PPE Basics
What does PPE stand for?
Personal Protective Equipment
What body system does a respirator protect?
Respiratory system/lungs
You arrive at a water loss and notice standing water, a tripped breaker, and electrical cords submerged in the affected area. What should be addressed first before mitigation work begins?
The electrical hazard. Power should be evaluated and made safe before entering or beginning mitigation activities in the affected area.
Why is proper doffing important?
To prevent contamination of yourself and others
What Pokémon is #025 in the Pokédex?
Pikachu
What is the first thing you should inspect on your PPE before using PPE?
Damage, defects, or wear
Before entering a mold remediation containment, what should be checked on your respirator?
Seal/fit check
Sewage backup water is commonly classified as what category?
Category 3
True or False: Gloves are usually the first item removed during doffing.
True
What was the first Marvel movie in the MCU?
Iron Man (2008)
True or False: PPE eliminates all hazards on a job site.
False (it only reduces exposure)
What is the most common reason a respirator fails to protect the wearer?
Poor fit or improper seal
You discover suspected mold growth behind drywall. What PPE should be considered before opening the wall?
Respirator, eye protection, gloves (and other appropriate PPE)
What is the biggest mistake technicians make when removing contaminated PPE?
Touching contaminated surfaces and cross-contaminating themselves
What liquor is made from the blue agave plant?
Tequila
Which PPE item protects your eyes from flying debris and chemical splashes?
Safety goggles/glasses
Two technicians enter a mold remediation project. One is clean-shaven, and the other has a full beard where the respirator seals against his face. Both pass a visual inspection. Which technician presents a greater respiratory risk and why?
The technician with the beard. Facial hair can interfere with the respirator seal, allowing contaminated air to bypass the filter and be inhaled.
Name four hazards that might require PPE on a mitigation job.
Examples: mold, sewage, chemicals, dust, sharp objects, electrical hazards, biohazards
Place these PPE items in the correct order for doffing after working in a Category 3 containment area:
Generally:
Which artist sang "Lose Yourself"?
Eminem
A technician is wearing gloves, goggles, and a Tyvek suit while removing mold-contaminated drywall. During the job, his goggles continuously fog, reducing visibility. He removes them for "just a minute" to finish a cut. What PPE principle has been violated, and what should he have done instead?
PPE must be worn continuously whenever the hazard exists. He should have stopped work and corrected the issue (anti-fog solution, different goggles, improved ventilation, etc.) before continuing.
A technician performs a positive and negative pressure seal check on his half-face respirator before entering containment. Both checks fail. He tightens the straps several times, but the respirator still won't seal. What should he do before entering the work area?
Do not enter. Inspect the respirator for damage, improper assembly, worn components, facial hair interference, incorrect size, or other fit issues. The respirator must pass a seal check before use.
You arrive at a flooded basement with standing water, visible mold growth, exposed nails from demolition debris, several unlabeled chemical containers, and an electrical panel partially surrounded by water. List at least four hazards present and the PPE that would help protect against each one.
You only have enough time to grab ONE piece of PPE before entering a room to quickly identify the source of suspected mold growth. Which PPE should you NEVER skip and why?
Respiratory protection. Mold spores and other airborne contaminants can be inhaled immediately upon entry, creating a direct exposure risk.
A 2x4 board does not actually measure 2 inches by 4 inches. What are its actual dimensions?
Approximately 1.5" x 3.5"