Under Cal/OSHA lead regulations for construction (Section 1532.1), at what airborne lead concentration must employers implement engineering controls and work practices?
Correct Answer
A) 30 μg/m³
Cal/OSHA requires engineering controls and work practices when airborne lead concentrations equal or exceed the action level of 30 μg/m³.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Cal/OSHA Section 1532.1 sets the action level for airborne lead in construction at 30 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) as an 8-hour time-weighted average. At or above this level, employers must implement engineering controls and work practices to reduce exposure.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 50 μg/m³
50 μg/m³ is the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for lead — the ceiling that must not be exceeded. The action level (30 μg/m³), which triggers preventive engineering controls, is lower than the PEL.
Option C: 100 μg/m³
100 μg/m³ is not a threshold recognized in Cal/OSHA Section 1532.1. Allowing workers to be exposed to this concentration before taking action would be far too dangerous and does not match the regulation.
Option D: 15 μg/m³
15 μg/m³ is below the action level and has no regulatory significance under Section 1532.1. No specific engineering control requirements are triggered at this concentration.
Memory Technique
Lead action level: 30 triggers action. 'Thirty means act now.' The PEL at 50 is the hard ceiling. Action (30) comes before the limit (50) — just like letters in the alphabet: A before P.
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