OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE)Medium
A construction worker is performing tasks involving continuous exposure to dust, such as sweeping a dusty area without local exhaust ventilation. Which type of respirator is generally considered the minimum acceptable protection for nuisance dusts that are not considered immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH)?
- ADisposable filtering facepiece respirator (e.g., N95)
- BFull-facepiece air-purifying respirator
- CSupplied-air respirator (SAR)
- DSelf-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Disposable filtering facepiece respirator (e.g., N95)
For nuisance dusts that are not IDLH, a disposable filtering facepiece respirator like an N95 provides adequate protection against airborne particulates by filtering them out of the inhaled air.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A full-facepiece respirator offers higher protection and eye protection, but it's generally not the minimum for nuisance dusts.
- C. SARs provide air from an external source and are used for IDLH, oxygen deficiency, or high concentrations of contaminants, not nuisance dust.
- D. SCBA is for IDLH or oxygen-deficient atmospheres, which is overkill for nuisance dust.
N95 Respirator
A disposable filtering facepiece respirator that filters at least 95% of airborne particles, but is not resistant to oil. It is commonly used for protection against non-oil-based particulates like nuisance dust.
- Filters 95% of airborne particles 0.3 microns or larger.
- Does not protect against gases, vapors, or oil aerosols.
- Requires fit testing to ensure proper seal.
Memory trick: Nuisance dust? N95 is the 'No-Fuss' dust protector!