Mesothelioma Navy Asbestos Regulations & Prevention 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which historical Navy regulation first established permissible exposure limits for asbestos aboard vessels?
- BUMED Instruction 6260.7 (1970)
- OPNAVINST 5100.23 (1987) (Correct answer)
- NAVSHIPSO Manual 0901-020-7000 (1958)
- MILSPEC MIL-A-3700 (1945)
Correct answer: OPNAVINST 5100.23 (1987)
OPNAVINST 5100.23, the Navy's occupational safety program instruction, established comprehensive asbestos controls and exposure limits for Navy personnel.
Question 2: What personal protective measure was required for Navy workers performing 'Class I' asbestos work — the removal of thermal system insulation?
- Chemical-resistant gloves only
- Full protective suit, gloves, and supplied-air respirator (Correct answer)
- Half-mask respirator and coveralls
- No special protection if fibers were below the PEL
Correct answer: Full protective suit, gloves, and supplied-air respirator
Class I asbestos work is the highest-risk category and demands full body protection including a supplied-air respirator and disposable coveralls.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a 'negative-pressure enclosure' during asbestos abatement aboard a Navy vessel?
- To heat the work area and soften asbestos for easier removal
- To contain asbestos fibers and prevent contamination of surrounding spaces (Correct answer)
- To reduce humidity and speed drying of wetting agents
- To create positive pressure so workers breathe clean air without respirators
Correct answer: To contain asbestos fibers and prevent contamination of surrounding spaces
Negative-pressure enclosures use exhaust fans with HEPA filtration to keep airborne fibers inside the work zone and prevent spread to adjacent areas.
Question 4: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1915 (Shipyard Employment), what is the 'excursion limit' for asbestos exposure over a 30-minute period?
- 0.1 f/cc
- 0.5 f/cc
- 1.0 f/cc (Correct answer)
- 2.5 f/cc
Correct answer: 1.0 f/cc
OSHA's shipyard asbestos standard sets a short-term excursion limit of 1.0 fiber per cubic centimeter over any 30-minute sampling period.
Question 5: Which wetting method is required under OSHA and Navy standards to minimize airborne asbestos fibers during removal?
- Dry brushing before removal
- Amended water (water with a surfactant) applied to keep material wet (Correct answer)
- Steam cleaning after removal
- Vacuuming with a standard shop vacuum
Correct answer: Amended water (water with a surfactant) applied to keep material wet
Amended water (water mixed with a wetting agent/surfactant) is required to keep asbestos material wet during removal, reducing fiber release.
Question 6: What is required before a Navy contractor can begin Class II asbestos work — disturbance of asbestos-containing floor or ceiling tiles?
- No training required for tiles rated below 1% asbestos
- OSHA 16-hour asbestos awareness training only
- Competent person oversight and appropriate respiratory protection (Correct answer)
- Prior EPA written approval
Correct answer: Competent person oversight and appropriate respiratory protection
Class II work requires a competent person to oversee operations and workers must use appropriate respiratory protection based on exposure assessment.
Question 7: Which disposal method is mandated for asbestos waste removed from Navy ships under EPA regulations?
- Standard municipal landfill disposal in sealed bags
- Incineration at any licensed facility
- Disposal at an EPA-approved asbestos waste disposal site in leak-tight containers (Correct answer)
- Discharge at sea beyond the 200-mile limit
Correct answer: Disposal at an EPA-approved asbestos waste disposal site in leak-tight containers
EPA regulations require asbestos waste to be placed in leak-tight, labeled containers and disposed of only at approved waste sites that accept asbestos.
Mesothelioma Navy Asbestos Regulations & Prevention 3
Which historical Navy regulation first established permissible exposure limits for asbestos aboard vessels?