Journeyman Plumber ExamTools, Equipment, and SafetyEasy
A journeyman plumber is preparing to cut cast iron pipe in a confined space. Which of the following personal protective equipment (PPE) is most critical to prevent respiratory hazards from dust and fumes?
- AN95 particulate respirator
- BSafety glasses and hard hat
- CHearing protection and face shield
- DLeather gloves and steel-toed boots
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. N95 particulate respirator
When cutting cast iron, especially in a confined space, significant dust and potential fumes are generated. An N95 particulate respirator is essential to filter out these airborne hazards and protect the plumber's respiratory system.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Safety glasses protect eyes and a hard hat protects the head, but neither offers respiratory protection.
- C. Hearing protection mitigates noise exposure, and a face shield offers broader facial protection from debris, but neither filters breathable air.
- D. Leather gloves protect hands from cuts and abrasions, and steel-toed boots protect feet from falling objects, but they do not address respiratory hazards.
N95 Respirator
A type of particulate-filtering facepiece respirator that filters at least 95% of airborne particles, but is not resistant to oil.
- Filters airborne particulates (dust, mist, fumes)
- Rated to filter 95% of particles 0.3 microns or larger
- Does not protect against gases or vapors
- Requires proper fit testing
Memory trick: N95: N-o particles, 95% filtered.