OHST Practice Exam

Which respiratory protection should be used for handling asbestos?

1. Half mask respirator

2. Full face respirator

3. P100 respirator

4. Dust mask

The correct answer is: P100 respirator

When handling asbestos, the use of a P100 respirator is crucial due to its high level of filtration efficiency. A P100 respirator can filter out at least 99.97% of airborne particles, which makes it particularly effective against hazardous substances like asbestos fibers. This type of respirator is specifically designed to provide superior protection in environments where there is a risk of inhaling harmful particulates. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and even small amounts of exposure can pose significant health risks. The P100 designation indicates that it is capable of filtering particles that are much smaller than what other respirators can handle, thereby ensuring enhanced protection. This level of filtration is especially important in an asbestos-handling context, where fibers can be very fine and pose severe respiratory hazards. While other types of respirators, such as half mask respirators or full face respirators, may provide some level of protection, they do not guarantee the same level of particle filtration and may not be sufficient in situations with heavy asbestos exposure. Dust masks are inappropriate for asbestos work, as they do not provide adequate filtration and can allow harmful fibers to pass through. Thus, the P100 respirator stands out as the best choice for providing the necessary protection when dealing with asbestos.