OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE)Hard
A worker is operating a high-pressure washer, which can generate significant noise levels and also poses a risk of eye injury from splash-back. Which combination of PPE is essential for protecting both the eyes and hearing in this scenario?
- AFace shield and earmuffs
- BIndirectly vented goggles and earmuffs
- CSafety glasses with side shields, earplugs, and a face shield
- DSafety glasses and earplugs
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Indirectly vented goggles and earmuffs
High-pressure washing creates both significant noise and splash hazards. Indirectly vented goggles provide primary eye protection against splashes, and earmuffs offer effective hearing protection for high noise levels. A face shield could be added for additional protection but goggles are critical for primary splash protection.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A face shield alone is secondary protection and does not provide primary eye protection against splashes; earmuffs are good for hearing.
- C. This option includes a face shield with safety glasses, which is good, but indirectly vented goggles are superior for splash protection than just safety glasses. Earplugs are fine, but earmuffs might be better for higher noise.
- D. Safety glasses may not provide adequate splash protection for high-pressure washing.
Combined Eye & Hearing PPE
The simultaneous use of appropriate eye protection (e.g., goggles) and hearing protection (e.g., earmuffs) when hazards include both eye injury from splashes/particles and excessive noise.
- Goggles protect against liquid splashes and impact.
- Earmuffs provide high noise reduction ratings (NRR).
- Selection should match the specific hazards and their severity.
Memory trick: Noisy splashes? Goggles for 'Gush', Muffs for 'Mute'!