SafetyQuestion 355 of 360
A plumber must cut into old cement pipe that may be asbestos-cement (transite). What is the correct precaution regarding asbestos?
a.Cut it dry with a grinder to finish faster
b.Do not dry-cut or grind it; asbestos work requires wetting, special methods, and often a trained/certified contractor
c.Asbestos-cement pipe is completely safe to cut any way
d.Just hold your breath while cutting
Explanation
Asbestos-cement (transite) pipe releases hazardous asbestos fibers when dry-cut, ground, or broken. Under Title 8 §1529 (construction asbestos standard), such work requires controls like wetting to suppress dust, specific work practices, and often a registered asbestos contractor and trained workers. Inhaled asbestos causes lung disease and cancer decades later, so never dry-cut suspect cement pipe.
Law Reference: Cal/OSHA Title 8 §1529Practice all 360 questions free — no signup required.
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