In the hierarchy of controls, where does personal protective equipment rank?
- Last, after engineering and administrative controls
- First, because it is the quickest protection to put in place
- Second, right after elimination of the hazard at its source
- Equal to engineering controls, since both reduce exposure
Show the answer
A. Last, after engineering and administrative controls
PPE is the last line of defense because it does nothing to remove the hazard and depends on correct use every time. Eliminating or engineering out the hazard is preferred even though PPE is quicker to hand out.
Reference: 29 CFR 1926.95(a); NIOSH Hierarchy of Controls
What is the permissible noise exposure for an 8-hour day under the construction noise standard?
- 80 dBA
- 85 dBA
- 90 dBA
- 100 dBA
Show the answer
C. 90 dBA
The construction table of permissible noise exposures allows 90 dBA for 8 hours. Eighty-five dBA is the action level in the general industry hearing conservation rule and is good practice, but it is not the construction permissible limit.
Reference: 29 CFR 1926.52, Table D-2
Which signal word on a chemical label marks the more severe hazards?
- Warning
- Danger
- Caution
- Notice
Show the answer
B. Danger
Hazard communication labels use only two signal words: 'Danger' for the more severe hazards and 'Warning' for the less severe. 'Caution' and 'Notice' appear on safety signs but are not label signal words under the standard.
Reference: 29 CFR 1910.1200(c) and (f)