Site Safe Personal Protective Equipment 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What standard must safety helmets (hard hats) comply with in NZ?
- AS/NZS 1801 for occupational protective helmets (Correct answer)
- Any international standard is acceptable
- There is no specific standard for NZ
- Only European EN standards
Correct answer: AS/NZS 1801 for occupational protective helmets
Safety helmets used on NZ worksites must comply with AS/NZS 1801, which specifies requirements for impact protection, penetration resistance, and retention system performance.
Question 2: When should a hard hat be replaced?
- After any significant impact, if cracked or damaged, if the shell is faded or chalky, or according to the manufacturer's recommended lifespan (Correct answer)
- Only when it breaks in half
- Every 10 years regardless of condition
- Only if the chinstrap is broken
Correct answer: After any significant impact, if cracked or damaged, if the shell is faded or chalky, or according to the manufacturer's recommended lifespan
Hard hats should be replaced after any significant impact (even if no visible damage), if the shell is cracked, faded, or chalky (indicating UV degradation), and within the manufacturer's recommended lifespan (typically 2-5 years).
Question 3: What type of gloves should be used when handling sharp materials like sheet metal?
- Cut-resistant gloves rated to an appropriate cut level for the material being handled (Correct answer)
- Standard cotton gardening gloves
- Latex examination gloves
- No gloves — bare hands provide better grip
Correct answer: Cut-resistant gloves rated to an appropriate cut level for the material being handled
Cut-resistant gloves rated to an appropriate level (such as AS/NZS 2161.3) should be used when handling sharp materials. The cut resistance level should match the severity of the cutting hazard.
Question 4: What is the purpose of safety glasses with side shields?
- To protect eyes from particles, dust, and objects approaching from the front and sides (Correct answer)
- To improve the worker's vision in bright sunlight
- To protect against UV radiation only
- To look more professional on site
Correct answer: To protect eyes from particles, dust, and objects approaching from the front and sides
Side shields extend the eye protection to cover the areas beside the eyes where particles, dust, or objects could enter. Without side shields, standard glasses leave the sides of the eyes exposed to hazards.
Question 5: What PPE is required when using a chainsaw on a NZ worksite?
- Chainsaw chaps or trousers, helmet with visor and hearing protection, steel-capped boots, and gloves (Correct answer)
- Only safety glasses
- Only a hard hat and gloves
- Only hearing protection
Correct answer: Chainsaw chaps or trousers, helmet with visor and hearing protection, steel-capped boots, and gloves
Chainsaw operation requires specialised PPE: chainsaw protective chaps or trousers (containing cut-resistant material), a helmet with visor and hearing protection, steel-capped boots, and appropriate gloves.
Question 6: Why is it important to select the correct size of PPE for each worker?
- Incorrectly sized PPE may not provide adequate protection and can create additional hazards like restricted movement or vision (Correct answer)
- Size only matters for comfort, not safety
- All PPE is one-size-fits-all
- Size is only relevant for hard hats
Correct answer: Incorrectly sized PPE may not provide adequate protection and can create additional hazards like restricted movement or vision
PPE that is too large may not seal properly (respirators), fall off (hard hats), or catch on things (gloves). PPE that is too small may restrict movement, vision, or breathing. Correct fit is essential for protection.
Site Safe Personal Protective Equipment 4
What standard must safety helmets (hard hats) comply with in NZ?