Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Course 2026
This course is for security guards and other workers who must wear personal protective equipment on site. It covers where PPE fits in the hierarchy of controls, who provides it, the main CSA standards, and how to wear and care for head, foot, eye, hearing, hand and breathing protection. It is background knowledge only: your employer must train you on your site's PPE, and respirator users need their employer's program, including fit testing.
Quick answer
This free course has about 25 minutes of lessons and a 25-question test. Score 80% or more to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026.
What you will learn
- Explain why PPE is the last line of defence in the hierarchy of controls
- Describe who provides PPE and the worker's duties, using BC as an example
- Choose hard hats and safety footwear by their CSA type, class and marking
- Use eye, face and hearing protection correctly
- Pick gloves, respirators and high-visibility apparel for the hazard
- Inspect, clean, store and replace PPE
Score 80% or more to download your certificate.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: A. It is the last line of defence
In the hierarchy of controls, PPE comes last, after elimination, substitution, engineering and administrative controls.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: C. Elimination
Elimination removes the hazard from the workplace, so it is the most effective control.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: D. When better controls are not practicable
CCOHS says PPE is the main control only when other controls are not practicable, as a temporary measure, during maintenance and clean-up, or in emergencies.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: C. Nothing; it only lowers the wearer's exposure
CCOHS notes that PPE does not reduce the hazard itself. It only limits the wearer's exposure when worn correctly.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: B. It gives the wearer a false sense of security
CCOHS warns that poorly maintained PPE can create a false sense of security, so workers take risks they would otherwise avoid.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: A. It depends on the province or territory
Who pays for PPE varies by jurisdiction. CCOHS gives NWT, Nunavut, Quebec and Saskatchewan as examples where employers must provide it free.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: D. Safety footwear
BC's OHS Regulation, s. 8.2, makes the worker responsible for weather clothing, general work gloves, footwear including safety footwear, and safety headgear.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: D. The employer, at no cost to the worker
Section 8.2 says the employer must provide all other required PPE at no cost to the worker.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: D. Inspect it
Section 8.9 requires workers to use PPE as trained, inspect it before use and report any malfunction.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: B. Protection at the sides and back of the head
Type 1 headwear protects the top of the head. Type 2 also protects the sides and back.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: B. Class E
Class E headwear has a 20,000 V rating. Class G is rated for 2,200 V and Class C has no electrical rating.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: A. Replace the hard hat
CCOHS says to replace headwear that has been struck, even if no damage is visible.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: C. Solvents can weaken it and paint can hide cracks
CCOHS says paint solvents can make the shell brittle and paint can hide cracks. Reflective tape can be used instead.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: B. Grade 1 toe cap with a puncture-resistant sole
Under CSA Z195, a green triangle marks a Grade 1 toe cap with sole puncture protection, for heavy work such as construction.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: D. White rectangle with an orange omega (Ω)
A white rectangle with an orange omega marks electric shock resistance. The red C means conductive and SD means static-dissipative.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: A. From the eyebrow to the cheekbone
CCOHS says eyewear should cover from the eyebrow to the cheekbone, with the frame as close to the face as possible.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: A. A face shield worn over goggles
For splashes, droplets and sprays, CCOHS lists a face shield worn over goggles with indirect ventilation as one suitable choice.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: A. 85 dBA
CCOHS says the occupational exposure limit for noise is 85 dBA in most jurisdictions.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: D. No, they are not hearing protectors
CCOHS states that music earphones or headsets are not substitutes for hearing protectors.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: A. No more than 11 dB
CCOHS shows that removing a 25 dB protector for 5 minutes an hour cuts protection to no more than 11 dB. Wear it the whole time.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: C. 105 dBA
CCOHS says earplugs should not be used in areas above 105 dBA. Very loud areas need more protection, such as earplugs worn with earmuffs.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: A. Check the SDS or ask the supplier
No one glove material resists all chemicals. The SDS should name the right material; if not, contact the supplier.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: B. Hair can break the face seal
CCOHS says beards, sideburns and stubble can break the seal between the skin and the respirator.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: A. Class 2 or Class 3 apparel
BC's OHS Regulation, s. 8.24, requires Class 2 or Class 3 high-visibility apparel meeting CSA Z96 when vehicles exceed 30 km/h.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: B. Rings, bracelets or dangling neckwear
BC's OHS Regulation, s. 8.10, bans dangling neckwear, bracelets, wristwatches and rings near moving machinery, and clothing must fit closely.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- PPE is the last line of defence. Elimination, substitution, engineering and administrative controls come first.
- Who pays for PPE varies by jurisdiction. In BC, the employer provides most PPE at no cost, but workers supply safety footwear and headgear.
- A hard hat that has been struck should be replaced, even if no damage is visible.
- A green triangle on CSA Z195 footwear means a Grade 1 toe cap with a puncture-resistant sole.
- Removing a 25 dB hearing protector for just 5 minutes an hour leaves no more than 11 dB of protection.
Frequently asked questions
Does my employer have to pay for my PPE?
It depends on where you work. CCOHS names NWT, Nunavut, Quebec and Saskatchewan as places where employers must provide PPE free. In BC, the employer provides most PPE, but workers supply their own safety footwear, safety headgear, general work gloves and weather clothing.
Does this course qualify me to wear a respirator?
No. It is background knowledge only. Your employer must train you on the PPE used at your site, and respirator users need their employer's respiratory protection program, which includes fit testing.
When should I replace my hard hat?
Replace it after it has been struck, even if it looks fine. Also replace a shell that is cracked, gouged, stiff or chalky, and a suspension that is torn.
Are music earbuds OK as hearing protection?
No. CCOHS says music earphones and headsets are not substitutes for hearing protectors. Wear approved earplugs or earmuffs the whole time you are in noise.
Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?
No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace any licence, certification or training required by law.