Lead, Asbestos & Silica Safety Flashcards

What is the OSHA PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for lead in the construction industry as an 8-hour TWA?

Answer: 50 µg/m³

OSHA's PEL for lead in construction (29 CFR 1926.62) is 50 µg/m³ as an 8-hour time-weighted average.

During asbestos abatement, what is the purpose of the 'three-stage decontamination unit'?

Answer: To provide a clean room, shower room, and equipment room for worker decontamination

A three-stage decontamination unit provides sequential clean room, shower, and equipment rooms to prevent contamination from leaving the work area.

A restoration firm is sandblasting a bridge with lead paint. Which lead abatement containment category requires full containment with negative pressure and HEPA exhaust?

Answer: Category III — Contained abatement

Category III (Contained Abatement) requires full containment with negative pressure and HEPA-filtered exhaust ventilation for high-dust activities like abrasive blasting.

What does 'Tremolite' refer to in the context of asbestos hazards?

Answer: A regulated form of asbestos that may contaminate vermiculite or talc

Tremolite is a regulated asbestos mineral that can contaminate non-asbestos products like vermiculite insulation and some talcum products.

Under EPA regulations, asbestos-containing waste material (ACWM) must be disposed of at a landfill that:

Answer: Is approved under EPA NESHAP to accept asbestos waste

EPA NESHAP requires asbestos waste to be disposed of at a landfill approved to accept ACWM, not necessarily a RCRA hazardous waste facility.

A worker doing concrete grinding generates silica dust. Per OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153, if the employer does not use Table 1 controls, what must they do instead?

Answer: Conduct objective air monitoring and implement controls to meet the PEL

When not following Table 1 controls, employers must conduct objective air monitoring and implement engineering and administrative controls to keep exposure at or below the PEL.

Which federal agency regulates the transport of asbestos-containing waste materials on public roads?

Answer: DOT (Department of Transportation)

DOT regulates the transportation of hazardous materials including asbestos waste on public roads under 49 CFR.