BPI Health and Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary hazard associated with disturbing asbestos-containing materials (ACM) during a home energy audit?
- Fire ignition from friction
- Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers (Correct answer)
- Chemical skin burns
- Electrical shock from embedded wiring
Correct answer: Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers
Disturbing ACM releases microscopic fibers that, when inhaled, can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Question 2: When using a blower door to depressurize a home, which combustion appliance presents the greatest backdrafting risk?
- Electric resistance water heater
- Naturally drafted gas water heater (Correct answer)
- Direct-vent sealed combustion furnace
- Heat pump water heater
Correct answer: Naturally drafted gas water heater
Naturally drafted appliances rely on buoyancy for exhaust and are easily overpowered by house depressurization, causing combustion gases to spill indoors.
Question 3: What does a CO alarm reading of 70 ppm sustained for more than 1–2 hours indicate per UL 2034 standards?
- Normal background levels requiring no action
- Alarm activation threshold requiring occupant evacuation (Correct answer)
- Acceptable level for brief occupancy only
- Level permitted in attached garages only
Correct answer: Alarm activation threshold requiring occupant evacuation
UL 2034 requires CO alarms to trigger at 70 ppm sustained for 60–240 minutes, signaling a life-safety hazard requiring immediate evacuation.
Question 4: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when working in a crawlspace with suspected rodent droppings?
- Safety glasses and steel-toed boots
- N95 respirator, gloves, and disposable coveralls (Correct answer)
- Hard hat and high-visibility vest
- Chemical splash goggles and face shield
Correct answer: N95 respirator, gloves, and disposable coveralls
Rodent droppings can harbor hantavirus; an N95 respirator, nitrile gloves, and disposable coveralls protect against inhalation and contact.
Question 5: What is the maximum allowable CO concentration in ambient air for occupied residential spaces according to ASHRAE guidelines?
- 1 ppm
- 9 ppm (Correct answer)
- 35 ppm
- 50 ppm
Correct answer: 9 ppm
ASHRAE and EPA set a 9 ppm 8-hour average standard for indoor CO in occupied residential spaces.
Question 6: Before entering a confined space such as a sealed crawlspace or attic, a BPI auditor should first:
- Turn off all HVAC equipment
- Test the atmosphere for oxygen, combustible gases, and toxic vapors (Correct answer)
- Install temporary lighting
- Notify the local utility company
Correct answer: Test the atmosphere for oxygen, combustible gases, and toxic vapors
Atmospheric testing for oxygen deficiency, combustible gases, and toxic contaminants is the first step before entering any confined space.
Question 7: Which condition is a contraindication for performing a worst-case depressurization test in a home?
- Outdoor temperature above 70°F
- Presence of a sealed combustion boiler
- Active chimney fire or visible flame rollout at a draft hood (Correct answer)
- House with ACH50 below 5
Correct answer: Active chimney fire or visible flame rollout at a draft hood
An active chimney fire or flame rollout indicates the combustion system is already compromised; additional depressurization could worsen a dangerous situation.
BPI Health and Safety 2
What is the primary hazard associated with disturbing asbestos-containing materials (ACM) during a home energy audit?