Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Certification Practice Exam

What type of respirator is required for a building inspector?

1. Full face respirator

2. Half face respirator

3. Disposable respirator

4. Powered air-purifying respirator

The correct answer is: Half face respirator

A building inspector, while performing assessments in potentially asbestos-contaminated areas, typically requires a half face respirator. This type of respirator provides adequate protection by covering the mouth and nose, filtering out airborne contaminants including asbestos fibers. Half face respirators are suitable for situations where there is less exposure to concentrated levels of airborne asbestos, making them a practical choice for inspections and air quality assessments. In contrast, full face respirators offer additional protection for the eyes and may be necessary in high-risk situations where there is a significant potential for exposure to hazardous airborne particulates. However, for standard inspection tasks, the half face respirator is often sufficient and provides a balance of protection and comfort. Disposable respirators might be appropriate for limited use and lower-risk environments, but they may not provide the same level of protection in more hazardous conditions. On the other hand, powered air-purifying respirators are generally used in more aggressive asbestos abatement or remediation operations where higher levels of exposure could occur. Training typically emphasizes the need to select the correct personal protective equipment according to the specific risks associated with the tasks being performed, thus reinforcing the appropriateness of the half face respirator for building inspectors during inspections.