RIA Lead, Asbestos & Silica Safety 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A restoration contractor discovers suspected ACM during water damage remediation. What is the FIRST action they should take?
- Wet the material and continue work with respiratory protection
- Stop work, secure the area, and have the material tested by a licensed inspector (Correct answer)
- Remove the material immediately to prevent further water damage
- Notify the building owner and continue working carefully
Correct answer: Stop work, secure the area, and have the material tested by a licensed inspector
Work must stop immediately upon discovery of suspected ACM; the area must be secured and material tested by a licensed inspector before work resumes.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a 'negative pressure enclosure' during asbestos abatement?
- To increase air pressure to push asbestos fibers into filters
- To maintain air pressure lower inside than outside to prevent fiber escape (Correct answer)
- To eliminate humidity inside the work area
- To create a vacuum that destroys asbestos fibers
Correct answer: To maintain air pressure lower inside than outside to prevent fiber escape
Negative pressure enclosures maintain lower air pressure inside than outside, ensuring air flows in rather than out, preventing fiber release to surrounding areas.
Question 3: Under OSHA's lead standard for construction, what blood lead level (BLL) triggers mandatory medical removal of a worker?
- 10 µg/dL
- 30 µg/dL
- 40 µg/dL (Correct answer)
- 50 µg/dL
Correct answer: 40 µg/dL
OSHA requires medical removal when a worker's blood lead level reaches or exceeds 50 µg/dL, or when a physician recommends removal at 40 µg/dL.
Question 4: Which disease is specifically associated with long-term silica dust inhalation?
- Mesothelioma
- Silicosis (Correct answer)
- Asbestosis
- Pleural plaques
Correct answer: Silicosis
Silicosis is the occupational lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust, resulting in lung scarring and reduced lung function.
Question 5: What is 'glove bag' technique used for in asbestos remediation?
- Storing contaminated PPE after removal
- Removing small sections of asbestos pipe insulation in a controlled manner (Correct answer)
- Collecting air samples near ACM during abatement
- Double-bagging asbestos waste for disposal
Correct answer: Removing small sections of asbestos pipe insulation in a controlled manner
A glove bag is a pre-fabricated device that allows workers to remove short sections of asbestos pipe insulation while maintaining containment.
Question 6: Under the RRP Rule, how long must renovation firms retain records of compliance (e.g., test reports, training certifications)?
- 1 year
- 3 years (Correct answer)
- 5 years
- 7 years
Correct answer: 3 years
EPA RRP Rule requires certified renovation firms to retain records for a minimum of 3 years following completion of the renovation.
Question 7: Which engineering control is specifically listed in OSHA Table 1 (29 CFR 1926.1153) for using a handheld power saw to cut fiber-cement board containing silica?
- Use of wet cutting methods
- HEPA vacuum shroud with integrated dust collection on the saw (Correct answer)
- Continuous local exhaust ventilation only
- Outdoor work with employees facing upwind
Correct answer: HEPA vacuum shroud with integrated dust collection on the saw
OSHA Table 1 specifies a HEPA vacuum with shroud or equivalent local exhaust for handheld power saws cutting fiber-cement board.
RIA Lead, Asbestos & Silica Safety 3
A restoration contractor discovers suspected ACM during water damage remediation.
What is the FIRST action they should take?