BAP Risk Management & Mitigation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which approach to risk management involves accepting a risk because the cost of mitigation exceeds the potential loss?
- Risk avoidance
- Risk transfer
- Risk retention (Correct answer)
- Risk reduction
Correct answer: Risk retention
Risk retention (acceptance) is chosen when mitigation costs outweigh the expected loss value.
Question 2: A building analyst identifies moisture intrusion at a window head flashing. What is the FIRST recommended mitigation step?
- Replace the entire window unit
- Apply interior sealant to stop visible leaks
- Correct the flashing installation to ensure proper water diversion (Correct answer)
- Install a dehumidifier in the affected room
Correct answer: Correct the flashing installation to ensure proper water diversion
Addressing the source — improper flashing — eliminates the root cause rather than treating symptoms.
Question 3: In a risk matrix, a hazard rated HIGH probability and LOW consequence would typically be categorized as:
- Critical risk requiring immediate action
- Moderate risk warranting scheduled remediation (Correct answer)
- Negligible risk with no action required
- Acceptable risk with monitoring only
Correct answer: Moderate risk warranting scheduled remediation
High probability combined with low consequence generally yields a moderate composite risk score.
Question 4: Which combustion safety test evaluates whether a gas appliance creates negative pressure that could cause backdrafting?
- Blower door depressurization test
- Carbon monoxide ambient test
- Combustion zone worst-case depressurization test (Correct answer)
- Flue gas analysis test
Correct answer: Combustion zone worst-case depressurization test
Worst-case depressurization testing determines the maximum negative pressure the combustion zone can experience to assess backdraft risk.
Question 5: When prioritizing health and safety risks during a building assessment, which condition demands the most URGENT response?
- Single-pane windows causing heat loss
- Elevated carbon monoxide levels from a malfunctioning furnace (Correct answer)
- Peeling exterior paint on a wood-framed wall
- Missing attic insulation baffles
Correct answer: Elevated carbon monoxide levels from a malfunctioning furnace
Elevated carbon monoxide is immediately life-threatening and requires occupant notification and appliance shutdown before any other work.
Question 6: A building analyst recommends sealing all attic bypasses before adding insulation. This sequence addresses which risk?
- Increased solar heat gain through the roof deck
- Air-transported moisture condensing in new insulation (Correct answer)
- Reduced daylighting in upper-floor rooms
- Thermal bridging at ceiling joists
Correct answer: Air-transported moisture condensing in new insulation
Air leakage carries moisture into insulation, where it can condense and cause mold or structural damage.
Question 7: Which standard provides the framework most commonly used in the US for residential energy auditing risk and scope documentation?
- ASHRAE 62.2
- RESNET HERS Standards
- ASTM E1527
- BPI Building Analyst Professional Standards (Correct answer)
Correct answer: BPI Building Analyst Professional Standards
BPI BA Professional Standards define the scope, health & safety protocols, and documentation requirements for residential building analysis.
BAP Risk Management & Mitigation 2
Which approach to risk management involves accepting a risk because the cost of mitigation exceeds the potential loss?