BPI Health, Safety & Energy Efficiency 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary function of a ground vapor retarder in a vented crawl space?
- To insulate the floor above
- To reduce radon entry from soil
- To block moisture evaporation from soil into the crawl space (Correct answer)
- To prevent termite entry
Correct answer: To block moisture evaporation from soil into the crawl space
A ground vapor retarder (typically 6-mil poly) blocks moisture evaporation from the soil, reducing humidity and preventing structural damage.
Question 2: Which condition makes an atmospherically vented combustion appliance most susceptible to backdrafting?
- High indoor humidity
- Negative building pressure relative to outdoors (Correct answer)
- Oversized flue diameter
- Low indoor temperature
Correct answer: Negative building pressure relative to outdoors
Negative indoor pressure relative to outdoors overpowers the natural draft, pulling combustion gases back down the flue into the living space.
Question 3: Per BPI standards, what is the action level for radon concentration that requires mitigation before energy work proceeds?
- 2 pCi/L
- 4 pCi/L (Correct answer)
- 8 pCi/L
- 20 pCi/L
Correct answer: 4 pCi/L
The EPA and BPI action level for radon is 4 pCi/L; concentrations at or above this require mitigation, especially before air sealing.
Question 4: What type of ventilation control strategy is required by ASHRAE 62.2 for whole-house mechanical ventilation?
- Continuous or controlled intermittent ventilation meeting minimum airflow rates (Correct answer)
- Ventilation only when occupants are sleeping
- Ventilation triggered by CO2 sensors alone
- Natural ventilation through operable windows is sufficient
Correct answer: Continuous or controlled intermittent ventilation meeting minimum airflow rates
ASHRAE 62.2 requires continuous or controlled intermittent mechanical ventilation that delivers the minimum airflow rate determined by floor area and occupants.
Question 5: Which health hazard is specifically associated with older homes having insulation or pipe wrapping that contains friable material?
- Lead paint exposure
- Asbestos fiber inhalation (Correct answer)
- Formaldehyde off-gassing
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
Correct answer: Asbestos fiber inhalation
Friable asbestos-containing materials in older homes can release carcinogenic fibers when disturbed during weatherization work.
Question 6: An auditor finds that spray foam has been applied over knob-and-tube wiring in an attic. What is the primary safety concern?
- The foam will reduce the wiring's R-value
- Encapsulating the wiring prevents heat dissipation and creates a fire hazard (Correct answer)
- The foam off-gassing reacts with copper wiring
- The foam adds excessive weight to the attic floor
Correct answer: Encapsulating the wiring prevents heat dissipation and creates a fire hazard
Knob-and-tube wiring relies on air circulation for cooling; encapsulating it with foam traps heat, increasing the risk of fire.
Question 7: What is the recommended approach when a BPI analyst discovers lead paint on window trim in a pre-1978 home?
- Remove and replace all painted surfaces before proceeding
- Proceed normally since lead paint is only hazardous if ingested
- Document and follow EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) protocols to avoid creating lead dust (Correct answer)
- Apply encapsulant immediately and continue the audit
Correct answer: Document and follow EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) protocols to avoid creating lead dust
EPA's RRP Rule requires certified contractors to follow specific work practices to minimize lead dust generation when disturbing lead paint in pre-1978 homes.
BPI Health, Safety & Energy Efficiency 4
What is the primary function of a ground vapor retarder in a vented crawl space?