U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) EM 385-1-1 Practice Test

Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role in hazard control, but it should not be the first measure implemented. It serves as an essential component of a comprehensive safety program, typically acting as the last line of defense after other hazard control measures, such as engineering controls and administrative controls, have been applied.

The correct statement emphasizes that while PPE is vital in protecting individuals from hazards, effective safety programs prioritize eliminating or controlling hazards at their source before relying on PPE. This ensures that the workplace is designed and managed in a way that reduces risk, providing a more effective and sustainable approach to safety.

In contrast, the other statements incorrectly suggest that PPE can be standalone or prioritized over other safety measures, which does not align with best practices in hazard control. It is important for individuals to understand that PPE should always be part of a broader strategy for safety, rather than being used in isolation.