Which statement is true regarding the personal protective equipment (PPE) for chemical hazards?

• A. No single type of PPE covers all chemical hazards
• B. All PPE must be new and unused
• C. PPE can be used interchangeably between chemicals
• D. Worn-out PPE can still be effective with proper care

Answer: (A)

The statement that no single type of personal protective equipment (PPE) covers all chemical hazards is true because different chemicals present varying risks and require specific protective measures. Each type of chemical may have unique properties such as toxicity, flammability, corrosiveness, or the potential for creating chemical reactions with other substances. Therefore, the selection of PPE must be tailored to the specific hazards of the chemicals being handled.

For instance, some chemicals may require gloves made from specific materials that can resist degradation, while others might demand face shields or goggles to protect against splashes. This point underscores the importance of conducting a thorough risk assessment to determine the appropriate PPE for each specific situation, highlighting that relying on a single type of equipment could leave responders vulnerable to exposure or injury.

The other statements provide incorrect information about PPE; it's critical to remember that PPE should be suitable for the specific tasks and environments and cannot be generalized across all situations.