PPE: why it matters
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the last line of defence on a construction site. It does not remove a hazard, it only reduces the harm if everything else fails, which is exactly why the test asks about it so often.
The law is the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (extended in 2022 to cover more workers). Employers must provide suitable PPE free of charge, make sure it fits, and keep it maintained. You must use it as trained and report any defects.
PPE revision notes
The test rarely asks what a hard hat is; it asks where PPE sits in the order of controls and who pays for it. Get the hierarchy of control below clear and the PPE questions become straightforward.
PPE is the last resort
The hierarchy of control comes first: eliminate the hazard, substitute it, use engineering controls, then administrative controls. PPE is only used for the risk that is left over.
Provided free and fitted
Employers must supply PPE at no cost, in the right size, and replace it when damaged. PPE that does not fit (a loose hard hat, the wrong glove) gives little protection.
Head, eyes, ears, lungs
Common site PPE: hard hat (head), safety glasses or goggles (eyes), ear defenders or plugs (hearing), RPE such as an FFP3 mask (lungs), gloves, steel toe-cap and midsole boots, and high-visibility clothing.
High-visibility clothing
Hi-vis to EN ISO 20471 makes you visible to plant and traffic. On high-speed roads a higher class is required. Keep it clean, a filthy vest stops reflecting.
Care, storage and lifespan
PPE must be inspected before use, cleaned and stored correctly. A hard hat that has taken an impact, or is past its lifespan, must be replaced even if it looks fine.
Right PPE for the task
Gloves are task-specific: cut-resistant for blades, chemical-resistant for COSHH substances. The wrong glove can be worse than none if it gives false confidence.
Hear a question in Polish
PPE questions hinge on exact duties, that employers must provide it free of charge and that it is the last resort, not the first. Press Play in Polish below to hear a real question read aloud alongside the English.
What is the purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE)?
To eliminate all hazards in the workplace.
To provide protection against workplace hazards.
To replace all safety protocols.
To reduce the need for training.
Every wrong answer can also come with an AI explanation that points to the specific rule behind the correct answer, so you learn from each mistake instead of just memorising. Native Polish audio and AI explanations are two things you will not find on other CSCS practice sites.
PPE quiz, five questions
Five PPE questions in the real CITB format. Several test the difference between controlling a hazard and simply wearing protection against it. Answer each one and it is marked straight away, with the reason it is right.
0 of 5 answered
Score: 0 / 5
Q1. Which of the following is NOT considered personal protective equipment?
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: D. First aid kit
A first aid kit is not classified as PPE as it does not provide personal protection against hazards.
Q2. When should PPE be used on a construction site?
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: B. When risk assessment indicates it is required.
PPE should always be worn when a risk assessment indicates it is necessary to protect against existing hazards.
Q3. What should you do if you notice your PPE is damaged?
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: B. Report it to your supervisor immediately.
Damaged PPE may not provide adequate protection and should be reported immediately for replacement.
Q4. Why is it important to ensure PPE fits properly?
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: B. To provide maximum protection.
Properly fitting PPE is essential to provide effective protection against hazards.
Q5. What is an important consideration when selecting hearing protection?
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: B. It is comfortable enough to be worn for the required duration.
Comfort is crucial for hearing protection to ensure it can be worn consistently throughout exposure to noise.
Answer all five to see how you did on ppe
The real CITB test is 50 questions in 45 minutes, with a 45 out of 50 pass mark. Our free mock test uses the same format and needs no account.
Common mistakes
These PPE misconceptions give a false sense of safety, the most dangerous kind on site. Correct them before your test and before your next shift.
Mistake 1: “PPE removes the hazard.”
Correct: PPE only reduces the harm if a hazard reaches you. The hazard must first be controlled by elimination, substitution and engineering controls. PPE is the last resort, not the first.
Mistake 2: “Any glove will do.”
Correct: Gloves are chosen for the task. A general grip glove offers no protection against a chemical, and a chemical glove may not resist a blade. Match the glove to the risk in the COSHH or risk assessment.
Mistake 3: “A hard hat lasts forever.”
Correct: Hard hats have a stated lifespan and must be replaced after any significant impact, even with no visible crack, because the shell and harness degrade and absorb the energy of a blow only once.
Related CSCS topics
PPE is the last line of defence for hazards covered elsewhere in the syllabus. Practise these related areas to see what PPE is protecting you from: