Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor Practice Exam

In the asbestos industry, what is the typical form of local exhaust ventilation used?

1. Negative pressure enclosure

2. Fume hood

3. Venturi scrubber

4. Air curtain

The correct answer is: Negative pressure enclosure

The typical form of local exhaust ventilation used in the asbestos industry is the negative pressure enclosure. This method is essential for ensuring that airborne asbestos fibers are contained and minimized during abatement processes. In asbestos-related work, the goal is to protect workers and the environment from exposure to hazardous fibers. The negative pressure enclosure works by creating a pressure difference that ensures any airborne contaminants are drawn into the enclosure and filtered out before the air is released back into the environment. This containment method is critical for maintaining safety standards and regulatory compliance in asbestos abatement operations. While other options may be used in different contexts or for different purposes, they do not specifically serve the same function or level of effectiveness in managing asbestos fibers. For example, fume hoods are generally used in laboratory settings to handle chemical fumes and are not specifically designed for asbestos. Venturi scrubbers and air curtains also have their applications but do not provide the comprehensive containment and filtration needed for asbestos work.