Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor Practice Exam

Which example of Thermal System Insulation could present the highest exposure risk to building occupants?

1. Insulated ducts

2. Pipe insulation

3. Electronic Bubble Meter

4. Furnace filters

The correct answer is: Electronic Bubble Meter

In considering the potential exposure risk to building occupants from different types of Thermal System Insulation, the Electronic Bubble Meter stands out due to its function and the materials that might be associated with it. While insulated ducts and pipe insulation are traditional forms of thermal insulation that can potentially contain asbestos, they are typically found in more controlled environments where they are not disturbed frequently unless maintenance is required. Furnace filters mainly trap particulate matter and generally do not contain thermal insulation materials directly related to asbestos exposure, so their risk is lower in this context. The Electronic Bubble Meter could present a higher exposure risk because it is a device that measures fluid levels, and depending on its installation context, it could be used in areas where asbestos insulation materials might be present or could become damaged. If such materials are disturbed during the process of accessing or using the bubble meter, it could release asbestos fibers into the air, potentially posing a significant risk to occupants. Thus, the specific operational context of the Electronic Bubble Meter, where it could interact with or be situated alongside asbestos-containing materials, elevates the exposure risk compared to more standardized forms of insulation that are typically contained and less likely to be disturbed.