Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor Practice Exam

Which method is essential to contain asbestos fiber during the abatement process?

1. Negative air pressure

2. Sealing with tape

3. Regular ventilation

4. Water spraying

The correct answer is: Negative air pressure

Maintaining negative air pressure is crucial for containing asbestos fibers during the abatement process. This method involves using specialized equipment, such as HEPA-filtered air machines, to ensure that the air pressure inside the work area is lower than that of the surrounding environment. By doing so, any potential asbestos fibers released into the air will be drawn back into the work area and filtered, rather than escaping to adjacent areas. This containment technique is essential to protect workers and the public from hazardous exposure and to prevent contamination of areas outside the abatement zone. The other methods, while they may contribute to safety in varying contexts, do not directly address the essential containment of airborne asbestos fibers in the same effective manner. Sealing with tape and water spraying can aid in reducing fiber release during specific tasks, but they do not establish the critical negative pressure environment that is necessary throughout the entire abatement process. Regular ventilation would be counterproductive, as it could allow asbestos fibers to escape the contained area, increasing the risk of exposure.