COLORADO ASBESTOS
WORKER PRACTICE EXAM
Question 1: Which statement best describes asbestos as encountered in building
materials?
Choices:
1) A naturally occurring group of �brous silicate minerals 2) A synthetic glass �ber manufactured only after 1980 3) A petroleum-based binder used only in roo�ng 4) A metallic dust produced by welding operations Correct Answer: A naturally occurring group of �brous silicate minerals Explanation: Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring �brous silicate minerals. Its durable, heat-resistant �bers were incorporated into many building products.Page 1
Question 2: Chrysotile belongs to which mineralogical group?
Choices:
1) Amphibole 2) Serpentine 3) Carbonate 4) Feldspar
Correct Answer: Serpentine
Explanation: Chrysotile is the serpentine form of asbestos. Amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite asbestos are amphiboles.Question 3: A dry asbestos-containing material is considered friable when it can be:
Choices:
1) Melted with a heat gun 2) Cut only with a power saw 3) Crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure 4) Dissolved completely in water
Correct Answer: Crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure
Explanation: Friability describes material that, when dry, can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. Friable material can release �bers readily when disturbed.Page 2
Question 4: Which material is the best example of thermal system insulation (TSI)?
Choices:
1) Vinyl �oor tile used as a wear surface 2) Acoustical ceiling plaster used for sound control 3) Roo�ng shingles used for weather protection 4) Pipe insulation used to reduce heat loss
Correct Answer: Pipe insulation used to reduce heat loss
Explanation: TSI is insulation applied to pipes, �ttings, boilers, tanks, ducts, and similar components to control heat loss or gain or condensation.
Question 5: What is the primary route of occupational asbestos exposure that
produces serious lung disease?
Choices:
1) Inhalation of airborne �bers 2) Skin absorption 3) Hearing exposure 4) Ultraviolet radiation
Correct Answer: Inhalation of airborne �bers
Explanation: The principal occupational hazard is inhalation of airborne asbestos �bers. Fibers can deposit in the respiratory system and contribute to disease years later.Page 3