New York State Asbestos Investigator Practice Exam

If new material that was not previously sampled is uncovered during work, what should be done?

1. Continue work without interruption

2. Stop work until it is sampled

3. Inform the authorities immediately

4. Proceed to remove it

The correct answer is: Stop work until it is sampled

When new material that has not been previously sampled is uncovered during work, it is essential to stop the work until it can be properly sampled. This is crucial for several reasons. First, identifying whether the new material contains asbestos is vital for ensuring the safety of workers and the environment. Disturbing materials that may contain asbestos without sampling can pose serious health risks, as asbestos fibers can become airborne and lead to inhalation. Proper protocol mandates that any suspect material be evaluated before proceeding with work. This helps in understanding the potential hazards associated with the material and determining the appropriate handling and remediation procedures. Thus, halting work allows for the necessary safety precautions to be put in place and ensures compliance with regulations regarding asbestos management.