Lead Exposure
Lead exposure in the workplace is a serious concern for employers and employees. All proper precautions should be taken anytime there could be an exposure. Understanding how exposures occur, the action level (AL) and permissible exposure limits (PEL), and which PPE is appropriate for the situation are all imperative in keeping workers safe. Please review this quiz, 29 CFR 1926.62 Safety and Health Regulation for Construction and the “Protecting Workers from Lead Hazards” fact sheet at www.osha.gov.
1. Lead exposure can occur during ______.
Correct Answer: Any of the above
2. In construction, the PEL for inorganic lead exposure is ______ micrograms (mcg) of lead per cubic meter of air, as averaged over an 8-hour period.
Correct Answer: 50
3. In construction, regardless of respirator use, employers are required to begin specific compliance activities when the AL is ______ mcg of lead per cubic meter of air, as averaged over an 8-hour period.
Correct Answer: 30
4. Medical removal of an employee is required if their blood lead level is at or above ______ mcg/deciliter (dL).
Correct Answer: 50
5. An employee is allowed to return to work following a blood lead level test showing a value below ______ mcg/dL.
Correct Answer: 40
6. The best way to control exposure to lead is through engineering controls and work practices such as using respirators and/or protective garments, good hygiene habits and possibly taking a shower for decontamination before leaving the work site.
Correct Answer: True
7. Clean work clothing must be issued daily for employees exposed to lead levels above ______ mcg of lead per cubic meter of air, or weekly if exposure levels are above the PEL and below ______ mcg of lead per cubic meter of air.
Correct Answer: 200, 200
8. A full-facepiece respirator is not required for protection from lead aerosols that may cause eye or skin irritation at the use concentrations. A half-mask respirator is acceptable for protection.
Correct Answer: False
9. When respiratory protection is required for lead exposure, a respiratory protection program that complies with ______ must be established.
Correct Answer: 29 CFR 1910.134
10. Warning signs are required in each work area where employee exposure can exceed the PEL, and should include the following statement(s) ______.
Correct Answer: A, B, C and D
Score: