Mesothelioma Navy Mesothelioma Navy Industry Standards 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA), which type of worker can file claims for asbestos-related disease acquired in Navy shipyards?
- Active duty military personnel only
- Civilian shipyard workers and contractors (Correct answer)
- Veterans with honorable discharges only
- Federal civilian employees under FECA
Correct answer: Civilian shipyard workers and contractors
The LHWCA covers civilian maritime workers including shipyard employees and contractors who developed asbestos diseases in covered workplaces.
Question 2: What is the significance of the 'action level' of 0.1 f/cc in OSHA's asbestos standard for Navy shipyard work?
- It is the level at which OSHA issues automatic fines
- It triggers requirements for medical surveillance and exposure monitoring (Correct answer)
- It mandates immediate evacuation of the work area
- It requires workers to wear supplied-air respirators
Correct answer: It triggers requirements for medical surveillance and exposure monitoring
When asbestos concentrations reach the action level of 0.1 f/cc, employers must implement medical surveillance and periodic air monitoring programs.
Question 3: Which type of asbestos, most commonly found in Navy ship insulation, is classified as an amphibole and considered most carcinogenic?
- Chrysotile (white asbestos)
- Amosite (brown asbestos)
- Crocidolite (blue asbestos) (Correct answer)
- Tremolite
Correct answer: Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
Crocidolite (blue asbestos) is considered the most dangerous type due to its thin, needle-like fibers that penetrate deeply into lung tissue.
Question 4: What does the NAVSEA specification TS-9074-AS-GIB-010/271 primarily govern in Navy ship maintenance contexts?
- Hazardous material disposal procedures
- Underwater hull cleaning requirements
- Requirements for welding and allied processes on Navy ships (Correct answer)
- Painting and surface coating standards
Correct answer: Requirements for welding and allied processes on Navy ships
TS-9074-AS-GIB-010/271 governs welding and allied processes, which often occurred near asbestos-insulated equipment, creating combined exposure risks.
Question 5: The latency period for mesothelioma to develop after asbestos exposure is typically how long, which complicates Navy veteran compensation claims?
- 1-5 years
- 5-10 years
- 20-50 years (Correct answer)
- 10-15 years
Correct answer: 20-50 years
Mesothelioma typically develops 20 to 50 years after initial asbestos exposure, meaning many Navy veterans are diagnosed long after their service ends.
Question 6: Which program administered by the VA provides monthly compensation to veterans with service-connected mesothelioma rated at 100% disability?
- Veterans Pension
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Disability Compensation under 38 CFR Part 4 (Correct answer)
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Correct answer: Disability Compensation under 38 CFR Part 4
Disability Compensation under 38 CFR Part 4 provides monthly payments to veterans with service-connected conditions, with 100% ratings for terminal conditions like mesothelioma.
Question 7: When a Navy ship is being decommissioned and dismantled under NESHAP regulations, what must occur before physical demolition begins?
- The ship must be dry-docked for at least 90 days
- All asbestos-containing materials must be removed (stripped) before demolition (Correct answer)
- EPA must conduct an on-site inspection of the vessel
- Workers must undergo 40-hour HAZWOPER training
Correct answer: All asbestos-containing materials must be removed (stripped) before demolition
NESHAP requires thorough removal of all asbestos-containing materials prior to the start of active demolition to prevent fiber release.
Mesothelioma Navy Mesothelioma Navy Industry Standards 5
Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA), which type of worker can file claims for asbestos-related disease acquired in Navy shipyards?