RMS Health & Safety Regulations in Radon Mitigation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under EPA guidelines, what is the recommended action level for radon in US homes?
- 2 pCi/L
- 4 pCi/L (Correct answer)
- 8 pCi/L
- 10 pCi/L
Correct answer: 4 pCi/L
The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon levels when the concentration reaches 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
Question 2: Which federal agency sets the occupational exposure limits for radon in mines and underground workplaces?
- EPA
- OSHA
- MSHA (Correct answer)
- CDC
Correct answer: MSHA
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) sets and enforces radon exposure limits specifically for underground miners and mining operations.
Question 3: A radon mitigation contractor discovers asbestos-containing materials while installing a sub-slab depressurization system. What is the correct action?
- Continue work while wearing an N95 respirator
- Stop work immediately and notify the building owner (Correct answer)
- Remove the asbestos using standard PPE before proceeding
- Seal the area with caulk and continue installation
Correct answer: Stop work immediately and notify the building owner
Contractors must stop work immediately upon discovering suspected ACM and notify the property owner, as asbestos abatement requires licensed professionals.
Question 4: What does the ANSI/AARST standard require regarding the documentation of a radon mitigation system installation?
- Only a verbal confirmation to the homeowner is needed
- A written record including system design and post-mitigation test results must be provided (Correct answer)
- Documentation is optional if the post-test is below 4 pCi/L
- Only the measurement device serial number must be recorded
Correct answer: A written record including system design and post-mitigation test results must be provided
ANSI/AARST standards require written documentation of the system design, materials used, and post-mitigation measurement results to be provided to the building owner.
Question 5: Which respiratory protection is considered the minimum for a radon mitigation specialist working in a crawl space with high radon levels and possible mold?
- N95 filtering facepiece respirator
- Half-face APF-10 respirator with P100 filters (Correct answer)
- Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)
- No respirator is needed for short-duration tasks
Correct answer: Half-face APF-10 respirator with P100 filters
A half-face respirator with P100 particulate filters provides adequate protection against mold spores and particulate hazards encountered in crawl space environments.
Question 6: Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), what must a radon mitigation contractor do before using a chemical sealant on a job site?
- Obtain a permit from the local health department
- Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the product (Correct answer)
- Notify the EPA at least 48 hours in advance
- Test soil gas concentration before applying sealant
Correct answer: Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the product
OSHA's HazCom Standard requires workers to review the Safety Data Sheet for any chemical product before use to understand hazards and required PPE.
Question 7: When a radon mitigation system is installed in a school, which additional regulatory layer typically applies beyond standard residential guidelines?
- FEMA flood zone requirements
- State and local building codes for public occupancy and ventilation (Correct answer)
- USDA rural development standards
- FHA mortgage insurance requirements
Correct answer: State and local building codes for public occupancy and ventilation
Schools fall under public occupancy codes that impose stricter ventilation and safety requirements beyond those for residential installations.
RMS Health & Safety Regulations in Radon Mitigation 2
Under EPA guidelines, what is the recommended action level for radon in US homes?