What should be done when breaking down the work area?

• A. Leave all signs in place.
• B. Discard PPE after use.
• C. Place new devices for next shift.
• D. Wear proper PPE, clean up the area, and pick up traffic devices in reverse order.

Answer: (D)

When breaking down a work area, the priority is finishing with a safe, orderly shutdown so the site is left in a safe condition. You continue to wear the proper PPE to protect yourself from any residual hazards, you clean up the area to remove tools, debris, and trip hazards, and you remove traffic devices in the reverse order of how they were placed. Removing in reverse order keeps the protective barriers in place for as long as needed while you exit, reducing the chance of exposing others to traffic or hazards.

Leaving signs in place can create confusion and leave hazards after work is done. Discarding PPE after use isn’t appropriate—PPE should be properly removed, stored, or disposed of according to procedures, not tossed. Placing new devices for the next shift during breakdown isn’t part of wrapping up the current job and could introduce unnecessary confusion or risk.