Mesothelioma Navy Mesothelioma Navy Industry Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which decade saw the US Navy begin phasing out asbestos-containing materials from new ship construction?
- 1950s
- 1960s
- 1970s (Correct answer)
- 1990s
Correct answer: 1970s
The Navy began significantly phasing out asbestos in new construction during the 1970s following growing evidence of health hazards.
Question 2: Under OSHA's asbestos standard (29 CFR 1915) for shipyards, what is the excursion limit for a 30-minute short-term exposure?
- 5.0 f/cc (Correct answer)
- 2.0 f/cc
- 1.0 f/cc
- 0.5 f/cc
Correct answer: 5.0 f/cc
OSHA sets the short-term excursion limit at 1.0 f/cc for a 30-minute period under 29 CFR 1926.1101 (construction) and shipyard standards.
Question 3: Which Navy document classification system was used to track hazardous materials, including asbestos, aboard ships?
- Technical Manual (NAVSHIPS)
- Hazardous Material Information System (HMIS) (Correct answer)
- Ship's Maintenance Plan (SMP)
- Material Safety Report (MSR)
Correct answer: Hazardous Material Information System (HMIS)
The Hazardous Material Information System (HMIS) was the Navy's database for tracking hazardous materials including asbestos aboard vessels.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a negative-pressure enclosure during Navy asbestos abatement operations?
- To cool workers during hot weather
- To prevent asbestos fibers from escaping into surrounding areas (Correct answer)
- To increase air circulation for worker comfort
- To monitor fiber counts during work
Correct answer: To prevent asbestos fibers from escaping into surrounding areas
Negative-pressure enclosures contain asbestos fibers within the work area by keeping air pressure lower inside than outside.
Question 5: Which type of mesothelioma is most commonly diagnosed in Navy veterans exposed to asbestos in shipyard environments?
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Pleural mesothelioma (Correct answer)
- Pericardial mesothelioma
- Testicular mesothelioma
Correct answer: Pleural mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the lungs, is the most common form and accounts for about 75% of all cases, including those in Navy veterans.
Question 6: Under NAVSEA standard items, how long must asbestos exposure records be retained for Navy shipyard workers?
- 5 years
- 10 years
- 30 years from date of employment termination (Correct answer)
- 50 years
Correct answer: 30 years from date of employment termination
OSHA and Navy regulations require asbestos exposure records to be retained for 30 years after termination of employment.
Question 7: What term describes asbestos-containing materials that can be crumbled by hand pressure and pose the greatest inhalation risk?
- Bonded asbestos
- Encapsulated asbestos
- Friable asbestos (Correct answer)
- Composite asbestos
Correct answer: Friable asbestos
Friable asbestos can be reduced to powder by hand pressure and readily releases fibers into the air, creating significant inhalation hazards.
Mesothelioma Navy Mesothelioma Navy Industry Standards 3
Which decade saw the US Navy begin phasing out asbestos-containing materials from new ship construction?