WPR Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Fit testing for tight-fitting respirators is required by OSHA:
- Only when a worker requests it
- Initially before first use and annually thereafter, or when physical changes may affect fit (Correct answer)
- Once during a worker's entire career
- Only for SCBA devices
Correct answer: Initially before first use and annually thereafter, or when physical changes may affect fit
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 requires initial and annual fit testing for all tight-fitting respirators to ensure an adequate seal.
Question 2: What is the hierarchy of controls, and where does PPE fall within it?
- PPE is at the top of the hierarchy as the most effective control
- PPE is the last resort at the bottom of the hierarchy, after elimination, substitution, engineering controls, and administrative controls (Correct answer)
- PPE is in the middle, equal to administrative controls
- PPE is not part of the hierarchy of controls
Correct answer: PPE is the last resort at the bottom of the hierarchy, after elimination, substitution, engineering controls, and administrative controls
NIOSH's hierarchy places PPE last because it does not eliminate hazards but merely reduces worker exposure—higher controls are always preferred.
Question 3: Chemical-resistant gloves used during a permitted chemical handling task should be selected based on:
- General-purpose rating and availability
- Compatibility with the specific chemical(s) being handled as verified by the glove manufacturer's chemical resistance chart (Correct answer)
- Worker comfort preference
- Color coding matching the safety vest
Correct answer: Compatibility with the specific chemical(s) being handled as verified by the glove manufacturer's chemical resistance chart
Not all glove materials resist all chemicals; manufacturer compatibility charts must be consulted to select a glove that resists the specific chemical in use.
Question 4: Fall protection PPE is required by OSHA when working at heights of:
- More than 10 feet in general industry
- 4 feet in general industry or 6 feet in construction (Correct answer)
- Any height above ground level
- 8 feet in all industries
Correct answer: 4 feet in general industry or 6 feet in construction
OSHA's general industry standard requires fall protection at 4 feet, while the construction standard triggers at 6 feet.
Question 5: What does the term 'PPE program' encompass in a permit-to-work environment?
- A list of PPE items to purchase
- A written program covering hazard assessment, PPE selection, training, maintenance, and enforcement (Correct answer)
- A computer application for tracking PPE inventory
- A vendor contract for PPE supply
Correct answer: A written program covering hazard assessment, PPE selection, training, maintenance, and enforcement
A complete PPE program includes all elements from hazard evaluation through worker training and equipment maintenance, not just equipment procurement.
Question 6: Double hearing protection (earplugs plus earmuffs) is required when noise levels exceed:
- 85 dB(A) time-weighted average
- 100 dB(A) or as specified by the site's hearing conservation program (Correct answer)
- 70 dB(A) for more than 2 hours
- Any level that causes temporary hearing discomfort
Correct answer: 100 dB(A) or as specified by the site's hearing conservation program
OSHA and most site programs require dual hearing protection when noise levels exceed 100 dB(A) or when single protection is insufficient to reduce exposure to safe levels.
WPR Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 2
Fit testing for tight-fitting respirators is required by OSHA: