C33 Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum permissible exposure limit (PEL) for airborne lead dust set by Cal/OSHA for construction workers?
- 50 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) as an 8-hour TWA (Correct answer)
- 100 μg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA
- 200 μg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA
- 25 μg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA
Correct answer: 50 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) as an 8-hour TWA
Cal/OSHA sets the PEL for lead in construction at 50 μg/m³ as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
Question 2: When spray painting in a confined space, which ventilation method is required to prevent solvent vapor buildup?
- Forced-air mechanical ventilation providing at least 1 cfm per square foot of floor area (Correct answer)
- Opening one window on each side of the space
- Using a portable fan aimed at the painter
- Allowing natural convection through any existing openings
Correct answer: Forced-air mechanical ventilation providing at least 1 cfm per square foot of floor area
Confined space spray painting requires mechanical forced-air ventilation to dilute and exhaust flammable and toxic vapors below hazardous levels.
Question 3: Under California regulations, a painting contractor must provide a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) that includes which key element?
- Procedures for identifying and evaluating workplace hazards (Correct answer)
- A list of all clients served in the past year
- Copies of all material safety data sheets for office supplies
- The contractor's marketing and bidding strategy
Correct answer: Procedures for identifying and evaluating workplace hazards
Cal/OSHA Title 8 Section 3203 requires every employer's IIPP to include a system for identifying and evaluating workplace hazards.
Question 4: Which class of fire extinguisher is specifically rated for fires involving flammable liquids such as paint thinner and mineral spirits?
- Class B (Correct answer)
- Class A
- Class C
- Class D
Correct answer: Class B
Class B extinguishers are designed for flammable liquid fires, including paints, solvents, and thinners commonly used by painting contractors.
Question 5: A painter is working at height on a scissor lift. At what minimum height above a lower level does California require fall protection on an elevated work platform?
- Any height where the platform is elevated above the surrounding floor or ground (Correct answer)
- 4 feet
- 6 feet
- 10 feet
Correct answer: Any height where the platform is elevated above the surrounding floor or ground
Aerial work platforms (scissor lifts) must have guardrails that protect workers at any elevated position per ANSI/SIA standards adopted by Cal/OSHA.
Question 6: What does the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) label requirement mean for paint products stored on a job site?
- All containers must display a pictogram, signal word, hazard statements, and precautionary statements (Correct answer)
- Only original manufacturer containers need labeling
- Labels are only needed if the product contains lead
- Color-coded tape is an acceptable substitute for GHS labels
Correct answer: All containers must display a pictogram, signal word, hazard statements, and precautionary statements
GHS (HazCom 2012) requires all hazardous chemical containers to carry standardized pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements.
Question 7: How often must a painting contractor conduct toolbox safety talks (tailgate meetings) on a California construction site?
- At least once per week for crews of fewer than 20 workers (Correct answer)
- Monthly
- Annually
- Only before starting a new project
Correct answer: At least once per week for crews of fewer than 20 workers
Cal/OSHA Title 8 Section 1509 requires weekly toolbox safety meetings for construction crews with fewer than 20 employees on site.
C33 Safety 2
What is the maximum permissible exposure limit (PEL) for airborne lead dust set by Cal/OSHA for construction workers?