Health Hazards and Hygiene Flashcards

Silica dust exposure in construction is primarily associated with which occupational disease?

Answer: Silicosis

Crystalline silica dust causes silicosis, a progressive, irreversible lung disease, and is also a recognized carcinogen associated with lung cancer.

OSHA's construction standard for crystalline silica (29 CFR 1926.1153) requires engineering controls for tasks that generate silica dust. The most effective engineering control is:

Answer: Using wet methods or local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to capture dust at the source

Wet methods (water suppression) and LEV capture silica dust at the source before it becomes airborne, providing the most effective protection.

Which of the following is a construction health hazard caused by repeated vibration exposure to the hands and arms?

Answer: Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)/vibration white finger

HAVS is caused by prolonged use of vibrating hand tools (jackhammers, grinders, saws) and causes damage to blood vessels, nerves, and joints in the hand and arm.

What is the primary route of exposure that makes lead paint removal in construction a significant health hazard?

Answer: Inhalation of lead dust and fume

Inhalation of lead dust or fume (from grinding, sanding, heating lead paint) is the primary exposure route in construction lead work.

Heat illness prevention on construction sites primarily involves:

Answer: Hydration (water every 15-20 minutes), rest in shade, and acclimatization for new workers

OSHA's heat illness prevention program focuses on water, rest, and shade — plus acclimatization for workers not yet adapted to heat.

Adequate sanitation facilities on construction sites include potable water for drinking at a minimum rate of:

Answer: 1 quart per worker per day

OSHA requires a minimum of 1 quart of potable water per person per hour during heavy work in heat, but baseline requirement is 1 quart per worker per day.