Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Flashcards

When must a full-face respirator be used instead of a half-face respirator?

Answer: When hazards include eye and face exposure in addition to inhalation hazards, or when the contaminant is highly toxic

Full-face respirators are required when the contaminant can also affect the eyes or face, or when hazard severity demands maximum protection.

An arc flash hazard assessment must be completed to determine the appropriate PPE because:

Answer: Arc flash energy varies by system and task; incorrect PPE can fail to protect against the actual incident energy level

NFPA 70E and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 require hazard assessments to match PPE arc rating (cal/cm²) to the calculated incident energy at the work location.

PPE that has been contaminated with a hazardous chemical should be:

Answer: Removed carefully to avoid skin contact, decontaminated per the SDS, and disposed of or cleaned per site procedures

Improper removal of contaminated PPE can cause secondary exposure; SDS guidance and site procedures must be followed for decontamination or disposal.

Safety data sheets (SDS) Section 8 provides:

Answer: Exposure limits and recommended PPE for handling the chemical

SDS Section 8 (Exposure Controls/Personal Protection) specifies occupational exposure limits and the appropriate PPE for handling the specific chemical.

A WPR discovers that a worker is wearing a respirator without completing the required medical evaluation. The WPR should:

Answer: Remove the worker from respirator use until medical clearance is obtained per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134

OSHA requires medical evaluation before respirator use; some workers have conditions that make respirator use dangerous regardless of the equipment's quality.

The expiration date on a hard hat refers to:

Answer: The date after which the manufacturer no longer guarantees the shell material's protective properties due to UV and chemical degradation

Plastic hard hat shells degrade over time due to UV exposure and chemical contact, reducing their impact resistance; manufacturers specify replacement intervals.