BPI Health, Safety & Energy Efficiency 2

Question 1

Which combustion safety test measures the pressure difference between the CAZ and the outdoors to assess backdrafting risk?

Accepted Answer

Building Pressure Test (BPT)

Answer

The Building Pressure Test (BPT) measures the pressure in the combustion appliance zone relative to outdoors to identify backdrafting potential.

Question 2

A homeowner reports headaches and fatigue only when the furnace is running. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Carbon monoxide from a cracked heat exchanger

Answer

Symptoms correlated with furnace operation strongly suggest CO poisoning from a cracked heat exchanger leaking combustion gases into living space.

Question 3

What is the maximum acceptable CO level in ambient air inside a home, per BPI standards?

Accepted Answer

9 ppm

Answer

BPI standards set 9 ppm as the maximum acceptable ambient CO level inside a home, consistent with EPA's 8-hour NAAQS standard.

Question 4

Which insulation material poses the greatest health risk during installation due to respirable fiber release?

Accepted Answer

Fiberglass batts

Answer

Fiberglass batts release respirable glass fibers during cutting and installation, requiring respirator use to prevent lung irritation.

Question 5

In a worst-case depressurization test, which combination of conditions creates the greatest negative pressure in the CAZ?

Accepted Answer

All exhaust fans on, combustion air supply damper closed, blower door installed

Answer

Worst-case conditions combine all exhaust fans operating simultaneously with combustion air restricted, maximizing CAZ depressurization.

(BPI) Building Performance Institute Certified Practice Test