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HS&E Operatives practice question: Personal protective equipment (2 of 7)

C. Safety A free question from our original HS&E Operatives practice exam. Try it, then open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.

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You drop your safety helmet from the second lift of a scaffold. When you pick it up, there is a crack in the shell.

What should you do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Tape over the crack and keep wearing it
  2. B. Keep wearing it, as a small crack won't make a difference
  3. C. Take it off and work without a helmet for the rest of the day
  4. D. Get a replacement and stop using the damaged one
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Tape does not restore the helmet's strength. It could fail if something falls on you.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Any damage can weaken the helmet. It must be replaced.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Head protection is needed on almost all sites. Get a replacement before you carry on.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says head protection should be in good condition, and if it is damaged, throw it away. A cracked shell won't protect you properly.

Explanation

Check your PPE before use. A damaged safety helmet must be replaced, not repaired.

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