What is the Cal/OSHA action level for lead exposure in construction that triggers medical surveillance?
Correct Answer
A) 30 μg/m³ over an 8-hour TWA
Cal/OSHA sets the action level for lead at 30 μg/m³ as an 8-hour time-weighted average, which triggers medical surveillance requirements.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Cal/OSHA Title 8 Section 1532.1 sets the action level for lead at 30 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). Exceeding this level triggers medical surveillance, biological monitoring, and other protective measures.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 100 μg/m³ over an 8-hour TWA
100 μg/m³ is not a recognized action level or PEL for lead under Cal/OSHA construction standards. This figure significantly exceeds permissible limits and would constitute a serious overexposure.
Option C: 15 μg/m³ over an 8-hour TWA
15 μg/m³ is below the action level and does not trigger medical surveillance requirements. It may be confused with OSHA's action level for silica (50 μg/m³) or other substances — but 15 μg/m³ is not the lead threshold.
Option D: 50 μg/m³ over an 8-hour TWA
50 μg/m³ is the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for lead — the maximum allowable exposure — not the action level. The action level (30 μg/m³) is lower than the PEL and triggers preventive requirements before the PEL is reached.
Memory Technique
Remember: 30-50 for lead. Action at 30, Prohibited above 50. The 'A' in Action comes before 'P' in Prohibited, and 30 comes before 50.
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