HAZMAT Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following correctly describes a TLV-TWA concentration?

1. Maximum exposure over 15 minutes

2. Maximum exposure over an 8-hour period

3. Maximum exposure over a weekend

4. Maximum exposure over a 24-hour period

The correct answer is: Maximum exposure over an 8-hour period

The correct description of a TLV-TWA concentration refers to the concept of Threshold Limit Value - Time-Weighted Average. This value indicates the maximum concentration of a substance to which a worker can be exposed repeatedly for a typical workday, usually defined as 8 hours, without adverse health effects. This standard is crucial in industrial hygiene, ensuring that exposure levels are maintained at a safe threshold over a standard work schedule. Other choices do not accurately reflect the TLV-TWA definition. A concentration that reflects exposure over a shorter duration, such as 15 minutes or even 24 hours, does not pertain to the standard work exposure time typically associated with TLV-TWA. Additionally, exposure limits defined over a weekend are not relevant to workplace safety regulations, which focus on daily and weekly exposure limits to protect workers’ health. Thus, the definition of TLV-TWA revolves specifically around an 8-hour workday.