New York State Asbestos Investigator Practice Exam

What defines a Class IV work classification?

1. Maintenance and repair operations

2. Incidental contact by normal workers

3. Abatement of asbestos material

4. High risk demolition work

The correct answer is: Incidental contact by normal workers

A Class IV work classification specifically pertains to incidental contact by normal workers with asbestos-containing materials. This classification is significant because it includes activities where workers may potentially encounter asbestos during their routine job duties, even if their primary task does not involve handling asbestos. In this context, incidental contact typically refers to situations where employees might be near asbestos materials but are not actively involved in asbestos removal, encapsulation, or disturbance. Understanding this classification helps in ensuring that appropriate safety measures and protections are employed to safeguard workers who might inadvertently come into contact with asbestos fibers during their regular activities. While the other classifications, such as maintenance and repair operations, abatement activities, and high-risk demolition work, involve more direct handling or disturbance of asbestos-containing materials, they do not pertain to incidental contact, which is distinctive to Class IV. This distinction is crucial for understanding the different levels of risk and required safety precautions for various types of asbestos-related work activities.