EPA Worker Protection & PPE 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of respirator provides the minimum level of protection for workers disturbing lead-based paint during renovation?
- N-100 half-face air-purifying respirator (Correct answer)
- Dust mask (N-95 surgical style)
- Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)
- Supplied-air respirator (SAR)
Correct answer: N-100 half-face air-purifying respirator
OSHA recommends at minimum an N-100 (HEPA) half-face air-purifying respirator for lead paint disturbance activities.
Question 2: Before using a respirator for lead renovation work, what must workers complete under OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard?
- A medical evaluation and fit test (Correct answer)
- A 40-hour lead abatement training course
- EPA Certified Renovator certification
- A minimum of 6 months on-the-job experience
Correct answer: A medical evaluation and fit test
OSHA requires workers to pass a medical evaluation and a fit test before using a tight-fitting respirator for lead dust exposure.
Question 3: What type of protective suit is recommended for lead renovation workers to prevent skin and clothing contamination?
- Disposable full-body coveralls (Correct answer)
- Standard denim work jeans and long-sleeved shirt
- Rubber chemical-resistant suit
- Heat-reflective silver suit
Correct answer: Disposable full-body coveralls
Disposable full-body coveralls prevent lead dust from contaminating workers' skin and street clothes during renovation.
Question 4: How should workers decontaminate themselves before leaving a lead renovation work area?
- Remove and bag disposable PPE, then HEPA-vacuum clothing or wash hands and face (Correct answer)
- Use a standard broom to sweep dust off clothing
- Change shoes only and leave other clothing in place
- Wash hands with cold water and immediately exit
Correct answer: Remove and bag disposable PPE, then HEPA-vacuum clothing or wash hands and face
Workers must remove and bag disposable PPE within the work area, then HEPA-vacuum or wash exposed skin before leaving the containment zone.
Question 5: Why should workers never eat, drink, or smoke inside a lead renovation work area?
- Ingestion of lead dust is a primary route of lead exposure (Correct answer)
- It is a fire safety regulation unrelated to lead
- OSHA prohibits eating during work hours regardless of hazards
- It can damage EPA-recognized test kits stored on-site
Correct answer: Ingestion of lead dust is a primary route of lead exposure
Eating or drinking in a contaminated work area can result in ingestion of lead dust, which is a direct route of lead poisoning.
Question 6: Which glove material is most appropriate for lead renovation work?
- Disposable nitrile or latex gloves (Correct answer)
- Leather work gloves
- Cotton fabric gloves
- Insulated rubber electrician's gloves
Correct answer: Disposable nitrile or latex gloves
Disposable nitrile or latex gloves protect hands from lead dust and are discarded as waste inside the work area.
EPA Worker Protection & PPE 1
Which type of respirator provides the minimum level of protection for workers disturbing lead-based paint during renovation?