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Question 1Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

Under the Oregon DEQ asbestos program, a facility owner plans renovation work that will disturb regulated asbestos-containing material. Which action must occur before demolition or renovation begins?

  1. Post a notice in the building lobby in place of any agency notification
  2. Submit a written notification to DEQ within the required timeframe before work starts Correct answer.
  3. File the notification with DEQ within 24 hours after the work is finished
  4. Notify only the local fire marshal, since DEQ does not regulate renovation

Explanation

Oregon requires the owner or operator to give DEQ advance written notice of demolition and renovation activities that will disturb regulated asbestos-containing material, using the required form and fee. Notice is submitted before work begins, not afterward, so DEQ can track projects and schedule inspections.

Question 2Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A contractor will perform a demolition of a facility. Which statement best describes the notification obligation under Oregon's asbestos rules?

  1. Notification applies only if asbestos is confirmed present before demolition
  2. Notification is waived when the demolition occurs on a weekend
  3. Demolition requires notification even when the structure is presumed to contain no asbestos Correct answer.
  4. Notification is required only for buildings taller than three stories

Explanation

Oregon's rules require notification for demolitions regardless of whether asbestos is known to be present, because demolition by nature disturbs materials and the agency needs a record. The notification obligation is tied to the activity, not to a prior confirmation of asbestos.

Question 3Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

Which material is classified as a Category I nonfriable asbestos-containing material?

  1. Asbestos-containing roofing felt Correct answer.
  2. Asbestos-containing thermal system insulation on a boiler
  3. Asbestos-containing corrugated paper used as pipe wrap
  4. Asbestos-containing spray-applied surfacing

Explanation

Category I nonfriable material includes roofing felt, asphalt roofing products, and gaskets that cannot be crumbled by hand pressure. Spray-applied surfacing and thermal system insulation are friable materials, not Category I.

Question 4Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

During abatement, what is the purpose of maintaining the containment under negative pressure with HEPA-filtered exhaust?

  1. To raise the temperature so fibers settle faster
  2. To supply clean air to workers inside the containment
  3. To speed drying of amended water applied to the material
  4. To keep airborne fibers from migrating to occupied areas outside the work area Correct answer.

Explanation

Negative pressure keeps air flowing into the containment so any airborne fibers are captured by HEPA filtration rather than escaping into adjacent spaces. This protects building occupants and the environment outside the regulated area.

Question 5Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

What is the primary reason abatement workers wet asbestos-containing material with amended water before and during removal?

  1. To dissolve the asbestos binder so it can be washed away
  2. To make the material easier to cut into large sections
  3. To increase the weight of the material for disposal
  4. To reduce the release of airborne fibers during disturbance Correct answer.

Explanation

Amended water, typically containing a wetting agent, keeps fibers bound together and suppresses dust generation when the material is disturbed. Fiber release control is the core objective of wet methods during abatement.

Question 6Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

Which respirator is the minimum acceptable for a worker inside a regulated asbestos abatement work area under typical Oregon requirements?

  1. A surgical mask
  2. A single-strap dust mask
  3. A half-face air-purifying respirator with HEPA cartridges Correct answer.
  4. A cloth face covering

Explanation

Workers in regulated asbestos work areas must wear respiratory protection with high-efficiency filters, such as a half-face air-purifying respirator equipped with HEPA cartridges. Dust masks, surgical masks, and cloth coverings do not provide the required protection factor.

Question 7Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

How should asbestos-containing waste material be handled when it leaves a work area for disposal?

  1. Placed in open bins so the disposal site can inspect the material
  2. Mixed with ordinary construction debris to reduce volume
  3. Sealed in leak-tight containers with warning labels and transported with a waste shipment record Correct answer.
  4. Stored outdoors uncovered until enough volume accumulates

Explanation

Asbestos waste must be bagged or wrapped in leak-tight containers, labeled with the required warning, and shipped with a waste shipment record to a permitted disposal site. These controls prevent fiber release during handling and transport and document the chain of custody.

Question 8Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

Which individual is responsible for ensuring that a regulated asbestos abatement project complies with Oregon DEQ requirements on site?

  1. The building's tenants
  2. The abatement contractor and its certified supervisor Correct answer.
  3. The waste hauler alone
  4. The local building inspector

Explanation

The abatement contractor holds the responsibility for conducting the project in compliance, with a certified supervisor overseeing work practices, containment, and worker protection. Tenants, haulers, and building inspectors have other roles but do not run the abatement.

Question 9Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A building owner learns that a planned renovation will disturb 200 square feet of asbestos-containing vinyl floor tile and mastic. How should this material generally be classified for regulatory purposes?

  1. Friable material because it is attached to the floor
  2. Category I nonfriable material subject to specific handling requirements Correct answer.
  3. Exempt material that may be demolished without precautions
  4. Regulated asbestos-containing material requiring full abatement

Explanation

Vinyl floor tile and its mastic are Category I nonfriable materials because they cannot be crumbled by hand pressure. They still require proper handling and notification, but they are not automatically treated as friable regulated material unless they become crumbled or pulverized.

Question 10Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

During a project, intact Category II nonfriable asbestos-containing material is expected to be broken and pulverized by the demolition method. How should it be treated?

  1. As regulated asbestos-containing material subject to abatement requirements Correct answer.
  2. As ordinary debris because it started out nonfriable
  3. As material that only needs wetting at the landfill
  4. As Category I material with no special handling

Explanation

When Category II nonfriable material will be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by the work, it is treated as regulated asbestos-containing material. The planned demolition method, not just the original condition, determines the controls required.

Question 11Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A worker must enter a containment to collect air samples during abatement. Which practice best reflects proper clearance sampling procedure?

  1. Sample before final cleaning so the results reflect worst-case conditions
  2. Sample while aggressive air movement is applied, then analyze by phase contrast microscopy Correct answer.
  3. Rely on a visual inspection alone, since air sampling is optional for all projects
  4. Collect samples only after the containment has been dismantled and the area reopened

Explanation

Clearance air sampling is conducted after final cleaning and while the containment is still intact, often with aggressive air movement to dislodge settled fibers, and samples are analyzed by phase contrast microscopy. Visual inspection alone does not establish clearance.

Question 12Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

Which work practice is required when removing asbestos-containing thermal system insulation from pipes inside a containment?

  1. Removing the insulation in large dry sections to save time
  2. Cutting pipes with a power saw without local exhaust
  3. Using compressed air to blow dust off the pipes
  4. Keeping the material wet and lowering it carefully rather than dropping it Correct answer.

Explanation

Thermal system insulation must be kept wet and handled gently so it is not broken or dropped, which would release fibers. Dry removal, compressed air, and uncontrolled power cutting all increase fiber release inside the containment.

Question 13Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A worker inside a containment reports that her respirator no longer seals properly after she adjusts her goggles. What is the correct immediate action?

  1. Cover the respirator with a hood and continue the shift
  2. Leave the work area, exit through the decontamination unit, and have the respirator refitted or replaced Correct answer.
  3. Continue working and tighten the straps repeatedly
  4. Loosen the respirator to relieve pressure and keep working

Explanation

A respirator that does not seal offers no reliable protection, so the worker must leave the regulated area through decontamination and correct the fit before returning. Continuing work with a compromised seal exposes the worker to fiber inhalation.

Question 14Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

Which sequence correctly describes the decontamination process for workers leaving a regulated abatement work area?

  1. Clean room, then shower, then equipment room, then street clothes Correct answer.
  2. Shower, then equipment room, then work area, then clean room
  3. Equipment room, then shower, then clean room, then street clothes
  4. Clean room, then equipment room, then shower, then work area

Explanation

Workers move from the work area into the equipment room to remove contaminated clothing and equipment, then shower, then enter the clean room to dress in street clothes. The shower separates contaminated from clean zones and prevents fibers from leaving the site.

Question 15Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

An abatement contractor plans to use a HEPA vacuum for final cleaning inside the containment. Which statement about this equipment is correct?

  1. Compressed air may be used to speed cleaning of surfaces
  2. A standard shop vacuum is acceptable if the filter is new
  3. Only HEPA-filtered vacuums may be used for cleaning asbestos debris Correct answer.
  4. Wet sweeping is preferred over vacuuming for final cleaning

Explanation

Final cleaning in an asbestos work area must use HEPA-filtered vacuums, which capture fibers rather than exhausting them back into the air. Standard vacuums, dry sweeping, and compressed air all redistribute fibers and are not acceptable.

Question 16Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

How must a waste shipment record for asbestos-containing waste be handled after the material is delivered to the disposal site?

  1. It replaces the need for labeling the waste containers
  2. It is required only for friable material over one ton
  3. It may be discarded once the truck leaves the site
  4. A copy must be retained by the generator and the disposal site as documentation Correct answer.

Explanation

The waste shipment record documents the chain of custody from generator to disposal site, and copies must be retained by the parties involved. It supplements, but does not replace, container labeling and sealing requirements.

Question 17Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A supervisor observes a worker dry-sweeping debris inside the containment. What is the best corrective action?

  1. Require the worker to sweep more slowly to reduce dust
  2. Allow it if the worker wears a higher-level respirator
  3. Stop the activity and require HEPA vacuuming or wet methods instead Correct answer.
  4. Increase the negative pressure and let the sweeping continue

Explanation

Dry sweeping suspends fibers in the air and is not an acceptable cleaning method in an asbestos work area. The supervisor should stop the activity and direct the worker to use HEPA vacuuming or wet cleaning methods instead.

Question 18Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

Which factor most directly determines the level of worker protection and containment required for a given abatement project?

  1. The number of windows in the building
  2. The day of the week the work is scheduled
  3. The expected degree of disturbance and the friability of the asbestos-containing material Correct answer.
  4. The color of the building's exterior

Explanation

Project requirements scale with how friable the material is and how much disturbance the work will cause, since those factors drive fiber release potential. Building appearance, window count, and scheduling do not determine protection levels.

Question 19Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A building owner receives a clearance air sample result that exceeds the required limit after final cleaning. What is the appropriate next step?

  1. Reopen the area because the work is essentially complete
  2. Reclean the work area and repeat clearance sampling before reopening Correct answer.
  3. Cover the affected surfaces and reopen without further sampling
  4. Reopen only the rooms farthest from the sample location

Explanation

Failed clearance means the work area is not yet acceptable, so the contractor must reclean and resample until results meet the limit. Reopening before passing clearance would expose occupants to remaining contamination.

Question 20Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

Why does Oregon require accreditation or certification for individuals who inspect for asbestos or supervise abatement?

  1. To satisfy insurance requirements unrelated to health protection
  2. To limit the number of contractors who can bid on projects
  3. To ensure that people making asbestos decisions have demonstrated the required training and competence Correct answer.
  4. To standardize the cost of abatement services

Explanation

Certification and accreditation ensure that inspectors, supervisors, and workers have completed required training and can make sound decisions that protect public health. The purpose is competence and accountability, not market restriction or pricing.

Question 21Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A contractor plans to remove asbestos-containing gaskets from valves using hand tools, and the gaskets will remain intact and not be pulverized. How should this work generally be handled?

  1. Without any precautions because gaskets are not asbestos-containing
  2. Using careful nonfriable removal practices with wet methods and proper waste packaging Correct answer.
  3. By burning the gaskets to destroy the fibers
  4. As a full containment abatement project with negative pressure and decontamination

Explanation

Intact gaskets are nonfriable material, so removal can often proceed with careful handling, wetting, and proper packaging rather than full containment. Precautions are still required because disturbance can create fibers, and burning is never acceptable.

Question 22Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

An inspector must determine whether surfacing material in a building is asbestos-containing. Which approach is consistent with proper inspection practice?

  1. Assume material is asbestos-containing only if it looks fibrous
  2. Collect representative samples by trained personnel and analyze them in an accredited laboratory Correct answer.
  3. Rely on the building's construction date alone to decide
  4. Test a single sample from one room and apply the result to the entire building

Explanation

Determination requires representative sampling by trained personnel and analysis by an accredited laboratory using approved methods. Appearance, construction date, and a single nonrepresentative sample are not reliable bases for a determination.

Question 23Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A demolition project will disturb regulated asbestos-containing material, and the owner wants to begin work immediately. Which statement about the notification timing is most accurate?

  1. Notification may be deferred until the project is complete
  2. Notification may be submitted the same day work begins, with no advance period
  3. Notification is unnecessary if a certified supervisor is on site
  4. Notification must be submitted within the advance period required by Oregon rules before work starts Correct answer.

Explanation

Oregon rules set a required advance period for notification before demolition or renovation begins, and starting early does not waive it. Having a certified supervisor or completing the project does not substitute for timely notification.

Question 24Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

During abatement, a worker notices a tear in the plastic sheeting forming the containment wall. What is the most appropriate response?

  1. Stop work, repair the breach, and verify containment integrity before resuming Correct answer.
  2. Tape over it from outside the containment without entering
  3. Ignore it if the negative pressure gauge still reads normal
  4. Increase the number of air samples and continue working

Explanation

A breach in containment can allow fibers to escape, so work should stop until the tear is repaired and containment integrity is confirmed. A normal pressure reading or additional sampling does not by itself correct the breach.

Question 25Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A contractor argues that because the asbestos-containing material is Category I nonfriable, no notification or handling precautions are needed. How should this be evaluated?

  1. The argument is correct only if the material is removed on a weekend
  2. The argument is correct because Category I material is entirely exempt
  3. The argument is incorrect because Category I material still requires proper handling and may require notification depending on the project Correct answer.
  4. The argument is correct only if the material weighs less than one ton

Explanation

Category I classification affects how the material must be handled, but it does not create a blanket exemption from notification or precautions. Requirements depend on the project scope and whether the material will be disturbed or pulverized.

Question 26Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

Under Oregon DEQ asbestos rules, what does the term "regulated asbestos-containing material" (RACM) generally require of a material before abatement work begins?

  1. It must contain any detectable asbestos regardless of condition
  2. It must contain more than 10 percent asbestos and be nonfriable
  3. It must be located in a public building constructed before 1980
  4. It must contain more than 1 percent asbestos and be in a friable or soon-to-be-friable condition Correct answer.

Explanation

Oregon's asbestos program ties RACM to materials containing more than 1 percent asbestos that are friable or likely to become friable through handling, demolition, or renovation. The condition of the material matters as much as the asbestos content, because friability drives fiber release potential.

Question 27Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A laboratory analyzes a bulk sample from pipe insulation using polarized light microscopy. Which result correctly classifies the material as asbestos-containing for Oregon purposes?

  1. The sample contains 2 percent chrysotile asbestos Correct answer.
  2. The sample contains 1 percent cellulose with no asbestos detected
  3. The sample contains 0.5 percent chrysotile asbestos
  4. The sample contains only non-asbestos mineral wool fibers

Explanation

Asbestos-containing material is defined by an asbestos content greater than 1 percent as determined by an accredited laboratory method such as polarized light microscopy. A result of 2 percent chrysotile exceeds that threshold.

Question 28Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

Which document must a contractor submit to Oregon DEQ before beginning a regulated asbestos abatement project?

  1. A written notification of the project within the required timeframe before work starts Correct answer.
  2. A respirator fit-test record for each worker
  3. A completed waste shipment record for material not yet removed
  4. A clearance air monitoring report from the previous project

Explanation

Oregon requires advance written notification to DEQ before regulated abatement work begins so the agency can schedule inspections and track projects. The notification includes project dates, location, scope, and contractor information.

Question 29Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

What is the purpose of the critical barrier in an asbestos abatement containment?

  1. To separate the work area from occupied spaces and prevent fiber migration Correct answer.
  2. To mark the boundary where respirators may be removed
  3. To provide a staging area for bagged waste before decontamination
  4. To support the weight of plastic sheeting on ceilings

Explanation

A critical barrier is a physical partition that seals the regulated work area from adjacent occupied or clean spaces. Its function is to stop air movement and fiber migration beyond the containment.

Question 30Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

Which type of asbestos-containing material is generally considered the most friable and therefore the highest concern during disturbance?

  1. Sprayed-on or troweled-on surfacing material such as fireproofing Correct answer.
  2. Reinforced concrete pipe
  3. Vinyl floor tile in good condition
  4. Asphalt roofing shingles

Explanation

Surfacing materials applied by spray or trowel are highly friable and easily release fibers when disturbed. Nonfriable products such as floor tile, shingles, and concrete pipe bind asbestos in a matrix that resists fiber release.

Question 31Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

What is the required practice for packaging asbestos-containing waste before it leaves the work area?

  1. Seal it in leak-tight containers that are labeled as containing asbestos Correct answer.
  2. Place it in open drums so inspectors can verify contents
  3. Store it uncovered in the decontamination shower
  4. Bundle it in untreated burlap sacks

Explanation

Asbestos waste must be wetted, sealed in leak-tight containers, and labeled with the required asbestos warning before transport. This prevents fiber release during handling and shipping.

Question 32Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

Which practice is required for decontaminating workers who leave a regulated abatement work area?

  1. Passing through a sequence of cleanup steps ending in a clean room before street clothes are worn Correct answer.
  2. Changing directly from coveralls into street clothes at the work area exit
  3. Removing the respirator first, then vacuuming street clothes
  4. Rinsing only the boots before exiting

Explanation

Workers must move through a decontamination sequence that removes gross contamination, then removes the respirator only after leaving the work area, and finally dress in the clean room. This prevents fibers from being carried out on clothing or skin.

Question 33Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

Which individual bears the primary legal responsibility for ensuring that a regulated asbestos abatement project complies with Oregon DEQ requirements?

  1. The landfill operator receiving the waste
  2. The laboratory analyzing the bulk samples
  3. The building tenants occupying adjacent space
  4. The abatement contractor performing the work Correct answer.

Explanation

The abatement contractor who performs the regulated project is responsible for complying with work practice, notification, and waste handling requirements. Other parties have supporting roles but do not carry the primary compliance duty for the abatement itself.

Question 34Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A building owner plans a renovation that will disturb 150 linear feet of asbestos-containing gaskets and packing that will remain nonfriable. How should this work be classified under Oregon rules?

  1. As a small-scale, short-duration activity that may not require full regulated abatement procedures Correct answer.
  2. As demolition requiring a separate demolition permit only
  3. As a full regulated abatement project requiring a containment and clearance
  4. As a project that is exempt because gaskets are never regulated

Explanation

Removal of small amounts of nonfriable material such as gaskets and packing can qualify as small-scale, short-duration work with reduced procedural requirements. The key is that the material stays nonfriable and the quantity remains limited.

Question 35Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

An inspector samples a homogeneous area of ceiling tile. What sampling approach best supports a defensible determination of whether the material is asbestos-containing?

  1. Collect a sample only if the material appears damaged
  2. Collect one sample from the most damaged tile and stop
  3. Rely on the building's construction date to decide
  4. Collect multiple representative samples from the homogeneous area and analyze them at an accredited laboratory Correct answer.

Explanation

A homogeneous area should be represented by multiple samples so the determination reflects the whole area rather than one tile. Accredited laboratory analysis of representative samples supports a reliable conclusion.

Question 36Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

During abatement, a worker finds a tear in the plastic sheeting forming the containment wall. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

  1. Stop work in the area and repair the breach with tape or additional sheeting before continuing Correct answer.
  2. Spray water through the tear to suppress dust outside
  3. Continue working and note the tear in the daily log for later repair
  4. Open the tear wider to relieve pressure inside the containment

Explanation

Any breach in containment compromises the barrier and must be repaired before work continues. Stopping work and patching the tear protects adjacent spaces from fiber release.

Question 37Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A contractor plans to remove intact Category II nonfriable asbestos-containing roofing material by hand. Which handling approach is consistent with Oregon requirements?

  1. Keep the material wet and remove it intact to avoid breaking or pulverizing it Correct answer.
  2. Dry-sweep the roof surface after removal
  3. Break the material into small pieces for easier bagging
  4. Use power tools to speed removal without wetting

Explanation

Category II nonfriable material remains nonfriable only if it is kept intact and not broken or pulverized. Wetting and careful handling preserve that condition and reduce fiber release.

Question 38Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

During abatement of thermal system insulation, which work practice is required inside the containment?

  1. Allowing removed insulation to dry before bagging
  2. Cutting insulation with a power saw without local exhaust
  3. Wetting the material and lowering it carefully rather than dropping or throwing it Correct answer.
  4. Dropping removed insulation to the floor to save time

Explanation

Thermal system insulation must be kept wet and handled gently so it is not broken or dropped, which would release fibers. Careful lowering and immediate bagging reduce airborne contamination.

Question 39Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A worker inside a containment reports that the respirator no longer seals after adjusting goggles. What should happen next?

  1. The worker should leave the work area, check the seal, and refit or replace the respirator before returning Correct answer.
  2. The worker should cover the respirator with a cloth and continue
  3. The worker should tighten the straps and continue working without checking
  4. The worker should remove the respirator and finish the task without it

Explanation

A broken seal means the respirator is no longer providing protection, so the worker must leave the contaminated area and correct the problem before re-entering. Continuing to work with a compromised seal exposes the worker to asbestos fibers.

Question 40Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

Which sequence describes the correct order of steps for a worker exiting a regulated abatement work area?

  1. Remove the respirator in the work area, then vacuum street clothes
  2. Shower first, then clean PPE, then remove the respirator
  3. Clean contaminated PPE in the work area, shower, then dress in the clean room Correct answer.
  4. Dress in street clothes, then remove the respirator, then shower

Explanation

Decontamination proceeds from the dirtiest zone to the cleanest: remove gross contamination and clean PPE, then shower, then dress in the clean room. The respirator is removed only after the worker is out of the contaminated zone.

Question 41Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A contractor wants to use a HEPA vacuum for final cleaning inside a containment. Which statement about this use is accurate?

  1. Any shop vacuum is acceptable as long as the filter is new
  2. HEPA vacuums are acceptable for cleaning surfaces when used and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions Correct answer.
  3. Dry sweeping is preferred over vacuuming for final cleaning
  4. HEPA vacuums may be used only outside the containment

Explanation

HEPA-filtered vacuums are the accepted tool for cleaning asbestos-contaminated surfaces because they capture fine fibers. Proper use and filter maintenance are essential to keep the unit effective.

Question 42Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A supervisor sees a worker dry-sweeping debris inside a containment. What corrective action is most appropriate?

  1. Stop the activity and direct the worker to use wet methods or a HEPA vacuum instead Correct answer.
  2. Allow the sweeping to finish because the containment will be cleaned later
  3. Open the containment to improve ventilation during sweeping
  4. Instruct the worker to sweep more slowly to reduce dust

Explanation

Dry sweeping suspends asbestos fibers in the air and is prohibited as a cleanup method in regulated work. Stopping the activity and switching to wet methods or HEPA vacuuming is the correct response.

Question 43Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

What is the most important factor in determining the level of worker protection and containment needed for an abatement project?

  1. The friability and quantity of asbestos-containing material to be disturbed Correct answer.
  2. The number of windows in the building
  3. The day of the week the work is scheduled
  4. The color of the plastic sheeting used

Explanation

The potential for fiber release, driven by how friable the material is and how much will be disturbed, determines the containment and protection measures needed. Project logistics do not change the hazard level.

Question 44Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A building owner receives a clearance air sample result that exceeds the required limit after final cleaning. What is the correct next step?

  1. Remove the containment immediately to ventilate the space
  2. Increase the number of workers and resume abatement without recleaning
  3. Return to the containment, reclean, and retest before clearance is granted Correct answer.
  4. Declare the project complete because cleaning was already performed

Explanation

Clearance is granted only when air sampling meets the required limit. If the result fails, the area must be recleaned and retested before the containment is removed.

Question 45Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

What is the primary purpose of requiring accreditation or certification for individuals who inspect for asbestos or supervise abatement in Oregon?

  1. To ensure that people making compliance decisions and overseeing work have demonstrated the required knowledge Correct answer.
  2. To reduce the number of contractors available for small jobs
  3. To replace the need for laboratory analysis
  4. To increase the cost of renovation projects

Explanation

Accreditation and certification confirm that inspectors and supervisors have completed required training and demonstrated competence. This protects public health by ensuring that decisions about asbestos are made by qualified people.

Question 46Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A demolition project will disturb regulated asbestos-containing material, and the owner wants to begin work immediately. What must happen before demolition starts?

  1. The RACM may be wetted and left in place during demolition
  2. The RACM must be removed according to regulated work practices before demolition proceeds Correct answer.
  3. The RACM may be left in place and demolished with the building
  4. The owner may begin demolition and notify DEQ afterward

Explanation

Regulated asbestos-containing material must be removed before demolition that would disturb it, using required work practices. Demolition of a structure with RACM in place is not permitted under the program.

Question 47Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A building owner learns that a planned renovation will disturb 200 square feet of asbestos-containing vinyl floor tile and associated mastic. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Treat the disturbance as a regulated abatement project and follow notification and work practice requirements Correct answer.
  2. Cover the tile with new flooring and leave it in place
  3. Remove the tile without notification because the quantity is small
  4. Proceed with the renovation because floor tile is nonfriable

Explanation

This quantity of regulated material exceeds small-scale, short-duration limits, so the work must be handled as a regulated abatement project with notification and required work practices. Vinyl tile with mastic is regulated when it will be disturbed.

Question 48Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

An inspector is evaluating a building for a pre-demolition survey. Which approach best reflects a thorough inspection?

  1. Sample all accessible suspect materials, including those in concealed spaces, and document assumptions about inaccessible areas Correct answer.
  2. Sample only materials visible from the main entrance
  3. Rely on the original building plans without sampling
  4. Sample only materials that appear damaged

Explanation

A thorough inspection samples all accessible suspect materials and documents areas that could not be accessed, because demolition will disturb concealed materials. Assumptions must be recorded so they can be addressed before work.

Question 49Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

A contractor argues that because material is Category I nonfriable, no notification or careful handling is needed. How should this be evaluated?

  1. The claim is correct because Category I material is always exempt
  2. The claim is incorrect only if the material contains more than 10 percent asbestos
  3. The claim is incorrect because Category I material can become regulated if it will be sanded, ground, cut, or pulverized Correct answer.
  4. The claim is correct only if the material is outdoors

Explanation

Category I nonfriable material is not automatically exempt; if work practices will break it up or pulverize it, it becomes regulated and requires notification and careful handling. The 1 percent threshold applies, not 10 percent.

Question 50Asbestos Abatement (Oregon DEQ asbestos program content)

During a regulated project, intact Category II nonfriable material is expected to be broken and pulverized by the demolition method. How should the project be handled?

  1. Treat the material as regulated because the planned disturbance will make it friable Correct answer.
  2. Treat it as nonregulated because it was originally nonfriable
  3. Defer classification until after demolition begins
  4. Treat it as regulated only if it contains more than 10 percent asbestos

Explanation

Material that will be broken or pulverized during the work is treated as friable and therefore regulated, regardless of its original condition. The planned disturbance method drives the classification.