Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor Practice Exam

What is a recommended practice for the safe handling of asbestos in the workplace?

1. Encourage workers to minimize protective gear

2. Provide adequate ventilation to reduce fiber concentration

3. Wait until fibers settle before starting work

4. Use hand fans for cooling during abatement

The correct answer is: Provide adequate ventilation to reduce fiber concentration

Providing adequate ventilation to reduce fiber concentration is a recommended practice for the safe handling of asbestos in the workplace. Proper ventilation plays a crucial role in managing airborne asbestos fibers, thereby minimizing the risk of inhalation or exposure to workers. By reducing the concentration of these harmful fibers in the air, the chances of respiratory issues related to asbestos exposure are significantly lowered. In environments where asbestos is being disturbed, ensuring that there is sufficient airflow helps to disperse potentially harmful fibers. It’s important that the ventilation is effective and controlled, which often involves using specialized equipment or constructing filtered air systems designed for this specific purpose. The other practices mentioned do not align with safe handling protocols. Minimizing protective gear undermines safety efforts, waiting for fibers to settle might not provide adequate protection during active work, and using hand fans could inadvertently spread fibers without proper filtration in place. Thus, proper ventilation stands out as a proactive measure to maintain a safer workplace when dealing with asbestos.