Site Safe Personal Protective Equipment 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Where does PPE sit in the hierarchy of controls?
- At the bottom — it is the last resort when higher-order controls are not reasonably practicable (Correct answer)
- At the top — it is the most effective control
- In the middle — it is used alongside all other controls
- It is not part of the hierarchy of controls
Correct answer: At the bottom — it is the last resort when higher-order controls are not reasonably practicable
PPE is the lowest level in the hierarchy of controls because it relies on the individual wearing it correctly and does not eliminate or reduce the hazard itself. It should only be used when higher-order controls are not reasonably practicable.
Question 2: Under the HSWA 2015, who must provide PPE to workers?
- The PCBU must provide PPE at no cost to the worker (Correct answer)
- Workers must buy their own PPE
- The government provides PPE through WorkSafe
- PPE is shared between workers to reduce costs
Correct answer: The PCBU must provide PPE at no cost to the worker
Under the HSWA 2015, the PCBU must provide PPE to workers at no cost when PPE is required to protect against workplace risks. Workers should not bear the cost of their own protection.
Question 3: What are the minimum PPE requirements on most NZ construction sites?
- Hard hat, high-visibility vest, safety footwear, and safety glasses (Correct answer)
- Only a hard hat
- Only safety boots
- No minimum requirements exist
Correct answer: Hard hat, high-visibility vest, safety footwear, and safety glasses
Most NZ construction sites require a minimum of a hard hat, high-visibility vest or clothing, safety footwear (steel or composite toe), and safety glasses as baseline PPE.
Question 4: What should a worker do before using PPE each day?
- Inspect it for damage, wear, or defects and check it fits correctly (Correct answer)
- Just put it on without checking
- Ask their supervisor to inspect it for them
- Only inspect it once a week
Correct answer: Inspect it for damage, wear, or defects and check it fits correctly
Workers must visually inspect their PPE before each use, checking for cracks, tears, wear, damage, and correct fit. Damaged or worn PPE may not provide adequate protection.
Question 5: What type of hearing protection is suitable for use on a NZ construction site with noise levels above 85 dB(A)?
- Earplugs, earmuffs, or a combination, with a suitable noise reduction rating for the noise level (Correct answer)
- Cotton wool placed in the ears
- Headphones playing music at a lower volume
- No hearing protection is needed below 100 dB(A)
Correct answer: Earplugs, earmuffs, or a combination, with a suitable noise reduction rating for the noise level
Hearing protection such as properly fitted earplugs, earmuffs, or both together must be used when noise levels exceed 85 dB(A). The protection chosen must have a suitable noise reduction rating (NRR/SLC80) for the actual noise level.
Question 6: What is the NZ standard for safety footwear on construction sites?
- Footwear must comply with AS/NZS 2210 and have appropriate toe protection, sole protection, and ankle support (Correct answer)
- Any closed-toe shoe is acceptable
- Steel-capped gumboots only
- Footwear standards are set by each site individually
Correct answer: Footwear must comply with AS/NZS 2210 and have appropriate toe protection, sole protection, and ankle support
Safety footwear on NZ construction sites must comply with AS/NZS 2210, which covers toe protection (steel or composite), sole protection (puncture-resistant), and may include ankle support depending on the hazards.
Site Safe Personal Protective Equipment 1
Where does PPE sit in the hierarchy of controls?