According to Cal/OSHA asbestos regulations, what is the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for asbestos in construction work?
Correct Answer
A) 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter
Cal/OSHA establishes the PEL for asbestos in construction at 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc) is the Cal/OSHA PEL for asbestos in construction, measured as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). Cal/OSHA adopted this stricter standard to provide greater worker protection than earlier federal limits.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 2.0 fibers per cubic centimeter
2.0 f/cc is far above the current PEL. This figure reflects older, outdated OSHA standards from decades past before asbestos hazards were fully understood. Using this value today would represent a serious regulatory violation.
Option C: 1.0 fibers per cubic centimeter
1.0 f/cc is ten times higher than the Cal/OSHA PEL and is not the current standard. Candidates may confuse this with older transitional limits or conflate it with different fiber types. The correct PEL is 0.1 f/cc.
Option D: 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter
0.01 f/cc is below the current Cal/OSHA PEL and represents a level more stringent than required. While lower exposure is better from a health standpoint, this is not the regulatory PEL. Confusing this with an action level or excursion limit is common.
Memory Technique
Remember: 0.1 = one-tenth. Cal/OSHA cut the old 1.0 standard by a factor of 10. Think 'Cal/OSHA takes asbestos 10 times more seriously' β the PEL is 10x lower than the old 1.0 limit.
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A roofing contractor is installing fall protection on a commercial building. Under Cal/OSHA Title 8, Section 1710, at what height does fall protection become mandatory for construction work?