What PPE is essential when sanding painted surfaces?

• A. Respiratory protection (approved respirator or mask), eye protection, gloves, and hearing protection.
• B. Gloves only.
• C. No PPE needed.
• D. Respiratory protection only.

Answer: (A)

Sanding painted surfaces creates dust, debris, and potentially hazardous materials, so you need protection for several parts of your body: the lungs, eyes, skin, and ears. Respiratory protection helps filter dust and fumes you could inhale, and if lead-based paint is a possibility you’d use an approved respirator with appropriate cartridges. Eye protection prevents chips and dust from getting into the eyes. Gloves shield the skin from abrasive dust, solvents, and sharp edges. Hearing protection reduces damage from the noise of power sanders. Because each type of PPE addresses a different risk, the best choice combines all four: respiratory protection, eye protection, gloves, and hearing protection. The other options miss one or more of these protective needs, leaving hazards unmitigated.