Demonstration is the Key
Before an employee is allowed to do work requiring PPE, the employer must require each affected employee to demonstrate:
- an understanding of the training topics, and
- the skills and ability to use PPE properly.
Demonstration is the most common and probably the most efficient method to determine employee knowledge and skills. How does the employee demonstrate an understanding of the six PPE training subjects listed previously? Simple, their level of knowledge is measured by asking the employee questions similar to those listed below.
- What PPE is required for your particular job?
- When is the PPE required to be used in your job?
- What are the possible defects your PPE might have?
- How do you properly care for and maintain/store your PPE?
- What is the useful life of your PPE?
- From what hazards does the PPE protect you?
The form of the "test" may be either written or oral. However, if you are training a number of employees, you should give them a written test to measure individual knowledge. It's also the intent of most OSHA standards that knowledge be measured by written exams. Thorough documentation of PPE training is required. We will discuss how to document PPE training in section 6.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-4. How does the trainer determine if an employee has the necessary skills to properly use PPE?
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