Worker Health, Safety & PPE Flashcards

Which respirator protection factor is appropriate for most lead renovation and abatement tasks with moderate dust generation?

Answer: APF-50 (half-face elastomeric with P100 filters)

A half-face elastomeric respirator with P100 filters (APF-50) is commonly required for lead abatement tasks, filtering at least 99.97% of airborne particles.

Before using a tight-fitting respirator on a lead abatement job, what must the worker perform?

Answer: Fit test

OSHA requires a fit test before workers use tight-fitting respirators to ensure the facepiece creates an adequate seal, preventing lead dust bypass.

What should workers do immediately before eating, drinking, or smoking when working in a lead-contaminated area?

Answer: Wash hands and face thoroughly

Hand and face washing removes lead contamination that could be ingested, as ingestion is a significant route of lead exposure.

What type of protective clothing is required during lead abatement activities?

Answer: Disposable coveralls (Tyvek or equivalent) over personal clothing

Disposable coveralls prevent lead dust from contaminating personal clothing and are discarded in the work area after use, preventing take-home contamination.

Why is it prohibited to dry sweep lead-contaminated areas during or after abatement?

Answer: Dry sweeping resuspends lead dust into the air, increasing inhalation exposure

Dry sweeping agitates settled lead dust and makes it airborne again, dramatically increasing the concentration of lead dust that workers and occupants can inhale.

Under the EPA RRP Rule, which activity requires contractors to use lead-safe work practices to protect themselves and occupants?

Answer: Disturbing more than 6 sq ft of lead paint indoors per room

The EPA RRP Rule triggers lead-safe work practices when more than 6 square feet of lead-based paint per room is disturbed indoors (or 20 sq ft outdoors).