CIH Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the Assigned Protection Factor (APF) for a half-face air-purifying respirator according to OSHA?
- 5
- 10 (Correct answer)
- 50
- 100
Correct answer: 10
OSHA assigns an APF of 10 to half-face air-purifying respirators, meaning they can be used when workplace concentrations are up to 10 times the OEL.
Question 2: Which NIOSH filter series designation is oil-proof and provides protection against both oil-based and non-oil-based aerosols?
- N-series
- R-series
- P-series (Correct answer)
- H-series
Correct answer: P-series
P-series filters (P95, P99, P100) are oil-proof and approved for use against all types of particulate aerosols including oil-based mists.
Question 3: Which testing method measures the time for a chemical to diffuse at the molecular level through an intact glove material?
- Penetration testing
- Permeation testing (Correct answer)
- Degradation testing
- Abrasion testing
Correct answer: Permeation testing
Permeation testing measures the breakthrough time for a chemical to diffuse at the molecular level through intact glove material, which is critical for chemical hazard protection.
Question 4: Per OSHA guidelines, by what factor should the labeled Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of a single hearing protector be derated to estimate real-world performance?
- 25%
- 50% (Correct answer)
- 75%
- No derating required
Correct answer: 50%
OSHA recommends derating the labeled NRR by 50% to account for variability in fit, use, and conditions compared to laboratory testing.
Question 5: Which type of fit test uses a saccharin or Bitrex aerosol challenge agent that the wearer detects by taste?
- Quantitative fit test
- Qualitative fit test (Correct answer)
- Pressure check
- Ambient aerosol concentration test
Correct answer: Qualitative fit test
Qualitative fit tests use challenge agents like saccharin or Bitrex that the wearer detects sensorially, indicating a compromised respirator seal.
Question 6: Which EPA hazmat suit level provides the highest degree of skin and respiratory protection, including a fully encapsulating vapor-tight garment with SCBA?
- Level A (Correct answer)
- Level B
- Level C
- Level D
Correct answer: Level A
Level A suits are fully encapsulating, vapor-tight garments worn with SCBA, providing maximum protection against vapors, gases, and particulates.
Question 7: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, which document must employees complete before initial respirator use?
- OSHA Form 300
- OSHA Appendix C medical questionnaire (Correct answer)
- NIOSH Form 9
- ACGIH Medical Clearance Form
Correct answer: OSHA Appendix C medical questionnaire
OSHA 1910.134 Appendix C contains the mandatory medical evaluation questionnaire that must be completed before an employee is permitted to use a respirator.
CIH Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 1
What is the Assigned Protection Factor (APF) for a half-face air-purifying respirator according to OSHA?