Industrial Safety, Occupational Health and Personal Protective Equipment
What the exam tests
This domain tests hazard recognition, the hierarchy of controls, workplace health risks and correct PPE selection. Questions often describe a task and ask what protection is needed.
Core rules
- Hierarchy of controls: eliminate the hazard, substitute it, use engineering controls, then administrative controls, and use PPE as the last line of defence.
- Common hazards: slips and trips, falling objects, moving machinery, electricity, noise, dust, chemicals, heat stress and ergonomic strain.
- PPE: safety helmet for overhead work; goggles or face shield for grinding and chemicals; ear plugs or muffs for high noise; gloves matched to the chemical or mechanical risk; safety shoes for foot protection; high-visibility vest in vehicle areas; respiratory protection for dust or fumes; full harness for work at height.
- Occupational health includes noise surveys, dust control, ventilation, hydration, rest breaks and health checks.
- Use permits for hot work, confined space and work at height; maintain housekeeping and lockout/tagout.
Worked example
A worker is grinding metal. Ordinary spectacles are not enough because they leave the sides open. The correct choice is impact-rated safety goggles plus a face shield, along with hearing protection if noise is high. The guard should also check that the grinder guard is fitted and the work area is clear. PPE protects the worker only if it is worn correctly and maintained.
Traps that cost marks
- Treating PPE as the first control instead of the last.
- Issuing gloves that are wrong for the chemical.
- Allowing loose clothing near rotating machinery.
- Skipping PPE because the task is “quick”.
- Ignoring heat stress and dehydration in summer.
Exam tip
Name the hazard, then the control level, then the specific PPE. Do not answer “wear PPE” without saying which item and why.