What should be used as a last line of defense?

• A. Goggles
• B. PPE
• C. Gloves
• D. Respirator

Answer: (B)

In safety practice, you work down the hierarchy of hazard controls, starting with removing the hazard, substituting, and applying engineering controls, then administrative controls. Personal protective equipment is the last line of defense because it protects workers from remaining exposure after other controls are in place or when exposure can’t be eliminated. It doesn’t eliminate the hazard by itself; it provides a barrier between the worker and the hazard and should be used in combination with other controls. The PPE category covers items such as eye protection, gloves, and respiratory protection, each chosen and fitted for the specific risk and maintained and used correctly. In generator maintenance, PPE protects against fuel splashes, solvents, dust, heat, or sparks, but the focus should still be on reducing or eliminating the hazard first, with PPE as the final safeguard.