A large refrigerant leak has filled an enclosed machinery room. What protection is needed to enter it?
Safety · EPA 608 Core. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
Exposure risks, protective equipment, the 80% cylinder limit and nitrogen for leak testing.
The question
A large refrigerant leak has filled an enclosed machinery room. What protection is needed to enter it?
- A paper dust mask over the nose and mouth
- A self-contained breathing apparatusCorrect answer
- Safety glasses only
- Ear protection
Why “A self-contained breathing apparatus” is correct
In extreme cases, such as a large leak in a closed space where oxygen may be low, a self-contained breathing apparatus is needed because it supplies its own air. Filter masks do not supply oxygen.
Source: EPA: Test Topics
Why the other answers are wrong
- A paper dust mask over the nose and mouth — A dust mask filters particles but supplies no oxygen.
- Safety glasses only — Eye protection does nothing for an oxygen-poor atmosphere.
- Ear protection — Ear protection does not address breathing hazards.
Practice more of this
More EPA 608 Core practice questions, or see every EPA 608 practice test.
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