May
Respiratory Protection
Personal Protective Equipment
Quick Links/Resources
Throughout the month of May, our safety spotlight is on respiratory protection and the critical role that personal protective equipment (PPE) plays in keeping our crews safe. From understanding the basics of respirators to mastering proper use, care, and selection of PPE, each week dives into practical knowledge that helps reduce risk and prevent injuries. We’ll explore the right way to wear and maintain your gear, how to respond to different job hazards, and why PPE is always your last—but vital—line of defense. Whether it’s protecting your lungs, eyes, hands, or hearing, this month is all about working smarter, staying protected, and sending everyone home safe.
WEEK 1
This week focuses on the fundamentals of respiratory protection and why it plays a critical role in keeping workers safe from airborne hazards. From selecting the right type of respirator to understanding how they work and when to use them, the training covers the key concepts behind air-purifying and supplied-air systems. Crews will explore the differences between particulate filters, chemical cartridges, and SCBAs, while learning how proper selection and use can prevent serious respiratory illnesses on the job. Whether you're working around dust, fumes, or toxic gases, understanding your gear is the first step toward breathing easy and working safely.
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What is the primary function of a respirator?
A. To keep your face warm
B. To enhance vision in hazardous environments
C. To prevent inhalation of harmful airborne substances
D. To provide a communication device on-site
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Which of the following filters is suitable for environments with oil mists and can be used beyond one shift?
A. N-series
B. R-series
C. P-series
D. Z-series
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What does the "95" on an N95 mask indicate?
A. It blocks 95% of chemical gases
B. It has a 95-hour use limit
C. It filters 95% of airborne particles
D. It is designed for 95°F environments
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What type of respirator supplies clean air from an outside tank and is used by firefighters?
A. SCBA
B. PAPR
C. N95
D. Elastomeric half-mask
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What is true about gas masks?
A. All cartridges are universal
B. Cartridges are color-coded for specific hazards
C. They are disposable and should be replaced daily
D. They can be used without training
Short Responses
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Name the three series of particulate filters and describe one key difference.
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Why is it critical to identify both the type and concentration of airborne hazard before selecting a respirator?
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What signs indicate that a particulate respirator needs to be replaced?
WEEK 2
This week builds on the foundation by focusing on how to properly use, maintain, and wear a respirator. Crews will learn why fit testing is essential, when facial hair becomes a hazard, and how incorrect use can lead to serious exposure. We also cover the physical demands of wearing a respirator, medical clearance requirements, and the importance of inspecting filters and cartridges before each use. Understanding the limitations of different respirator types—especially in low-oxygen or high-contaminant environments—helps workers recognize when more specialized protection is needed. Knowing your gear isn’t enough; this week is about using it right.
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What is required before using a tight-fitting respirator on the job?
A. A signed waiver
B. A beard for padding
C. A fit test by a safety professional
D. A break-in period of 3 days -
Which of the following could cause a tight-fitting respirator to fail?
A. Proper training
B. Facial hair breaking the seal
C. Using a clean mask
D. Wearing a hard hat -
Why is training required before using a respirator?
A. To make sure it looks good
B. So employees know where to buy their own
C. Because improper use can cause harm
D. Because it's only required for full-face types -
Which type of respirator can be used with a beard?
A. Any that has adjustable straps
B. A tight-fitting full-face model
C. A loose-fitting PAPR
D. One with expired filters -
What happens if a respirator is used in an environment with low oxygen?
A. You are fully protected if using an N95
B. The mask will adapt to create oxygen
C. You are at risk of asphyxiation unless you use an SCBA
D. Gas masks provide full oxygen support
Short Responses
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Explain why respirator filters must be checked for expiration or damage before use.
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List two groups of individuals who may need medical clearance before using a respirator.
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How do you check that a tight-fitting respirator is sealed correctly each time you put it on?
WEEK 3
In Week 3, we shift focus to the basics of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)—what it is, when it’s needed, and how to use it effectively. This session reinforces PPE as the last line of defense when engineering and administrative controls aren’t enough. Workers will review the core types of PPE—eye, head, hand, foot, and hearing protection—along with key inspection points, fit considerations, and task-specific requirements like A4 cut resistance for gloves or ANSI ratings for safety glasses. Knowing how to select, wear, and inspect your PPE isn’t just a policy—it’s protection that can save your life.
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What is the primary purpose of PPE on a worksite?
A. To help employees move faster
B. To replace all other forms of hazard control
C. To reduce exposure to hazards when other controls are not feasible
D. To meet the dress code
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According to the hierarchy of controls, PPE is considered:
A. The first line of defense
B. The most effective solution
C. The last line of defense
D. Optional based on comfort
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What ANSI standard must safety glasses comply with?
A. Z49.9
B. Z87.1
C. A4.0
D. N95
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Which of the following should not be done when maintaining a hard hat?
A. Store it in a dry, shaded place
B. Clean with appropriate cleaners
C. Leave it in direct sunlight
D. Replace after any impact
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When should hand protection be replaced?
A. Once a month, automatically
B. When it looks dirty
C. At the end of each day
D. When cut, burned, or chemically contaminated
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Short Responses
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Why is simply having PPE not enough to ensure protection? What must be true about the PPE you choose?
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Why should work gloves have at least an A4 cut resistance rating?
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What role does a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) play in selecting PPE?
WEEK 4
This week reinforces the responsibility every worker has to not just wear PPE—but to understand it, care for it, and know when to replace it. From donning and doffing procedures to checking expiration dates and inspecting for wear, we’re diving into the full life cycle of personal protective gear. Workers will learn that PPE only protects when it fits properly, is rated for the task, and is in good condition. The session also covers how to handle contaminated or damaged equipment and why choosing the right gear based on a hazard assessment is key to real protection—not just compliance.
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What is a key reason PPE must be inspected before each shift?
A. To keep it looking brand new
B. To ensure it matches the uniform
C. To verify it still provides proper protection
D. To clean it for others to use
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What is one thing PPE cannot do?
A. Be worn during dirty jobs
B. Fully eliminate a hazard
C. Be stored in a locker
D. Be rated for specific hazards
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If PPE is damaged or expired, what should an employee do?
A. Tape it up and keep working
B. Trade with a coworker
C. Notify a supervisor and replace it
D. Only use it for minor tasks
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Which of the following is part of proper PPE use?
A. Donning/doffing training
B. Sharing your gear with coworkers
C. Wearing PPE only during inspections
D. Ignoring expiration dates
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What is true about most PPE items like gloves, glasses, and masks?
A. They protect against all known hazards
B. Their effectiveness is not affected by damage
C. They have specific ratings for specific situations
D. You can use them for any task once issued
Short Responses
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List three things you should know before starting a task involving PPE.
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Why is training on donning and doffing PPE important?
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How should contaminated or expired PPE be handled?
Week 5
This week zeroes in on one of the most frequently used—and most at-risk—parts of the body: your hands. We’re covering the ins and outs of selecting the right gloves for the job, from understanding cut resistance ratings to recognizing that thicker doesn’t always mean safer. Crews will learn why gloves must protect against multiple hazards like cuts, chemicals, vibration, and heat, and why grip, fit, and dexterity matter just as much as durability. This week also challenges the common myths—like assuming leather equals protection—and emphasizes the importance of glove inspections before every use. When your hands are your tools, you’ve got to protect them like it.
Multiple Choice Questions:
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What is a common misconception about leather gloves?
A. They resist chemicals well
B. They are naturally cut-resistant
C. They are machine-washable
D. They’re too expensive to use​
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Which materials provide the best protection against cuts, heat, and abrasion?
A. Cotton and wool
B. Kevlar and Dyneema
C. Leather and vinyl
D. Nylon and silk
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Which cut resistance level is required at a minimum for worksite gloves?
A. Level A2
B. Level A3
C. Level A4
D. Level A5
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What is a risk of wearing gloves that are too thick for the task?
A. Reduced durability
B. They’ll absorb chemicals
C. Impaired grip and dexterity
D. They’ll melt under heat
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Why is grip a critical factor in glove selection?
A. It’s required for ANSI compliance
B. It looks better in photos
C. It prevents tools from slipping and causing injury
D. It makes gloves easier to take off
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Short Responses
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You’re assigned to a task involving sheet metal, vibrating equipment, and potential chemical splashes. What specific hand hazards are present, and how should your glove selection reflect that?
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What steps should you take before using gloves for any task?
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Why are cut-resistant gloves not considered “cut-proof” or a guarantee against injury?
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May Interviews
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