CSCS Ireland PPE and Fire Safety 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Irish health and safety regulations, when should PPE be used on a construction site?
- As a last resort when other control measures cannot adequately control the risk (Correct answer)
- As the first and primary means of protection
- Only when working at height
- Only when handling chemicals
Correct answer: As a last resort when other control measures cannot adequately control the risk
PPE is the last resort in the hierarchy of controls. Employers must first try to eliminate the hazard or use engineering and administrative controls before relying on PPE.
Question 2: What is the minimum PPE required to enter most construction sites in Ireland?
- Hard hat, high-visibility vest, and safety footwear (Correct answer)
- Hard hat only
- Hi-vis vest and gloves
- Safety boots and ear defenders
Correct answer: Hard hat, high-visibility vest, and safety footwear
The standard minimum PPE for site entry is a hard hat (head protection), hi-vis vest (visibility), and safety footwear with steel toe cap. Additional PPE may be required depending on specific hazards.
Question 3: Who is responsible for providing PPE to construction workers in Ireland?
- The employer, free of charge (Correct answer)
- The worker must purchase their own PPE
- The main contractor only for subcontractors
- The Health and Safety Authority
Correct answer: The employer, free of charge
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, employers must provide PPE free of charge, ensure it is appropriate for the risk, properly maintained, and that workers are trained in its use.
Question 4: What does the CE marking on PPE equipment indicate?
- The equipment meets European safety standards and has been independently tested (Correct answer)
- It is made in China
- It was approved by the Irish Health and Safety Authority
- It is suitable for use in confined spaces only
Correct answer: The equipment meets European safety standards and has been independently tested
CE marking on PPE indicates conformity with European Union safety regulations. It confirms the product has been assessed against relevant standards and meets minimum safety requirements.
Question 5: What class of hard hat (safety helmet) provides protection against electric shock on a construction site?
- Class E (Electrical) — rated for protection against electrical hazards (Correct answer)
- Class G (General)
- Class C (Conductive)
- Any hard hat provides electrical protection
Correct answer: Class E (Electrical) — rated for protection against electrical hazards
Class E hard hats are designed and tested to provide protection against electrical hazards up to a specified voltage. Class C helmets are conductive and should never be used near electrical hazards.
Question 6: How should a fire extinguisher marked with a RED label be used, and what type of fire is it suitable for?
- It contains water and is suitable for Class A fires (wood, paper, textiles) only — never use on electrical or flammable liquid fires (Correct answer)
- It contains CO2 and is suitable for all fire types
- It contains foam and is suitable for burning metals
- It is suitable for all fires including electrical
Correct answer: It contains water and is suitable for Class A fires (wood, paper, textiles) only — never use on electrical or flammable liquid fires
Red-labelled extinguishers contain water, suitable for Class A solid material fires. Water extinguishers must never be used on electrical fires (electrocution risk) or flammable liquid fires (can spread the fire).
CSCS Ireland PPE and Fire Safety 1
Under Irish health and safety regulations, when should PPE be used on a construction site?