PC Environmental & Hazard Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal agency regulates the disposal of hazardous waste generated during plumbing renovations?
- OSHA
- EPA (Correct answer)
- CPSC
- DOT
Correct answer: EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates hazardous waste disposal under RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act).
Question 2: When working in a confined space with potential for toxic gas accumulation, what must be done before entry?
- Post a warning sign at the entrance
- Test the atmosphere for oxygen, flammable, and toxic gases (Correct answer)
- Ventilate for at least 10 minutes then enter
- Wear a dust mask and proceed
Correct answer: Test the atmosphere for oxygen, flammable, and toxic gases
OSHA requires atmospheric testing for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic contaminants before any confined space entry.
Question 3: What is the primary concern when soldering copper pipes in an enclosed space without adequate ventilation?
- Fire from the torch flame
- Inhalation of flux fumes and lead vapors (Correct answer)
- Overheating the pipe
- Condensation on the pipe surface
Correct answer: Inhalation of flux fumes and lead vapors
Flux fumes and any lead-based solder vapors are toxic and can accumulate to dangerous levels in poorly ventilated spaces.
Question 4: Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, which type of solder is prohibited for use in potable water supply systems?
- Lead-free solder with less than 0.2% lead
- Solder containing more than 0.2% lead (Correct answer)
- Silver-bearing solder
- Tin-antimony solder
Correct answer: Solder containing more than 0.2% lead
The SDWA prohibits solder containing more than 0.2% lead in potable water systems to prevent lead contamination.
Question 5: A plumber discovers black mold growing behind a wall during a bathroom remodel. What is the correct first action?
- Scrub it off with bleach and continue work
- Stop work and notify the property owner and supervisor (Correct answer)
- Cover it with drywall compound and seal it
- Ignore it if it is a small area
Correct answer: Stop work and notify the property owner and supervisor
Work should be stopped and the discovery reported so proper mold remediation protocols and testing can be arranged by qualified professionals.
Question 6: What is the maximum allowable level of lead in drinking water at the consumer's tap under EPA action level guidelines?
- 5 ppb
- 10 ppb
- 15 ppb (Correct answer)
- 25 ppb
Correct answer: 15 ppb
The EPA action level for lead in drinking water is 15 parts per billion (ppb) at the consumer's tap.
Question 7: Which chemical is commonly used to disinfect a water distribution system after repair and must be properly flushed before returning to service?
- Muriatic acid
- Chlorine bleach solution (Correct answer)
- Hydrogen peroxide at 3%
- Ammonia solution
Correct answer: Chlorine bleach solution
A chlorine bleach solution (sodium hypochlorite) is the standard disinfectant for water mains and pipes after repair, and must be fully flushed afterward.
PC Environmental & Hazard Management 2
Which federal agency regulates the disposal of hazardous waste generated during plumbing renovations?