ASCS Risk Management & Mitigation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When evaluating asbestos risk during HVAC work in a pre-1980 building, which component is MOST likely to contain asbestos-containing material (ACM)?
- Sheet metal ductwork
- Flexible duct connectors and duct insulation wrap (Correct answer)
- Galvanized HVAC hangers and supports
- Variable air volume (VAV) box actuators
Correct answer: Flexible duct connectors and duct insulation wrap
Flexible connectors and fibrous duct insulation in older buildings frequently contain asbestos and must be tested before any disturbance.
Question 2: A risk likelihood rating of 'Possible' on a five-point scale typically means the event:
- Has never occurred in the industry
- Could occur but is not expected under normal conditions (Correct answer)
- Will occur in most circumstances
- Is almost certain to occur on every project
Correct answer: Could occur but is not expected under normal conditions
'Possible' indicates the event might happen under some circumstances but is not the most likely outcome in routine operations.
Question 3: Before beginning HVAC cleaning in a laboratory with hazardous chemical storage, which risk management step is MOST critical?
- Increasing ventilation rates to dilute any released chemicals
- Reviewing the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals stored in the area (Correct answer)
- Applying a sealant to all duct seams prior to cleaning
- Scheduling work during peak occupancy to maximize supervision
Correct answer: Reviewing the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals stored in the area
SDS review identifies chemical hazards, proper PPE requirements, and emergency response procedures before work begins in hazardous environments.
Question 4: Which action constitutes an administrative control in the hierarchy of HVAC cleaning risk controls?
- Installing HEPA filtration on cleaning equipment
- Requiring workers to wear N95 respirators
- Establishing a written confined space entry permit procedure (Correct answer)
- Replacing fiberglass liner with antimicrobial duct board
Correct answer: Establishing a written confined space entry permit procedure
Administrative controls include written procedures, permits, training requirements, and work schedules that change how work is performed rather than the physical environment.
Question 5: Lead paint risk in HVAC systems is of GREATEST concern when:
- Cleaning modern variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems
- Disturbing painted surfaces inside older ductwork or on painted equipment (Correct answer)
- Operating HEPA vacuums near duct access panels
- Replacing air filters in pre-1978 air handling units
Correct answer: Disturbing painted surfaces inside older ductwork or on painted equipment
Disturbing painted surfaces in older systems can release lead dust, creating an inhalation and ingestion hazard for workers and occupants.
Question 6: A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for confined space duct entry should be completed:
- Only after an incident has occurred to document what went wrong
- Once annually during the company safety audit
- Before each entry, specific to the duct configuration and work to be performed (Correct answer)
- Only when the confined space is classified as permit-required
Correct answer: Before each entry, specific to the duct configuration and work to be performed
A JHA must be task-specific and completed before entry because conditions vary between duct systems and work tasks.
Question 7: Which scenario MOST warrants halting HVAC cleaning operations and re-evaluating the risk plan?
- Workers encounter heavier-than-expected dust accumulation
- Air quality monitoring detects particulate levels exceeding the action level inside the work zone (Correct answer)
- The project takes longer than estimated due to extensive ductwork
- The client requests access to an area adjacent to the work zone
Correct answer: Air quality monitoring detects particulate levels exceeding the action level inside the work zone
Particulate levels exceeding the action level indicate that current controls are insufficient and work must stop until the risk is re-evaluated and controls are upgraded.
ASCS Risk Management & Mitigation 3
When evaluating asbestos risk during HVAC work in a pre-1980 building, which component is MOST likely to contain asbestos-containing material (ACM)?