SMS Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, what is the minimum frequency for fit testing employees who use tight-fitting respirators?
- Every 6 months
- Annually (Correct answer)
- Every 2 years
- Only at initial assignment
Correct answer: Annually
OSHA requires fit testing for tight-fitting respirators at least annually, and whenever there are changes that could affect the seal such as weight change or dental work.
Question 2: Which type of glove material provides the best protection against ketones and aromatic hydrocarbons?
- Latex
- Nitrile
- Butyl rubber (Correct answer)
- Neoprene
Correct answer: Butyl rubber
Butyl rubber gloves offer superior resistance to ketones, esters, and aromatic hydrocarbons, making them the best choice for these specific chemical classes.
Question 3: A safety professional must select hearing protection for workers exposed to 98 dB(A) TWA noise. The selected earmuffs have an NRR of 26. What is the estimated protected exposure level using OSHA's derating method?
- 72 dB(A)
- 85 dB(A)
- 84 dB(A) (Correct answer)
- 76 dB(A)
Correct answer: 84 dB(A)
OSHA derates NRR by 50%: (26 − 7) / 2 = 9.5 dB reduction; 98 − 9.5 = 88.5 ≈ 84 dB(A) after applying the correct derating formula (NRR-7)/2.
Question 4: What ANSI standard classification covers Type II hard hats, which provide additional protection from lateral impacts?
- ANSI Z89.1 (Correct answer)
- ANSI Z87.1
- ANSI Z41.1
- ANSI Z88.2
Correct answer: ANSI Z89.1
ANSI Z89.1 classifies hard hats by type (I or II) and class (G, E, C), with Type II providing top and lateral impact protection.
Question 5: When selecting chemical protective clothing (CPC), what document should a safety manager consult first to identify permeation resistance?
- SDS Section 8 (Exposure Controls/PPE)
- The PPE manufacturer's chemical resistance chart (Correct answer)
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138
- NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Correct answer: The PPE manufacturer's chemical resistance chart
The PPE manufacturer's chemical resistance or permeation data chart provides specific breakthrough time and permeation rate data for the glove or suit material against listed chemicals.
Question 6: Which OSHA standard requires employers to establish and maintain a written respiratory protection program when employees use respirators?
- 29 CFR 1910.120
- 29 CFR 1910.132
- 29 CFR 1910.134 (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910.1000
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1910.134
29 CFR 1910.134 specifically requires a written respiratory protection program covering procedures for selection, fit testing, medical evaluation, training, and maintenance.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of a PPE hazard assessment certification document?
- To record employee training completion for each PPE type
- To certify in writing that the workplace hazard assessment was performed and identifies the assessor and date (Correct answer)
- To document the cost of PPE purchased for each department
- To satisfy insurance carrier requirements for liability coverage
Correct answer: To certify in writing that the workplace hazard assessment was performed and identifies the assessor and date
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132(d)(2) requires a written certification that identifies the workplace evaluated, the person certifying the assessment, and the date it was performed.
SMS Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 2
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, what is the minimum frequency for fit testing employees who use tight-fitting respirators?