NDT Safety Protocols & Compliance Regulations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under 29 CFR 1910.134, when is a supplied-air respirator (SAR) required rather than an air-purifying respirator (APR) during boiler NDT work?
- When oxygen-deficient atmospheres or IDLH concentrations are present (Correct answer)
- Whenever entering any boiler shell
- When ambient temperature exceeds 90°F
- When performing ultrasonic testing only
Correct answer: When oxygen-deficient atmospheres or IDLH concentrations are present
SARs are required in oxygen-deficient (<19.5% O₂) or immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) atmospheres where APR cartridges cannot provide adequate protection.
Question 2: Which ASNT document establishes the recommended practice for qualification and certification of NDT personnel?
- ASNT SNT-TC-1A (Correct answer)
- ASME Section V Article 1
- API 510
- OSHA 1910.147
Correct answer: ASNT SNT-TC-1A
ASNT SNT-TC-1A is the industry standard recommended practice that governs how employers qualify and certify NDT personnel at Levels I, II, and III.
Question 3: A radiographer performing RT on a boiler must establish a radiation exclusion zone. What instrument is used to determine the zone boundary?
- Survey meter (Geiger counter or ion chamber) (Correct answer)
- Dosimeter badge only
- Ultraviolet light detector
- Magnetic field strength meter
Correct answer: Survey meter (Geiger counter or ion chamber)
A survey meter measures real-time radiation dose rates, allowing the radiographer to establish a boundary where dose rate falls to acceptable levels.
Question 4: According to OSHA fall protection standards, at what height above a lower level must a boilermaker NDT technician use fall protection on unguarded elevated surfaces?
- 4 feet in general industry or 6 feet in construction (Correct answer)
- 10 feet in all settings
- 8 feet in general industry
- Any height above ground level
Correct answer: 4 feet in general industry or 6 feet in construction
OSHA mandates fall protection at 4 feet for general industry (1910.23) and 6 feet for construction (1926.502) from unguarded edges.
Question 5: What does the term 'baseline inspection' mean in the context of boiler NDT compliance programs?
- An initial inspection that establishes reference data for future comparisons (Correct answer)
- An inspection performed after a boiler failure
- A required annual government inspection
- An informal walk-around prior to formal NDT
Correct answer: An initial inspection that establishes reference data for future comparisons
A baseline inspection documents the original condition of a component so that future inspections can measure corrosion, erosion, or defect growth over time.
Question 6: Which safety document must be prominently posted at the work site when radiographic testing is being performed per NRC regulations?
- Radiography license and emergency contact procedures (Correct answer)
- MSDS sheets for all chemicals
- The facility evacuation plan only
- The lead radiographer's personal certification card
Correct answer: Radiography license and emergency contact procedures
NRC regulations require that the radiography license and emergency procedures be accessible at the work site to inform workers and responders of radiation hazards.
Question 7: During liquid penetrant testing (PT) in a confined boiler space, which health hazard demands special attention?
- Inhalation of solvent vapors from penetrant and cleaner materials (Correct answer)
- Ultraviolet radiation from ambient sunlight
- Electric shock from high-voltage equipment
- Noise-induced hearing loss from the spray can
Correct answer: Inhalation of solvent vapors from penetrant and cleaner materials
Penetrant and cleaner solvents release vapors that can reach hazardous concentrations in confined spaces without adequate ventilation.
NDT Safety Protocols & Compliance Regulations 3
Under 29 CFR 1910.134, when is a supplied-air respirator (SAR) required rather than an air-purifying respirator (APR) during boiler NDT work?