OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE)Medium
A worker is installing insulation in an attic where there are visible signs of mold and airborne fiberglass particles. Which type of respiratory protection is the minimum required for this task?
- AHalf-mask air-purifying respirator with N95 filters
- BFull-face air-purifying respirator with P100 filters
- CSurgical mask
- DSCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Full-face air-purifying respirator with P100 filters
Mold requires P100 filters for high-efficiency particulate removal, and a full-face respirator provides eye protection against airborne particles, which is crucial in an attic environment with fiberglass and mold.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. N95 filters are not sufficient for mold, and a half-mask does not provide eye protection from fiberglass.
- C. Surgical masks provide minimal protection against airborne particulates and are not considered respiratory protection by OSHA.
- D. SCBA is for oxygen-deficient or immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) atmospheres, not typically for insulation work.
Respirator Selection (Particulates)
Selecting the correct respirator involves assessing hazard type, concentration, and required protection factor.
- N-series: Not resistant to oil.
- R-series: Resistant to oil.
- P-series: Oil proof (most protective for oil and non-oil particulates).
- Filtering efficiencies: 95%, 99%, 99.97% (100).
Memory trick: Mold and Fiberglass, Full-Face P100 is the Class!