Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Flashcards

An employer wants employees to use a supplied-air respirator (SAR) in an IDLH atmosphere. What additional requirement must be met beyond training and fit testing?

Answer: A standby employee must be present and an escape respirator must be provided

Per 29 CFR 1910.134(g)(3), when working in IDLH atmospheres, at least one standby employee must be located outside, and workers must have escape respirators available.

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'assigned protection factor' (APF) for respirators?

Answer: The expected workplace level of protection provided by a respirator class when used in a properly functioning program

The APF represents the minimum anticipated level of protection provided by a properly functioning respirator class in a correctly implemented respiratory protection program.

A safety manager is reviewing PPE for workers who handle concentrated sulfuric acid. What type of eye/face protection is most appropriate?

Answer: Chemical splash goggles with indirect ventilation plus a face shield

Concentrated sulfuric acid requires indirect-vent chemical splash goggles (to prevent splash ingress) combined with a face shield for complete face and neck protection.

Which element is NOT typically required in a comprehensive written PPE program?

Answer: Employee PPE personal preference survey results

A written PPE program requires hazard assessment, selection criteria, training documentation, and maintenance procedures; employee preference surveys are not an OSHA program requirement.

How should a safety manager handle PPE that has been contaminated with a hazardous chemical during an emergency?

Answer: Follow the SDS guidance, quarantine the PPE, and dispose of or decontaminate per hazardous waste procedures

Contaminated PPE must be handled according to SDS instructions, quarantined to prevent further exposure, and managed as potentially hazardous waste or properly decontaminated before reuse.

What is the correct method for performing a negative pressure user seal check on a half-face air-purifying respirator?

Answer: Block the inlet openings of cartridges and inhale gently so the facepiece collapses slightly and holds

A negative pressure seal check is performed by blocking the inlet openings and inhaling gently; the facepiece should collapse slightly and remain collapsed for about 10 seconds, indicating no leakage.

When integrating PPE selection into a Safety Management System (SMS), which approach best reflects a proactive safety culture?

Answer: Conducting job hazard analyses (JHAs) for each task and selecting task-specific PPE based on identified hazards

Conducting JHAs for each task and selecting PPE based on identified hazards ensures protection is matched to actual risks, which is a core principle of proactive safety management systems.