CIH Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the OSHA-assigned Assigned Protection Factor (APF) for a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) with a loose-fitting facepiece?
- 10
- 25 (Correct answer)
- 50
- 1000
Correct answer: 25
OSHA assigns an APF of 25 to PAPRs with loose-fitting facepieces; the continuous positive airflow reduces but does not fully eliminate inward leakage.
Question 2: How is Maximum Use Concentration (MUC) calculated using the Assigned Protection Factor (APF)?
- MUC = OEL × APF (Correct answer)
- MUC = OEL / APF
- MUC = APF + OEL
- MUC = APF × IDLH
Correct answer: MUC = OEL × APF
MUC = OEL × APF represents the highest airborne concentration at which a respirator may be used while still providing adequate worker protection.
Question 3: Which type of eye protection provides complete perimeter sealing around the orbital area and is required when handling liquid chemical splash hazards?
- Safety glasses with side shields
- Chemical splash goggles (Correct answer)
- Face shield alone
- Welding goggles
Correct answer: Chemical splash goggles
Chemical splash goggles use indirect ventilation and a sealed perimeter to prevent liquid chemicals from reaching the eyes from any direction.
Question 4: What is the minimum filtration efficiency required for an N95 respirator to receive NIOSH approval?
- 90%
- 95% (Correct answer)
- 99%
- 99.97%
Correct answer: 95%
N95 respirators must filter at least 95% of airborne particles (0.3 micron test aerosol) to receive NIOSH approval under the N-series classification.
Question 5: What is the best estimate of combined noise attenuation when an employee wears both earplugs and earmuffs simultaneously?
- Sum of both NRR values
- Add 5 dB to the higher NRR value (Correct answer)
- Multiply both NRR values
- Average of the two NRR values
Correct answer: Add 5 dB to the higher NRR value
When dual hearing protection is used, OSHA and NIOSH recommend adding approximately 5 dB to the higher NRR because bone conduction limits the combined attenuation achievable.
Question 6: Which OSHA standard governs the general requirements for PPE selection and hazard assessment in general industry?
- 29 CFR 1910.95
- 29 CFR 1910.132 (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910.134
- 29 CFR 1926.501
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1910.132
29 CFR 1910.132 is the general PPE standard for general industry, requiring hazard assessments, appropriate PPE selection, and employee training.
Question 7: What does the acronym IDLH stand for in the context of respiratory hazard evaluation?
- Instantaneous Dose Limit for Hazards
- Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (Correct answer)
- Integrated Daily Limit for Health
- Industrial Design Level for Hazards
Correct answer: Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health
IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) is the maximum concentration from which a worker could escape within 30 minutes without irreversible health effects.
CIH Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 2
What is the OSHA-assigned Assigned Protection Factor (APF) for a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) with a loose-fitting facepiece?