CDS Safety Standards & Hazardous Material Handling 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.850, what must be done before demolition work begins on any structure?
- Conduct an engineering survey to assess structure condition (Correct answer)
- Remove all windows and doors first
- Install temporary lighting throughout the structure
- Obtain a surety bond from the demolition contractor
Correct answer: Conduct an engineering survey to assess structure condition
OSHA 1926.850 requires a competent person to perform an engineering survey before any demolition to assess structural stability and hazards.
Question 2: Which respirator protection factor is required when workers are exposed to asbestos fibers above the PEL but at or below 10 times the PEL during demolition?
- Half-face air-purifying respirator with HEPA filters (Correct answer)
- Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)
- Full-face air-purifying respirator with HEPA filters
- Supplied-air respirator in pressure-demand mode
Correct answer: Half-face air-purifying respirator with HEPA filters
A half-face air-purifying respirator with HEPA filters provides APF of 10, adequate for exposures up to 10× the asbestos PEL.
Question 3: What is the correct disposal classification for PCB-containing materials removed from transformers during demolition under TSCA regulations?
- Classified as universal waste and taken to a certified recycler
- Classified as hazardous waste requiring manifest and EPA-approved disposal facility (Correct answer)
- Classified as construction debris and disposed in a municipal landfill
- No special classification if the transformer fluid is drained first
Correct answer: Classified as hazardous waste requiring manifest and EPA-approved disposal facility
PCB-containing materials are regulated under TSCA and must be disposed of as hazardous waste at an EPA-approved facility with a manifest.
Question 4: During the demolition of a structure with suspected lead paint, at what airborne lead concentration must a full written compliance program be implemented?
- Above the action level of 30 μg/m³
- Above the PEL of 50 μg/m³ (Correct answer)
- Any detectable lead concentration
- Above 100 μg/m³
Correct answer: Above the PEL of 50 μg/m³
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.62 requires a full written compliance program when airborne lead exceeds the PEL of 50 μg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA.
Question 5: What is the minimum safe standoff distance from a demolition zone for unprotected bystanders when using mechanical demolition equipment on a 3-story building?
- Equal to the height of the structure being demolished
- One and a half times the height of the structure (Correct answer)
- 50 feet regardless of building height
- 100 feet regardless of building method
Correct answer: One and a half times the height of the structure
OSHA guidelines recommend a standoff distance of at least 1.5 times the height of the structure to protect against falling debris.
Question 6: Which federal agency regulates the transportation of hazardous demolition waste such as mercury-containing devices off-site?
- OSHA
- EPA
- DOT via PHMSA (Correct answer)
- NIOSH
Correct answer: DOT via PHMSA
The Department of Transportation through PHMSA regulates the transport of hazardous materials, including demolition waste containing mercury.
Question 7: What action is required when a demolition supervisor discovers an unmarked drum of unknown liquid in a structure scheduled for demolition?
- Open the drum carefully to smell-test the contents
- Treat it as hazardous and initiate a hazmat response protocol (Correct answer)
- Dispose of it with general construction debris
- Transfer it to another container for easier handling
Correct answer: Treat it as hazardous and initiate a hazmat response protocol
Unknown substances must be treated as hazardous until identified; the supervisor must stop work and initiate a hazmat response protocol.
CDS Safety Standards & Hazardous Material Handling 2
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.850, what must be done before demolition work begins on any structure?