CHST CHST - Construction Health and Safety Technician Health Hazards and PPE Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a supplied-air respirator (SAR) on a construction site?
- To filter out nuisance dust particles
- To provide breathable air in oxygen-deficient or IDLH atmospheres (Correct answer)
- To reduce noise exposure during demolition work
- To protect against UV radiation from welding arcs
Correct answer: To provide breathable air in oxygen-deficient or IDLH atmospheres
Supplied-air respirators deliver clean breathing air from an external source and are required in oxygen-deficient or immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environments.
Question 2: Which health hazard is most commonly associated with prolonged exposure to crystalline silica dust on construction sites?
- Contact dermatitis
- Silicosis (Correct answer)
- Heat stroke
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Correct answer: Silicosis
Silicosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling fine crystalline silica dust, commonly generated during cutting, grinding, or drilling concrete and masonry.
Question 3: According to OSHA standards, what is the permissible noise exposure limit for an 8-hour time-weighted average?
- 80 dBA
- 85 dBA
- 90 dBA (Correct answer)
- 95 dBA
Correct answer: 90 dBA
OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) for noise is 90 dBA as an 8-hour TWA under 29 CFR 1926.52, though a hearing conservation program is triggered at 85 dBA.
Question 4: When working with lead-based paint removal on a construction project, which type of PPE combination is most appropriate?
- Safety glasses and leather gloves
- Half-face respirator with P100 filters, disposable coveralls, and nitrile gloves (Correct answer)
- Hard hat and steel-toe boots only
- Dust mask and cotton work gloves
Correct answer: Half-face respirator with P100 filters, disposable coveralls, and nitrile gloves
Lead paint removal requires a half-face respirator with P100 filters to prevent inhalation, disposable coveralls to prevent skin contamination, and nitrile gloves for hand protection.
Question 5: What is the minimum Assigned Protection Factor (APF) required for a half-face air-purifying respirator?
- 5
- 10 (Correct answer)
- 25
- 50
Correct answer: 10
OSHA assigns a protection factor of 10 to half-face air-purifying respirators, meaning they reduce airborne contaminant concentration by a factor of 10.
Question 6: Which biological health hazard should a CHST be most concerned about when workers disturb bird or bat droppings during building renovation?
- Legionella pneumophila
- Histoplasma capsulatum (Correct answer)
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Escherichia coli
Correct answer: Histoplasma capsulatum
Histoplasma capsulatum is a fungus found in soil enriched with bird or bat droppings, and inhaling disturbed spores can cause histoplasmosis, a serious respiratory infection.
CHST CHST - Construction Health and Safety Technician Health Hazards and PPE Questions and Answers 2
What is the primary purpose of a supplied-air respirator (SAR) on a construction site?