EPA Worker Health, Safety & PPE 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Fit test

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Wash hands and face thoroughly

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Disposable coveralls (Tyvek or equivalent) over personal clothing

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

EPA - Environmental Protection Agency Certified Lead Contractors Practice Test

EPA - Environmental Protection Agency Certified Lead Contractors Practice Test

EPA Worker Health, Safety & PPE 2