What are the general requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE)?

• A. PPE must be used whenever hazards can cause bodily harm and must be maintained in satisfactory condition.
• B. PPE is optional if no hazards are present.
• C. PPE should be used only during drills.
• D. PPE is required only for supervisors.

Answer: (A)

PPE is required whenever hazards can cause bodily harm and it must be kept in satisfactory condition. It acts as a protective layer when elimination of the hazard or other controls isn’t enough, and the right PPE must be chosen, properly fitted, and used with training. Regular inspections and maintenance keep PPE effective, so it should be cleaned, stored correctly, and replaced when damaged or worn. PPE is part of a broader safety approach, not a replacement for engineering controls or safe work practices, and it should be worn by anyone exposed to the hazards, not just during drills or by supervisors. Even when the hazard isn’t obviously present, conditions can change, so PPE should be used whenever there is potential for harm.