When should PPE be used in the workplace?

• A. When engineering and administrative controls are insufficient to reduce risk to an acceptable level
• B. As the first line of defense before any other controls
• C. Only during annual audits
• D. Whenever workers feel tired

Answer: (A)

The main idea is the order in which safeguards are layered to control workplace risk. Start with eliminating hazards or reducing exposure through engineering controls (like guards, ventilation, or machine design) and then use administrative controls (training, procedures, scheduling). Personal protective equipment comes into play only after those measures have been applied and there’s still residual risk that requires a barrier between the worker and the hazard. PPE is the last line of defense, a supplement to other controls, not a substitute for them. It’s chosen based on the specific hazard and task, properly fitted, trained, and maintained, and used alongside, not instead of, the broader controls.

So PPE should be used when engineering and administrative controls are insufficient to reduce risk to an acceptable level. It’s not the first line of defense, it’s the final safeguard for residual risk. It’s also not tied to audits or to how someone feels fatigued; PPE use is driven by the hazard and exposure risk identified in a risk assessment.