Construction Supervisor License Practice Exam

A warning sign is required to be posted in an area where employees are exposed to lead when?

1. Lead is present in the work area

2. Lead abatement is in progress

3. The exposure level is above the PEL

4. Lead removal is within 200 feet of employees

The correct answer is: The exposure level is above the PEL

A warning sign is mandated in areas where employees are exposed to lead when the exposure level is above the permissible exposure limit (PEL). The PEL is a regulatory limit set to protect workers from harmful exposures to lead, which can cause serious health issues. When the concentration of lead in the air exceeds this limit, it indicates a significant risk to employees’ health, necessitating the implementation of proper warning measures, including signage. This alert informs workers of potential dangers, thereby promoting safety and compliance with health regulations. In contrast, while it is important for areas to be monitored for lead presence or during lead abatement activities, these factors alone do not necessarily trigger the requirement for warning signs unless they result in exposure levels above the PEL. Additionally, the distance of lead removal from employees, although related to safety, does not inherently determine the need for a warning sign unless the exposure itself is of concern. Thus, the focus is on actual exposure levels exceeding the established limits for protective measures to be activated.