When should PPE be used during field work?

• A. Never worn.
• B. Worn when required.
• C. Only for fashion.
• D. Only indoors.

Answer: (B)

PPE is used to protect you from hazards that can’t be eliminated by other safety measures, so you wear it whenever the job or site requires it. In field work, conditions change and hazards vary, so the right approach is to don the appropriate PPE for the task and the risks present, following rules set by the site, supervisor, and applicable regulations. Examples include wearing a hard hat where there’s a risk of falling objects, eye or face protection when debris or splashes are possible, gloves for chemical or rough-handling hazards, sturdy boots for footing and protection, high-visibility clothing in low visibility, and respiratory protection for dust or fumes. PPE should fit properly, be in good condition, and be used as part of a broader safety plan that also includes eliminating hazards or using engineering and administrative controls when possible. It’s not worn all the time, not used for fashion, and hazards can exist outdoors as well, so PPE is required precisely when the risk calls for it.