, and not misuse or damage it
Workers must use PPE in accordance with instructions and training, take reasonable care of it, report any damage or defects, and not intentionally misuse or damage it.
Site Safe Personal Protective Equipment 3
What should a worker do if their PPE is damaged during work?