Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Q/A | Interview Question Answer 100+

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Here is a comprehensive list of 100+ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) questions with answers. These questions are categorized for clarity.

Personal Protective 100+ Q/A

Basic Knowledge (1–20)

  1. What does PPE stand for?
    Personal Protective Equipment.
  2. What is the primary purpose of PPE?
    To minimize exposure to workplace hazards that can cause injuries or illnesses.
  3. Name five common types of PPE.
    Gloves, safety goggles, helmets, respirators, and protective clothing.
  4. True or False: PPE eliminates workplace hazards.
    False. PPE minimizes exposure but does not eliminate hazards.
  5. What type of PPE protects the eyes from chemical splashes?
    Safety goggles or chemical splash goggles.
  6. When should hearing protection be used?
    When noise levels exceed 85 decibels over an 8-hour period.
  7. What does a hard hat protect against?
    Falling objects, impact, and electrical hazards (for certain types).
  8. What is the difference between face shields and safety glasses?
    Safety glasses protect the eyes, while face shields provide additional protection for the face.
  9. True or False: PPE must be replaced immediately if damaged.
    True.
  10. What type of PPE is used to protect against inhaling hazardous particles?
    Respirators or dust masks.
  11. What type of PPE should be worn in a high-visibility area?
    High-visibility vests or clothing.
  12. What is the purpose of gloves in PPE?
    To protect hands from chemicals, cuts, heat, and biological hazards.
  13. What does a steel-toe boot protect against?
    Foot injuries caused by heavy objects or compression.
  14. True or False: PPE is one-size-fits-all.
    False. PPE must be properly fitted for the user.
  15. What type of PPE is used to prevent respiratory infections?
    N95 respirators or surgical masks.
  16. Why should PPE be inspected before use?
    To ensure it is in good condition and offers full protection.
  17. What type of gloves is used for handling chemicals?
    Chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile or neoprene gloves).
  18. What is the lifespan of a disposable mask?
    Typically one-time use or as directed by the manufacturer.
  19. What is the purpose of protective aprons?
    To shield the body from chemical spills, heat, or sharp objects.
  20. Name a type of PPE used to protect against electrical hazards.
    Insulated gloves or arc flash suits.

Legal and Compliance (21–40)

  1. What does OSHA stand for?
    Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
  2. What does OSHA require regarding PPE?
    Employers must provide PPE to workers free of charge and ensure it is used correctly.
  3. True or False: PPE training is mandatory.
    True. Employers must train employees on proper PPE use.
  4. Who is responsible for maintaining PPE?
    The employer is responsible for maintenance, but employees must report damages.
  5. What is the penalty for non-compliance with PPE regulations?
    Fines and possible legal action from OSHA.
  6. What standard governs eye and face protection?
    ANSI Z87.1.
  7. What is a PPE hazard assessment?
    An evaluation to identify workplace hazards and determine necessary PPE.
  8. True or False: Employers can charge employees for PPE.
    False. OSHA requires employers to provide it at no cost.
  9. What does ANSI stand for?
    American National Standards Institute.
  10. What type of training is required for PPE?
    Training on proper use, limitations, maintenance, and disposal.
  11. When must PPE training be repeated?
    When there are changes to PPE, tasks, or workplace hazards.
  12. What is the purpose of PPE standards?
    To ensure PPE meets safety requirements and provides adequate protection.
  13. True or False: PPE can be shared among employees.
    False, unless properly cleaned and sanitized.
  14. What should be included in a PPE program?
    Hazard assessment, training, selection, maintenance, and evaluation procedures.
  15. What is the OSHA standard for respiratory protection?
    29 CFR 1910.134.
  16. How often should PPE be inspected?
    Before each use and at regular intervals.
  17. What is the first step in selecting the correct PPE?
    Conducting a hazard assessment.
  18. Who enforces PPE compliance in the workplace?
    OSHA or equivalent local regulatory bodies.
  19. True or False: PPE is the sole solution for workplace safety.
    False. Engineering controls and administrative measures are also important.
  20. What is the purpose of PPE signage?
    To remind workers to wear required PPE in specific areas.

Scenario-Based Questions (41–60)

  1. What PPE is needed for handling hot liquids?
    Heat-resistant gloves and an apron.
  2. What should you do if your PPE doesn’t fit properly?
    Notify your supervisor for a replacement.
  3. True or False: You can wear your own PPE from home.
    True, if it meets workplace standards and is approved by the employer.
  4. What PPE is required in a construction zone?
    Hard hat, steel-toe boots, high-visibility vest, and gloves.
  5. What PPE should you wear when using a grinder?
    Safety goggles, face shield, gloves, and hearing protection.
  6. What should you do if a respirator is damaged?
    Stop work and replace it immediately.
  7. True or False: Gloves can protect against all chemicals.
    False. The type of glove must match the specific chemical hazard.
  8. What PPE is required in a welding shop?
    Welding helmet, gloves, flame-resistant clothing, and safety boots.
  9. How do you store PPE to prevent damage?
    In a clean, dry area away from sunlight and chemicals.
  10. What should you do if your PPE causes discomfort?
    Report the issue and request a properly fitted alternative.

Specialized PPE (61–80)

  1. What PPE protects against arc flash hazards?
    Arc-rated suits, face shields, and insulated gloves.
  2. What type of PPE is used in hazardous biological environments?
    Full-body suits, respirators, gloves, and eye protection.
  3. True or False: Respirators are needed in confined spaces.
    True, if there is a risk of harmful gases or low oxygen.
  4. What type of PPE is used in chemical plants?
    Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and aprons.
  5. What PPE protects against electrical shocks?
    Insulated gloves and dielectric boots.
  6. What does SCBA stand for?
    Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.
  7. When is fall protection PPE required?
    When working at heights of 6 feet or more.
  8. What type of PPE is used for underwater welding?
    Diving suits, helmets, and insulated gloves.
  9. What is a flame-resistant suit used for?
    To protect against fire and high heat.
  10. What PPE is required for handling corrosive acids?
    Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, aprons, and face shields.

Maintenance and Care (81–100)

  1. How should you clean safety goggles?
    With mild soap and water or manufacturer-approved cleaners.
  2. True or False: Disposable PPE can be reused if cleaned.
    False. Disposable PPE is for single use only.
  3. How should a respirator be stored?
    In a sealed, clean container away from contaminants.
  4. What should you do if PPE is damaged?
    Replace it immediately.
  5. How often should PPE maintenance be documented?
    Regularly, as per the employer’s safety program.
  6. What should be done with expired PPE?
    Dispose of it according to manufacturer guidelines.
  7. True or False: All gloves can be washed and reused.
    False. Some gloves, like disposable ones, cannot be reused.
  8. What is the purpose of PPE maintenance logs?
    To ensure PPE is inspected, cleaned, and functional.
  9. How do you disinfect PPE exposed to biological hazards?
    Use an approved disinfectant and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
  10. What PPE requires calibration or testing before use?
    Respirators and fall arrest systems.

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