Which statement about personal protective equipment (PPE) is correct?

Which statement about personal protective equipment (PPE) is correct?

• A. PPE alone eliminates the need for engineering controls.
• B. PPE is the preferred first line of defense regardless of hazards.
• C. PPE protects employees from hazards when engineering controls are insufficient.
• D. PPE is optional for nonhazardous tasks.

Answer: (C)

PPE is a supplemental safeguard that comes into play when hazards remain after other controls are in place. It provides a barrier between you and the danger, reducing exposure but not eliminating the hazard itself. That’s why the correct statement emphasizes that PPE protects employees when engineering controls aren’t enough, and why it’s important to select the right equipment, ensure proper fit, and maintain it. PPE works best as part of a layered approach: elimination or substitution of the hazard, engineering controls to remove or reduce exposure, and administrative measures, with PPE filling in the gaps. It’s not the first line of defense, and it’s not optional for tasks with real hazards.

PPE is a supplemental safeguard that comes into play when hazards remain after other controls are in place. It provides a barrier between you and the danger, reducing exposure but not eliminating the hazard itself. That’s why the correct statement emphasizes that PPE protects employees when engineering controls aren’t enough, and why it’s important to select the right equipment, ensure proper fit, and maintain it. PPE works best as part of a layered approach: elimination or substitution of the hazard, engineering controls to remove or reduce exposure, and administrative measures, with PPE filling in the gaps. It’s not the first line of defense, and it’s not optional for tasks with real hazards.