Worker Health, Safety & PPE Flashcards

Which OSHA standard establishes the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for lead in construction?

Answer: 29 CFR 1926.62

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.62 is the lead standard specifically for the construction industry, setting the PEL at 50 µg/m³ as an 8-hour time-weighted average.

What is the OSHA action level for airborne lead in construction that triggers additional protective measures?

Answer: 25 µg/m³

OSHA's action level for lead in construction is 25 µg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA, triggering requirements for exposure monitoring, medical surveillance, and training.

When must a lead-certified contractor provide blood lead level (BLL) testing for workers?

Answer: At least every 6 months when workers are exposed above the action level

OSHA requires blood lead level monitoring at least every 6 months for workers exposed above the action level, with more frequent testing at higher exposures.

What type of gloves should lead abatement workers wear when handling lead paint debris?

Answer: Disposable nitrile or vinyl gloves

Disposable nitrile or vinyl gloves prevent lead from contaminating the skin and can be discarded in the work area to prevent cross-contamination.

What is the purpose of the 'change area' established outside a lead abatement work zone?

Answer: To allow workers to remove and store contaminated PPE before leaving the work area

The change area prevents lead contamination from being tracked out of the work zone by providing a designated space for removing protective clothing and gear.

Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.62, when a worker's blood lead level reaches 50 µg/dL, what must the employer do?

Answer: Remove the worker from lead exposure until BLL drops below 40 µg/dL

OSHA's medical removal protection requires employers to remove workers from lead exposure when their BLL reaches 50 µg/dL and maintain removal until BLL is below 40 µg/dL.