California ICC UST Inspector Practice Exam

Which of the following constitutes a hazardous atmosphere?

1. Flammable gas exceeding 10 percent of its lower flammable limit

2. Airborne combustible dust at safe concentration levels

3. Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 23.5 percent

4. Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration at 1.5 percent

The correct answer is: Flammable gas exceeding 10 percent of its lower flammable limit

The correct choice identifies a hazardous atmosphere based on the risk of fire or explosion. A flammable gas concentration exceeding 10 percent of its lower flammable limit (LFL) indicates that the gas can ignite if exposed to an ignition source, creating a dangerous situation. This is critical in the context of safety regulations and standards governing environments where flammable substances are present. Recognizing the threshold for combustion is essential for preventing hazardous incidents in industries such as petroleum, chemical manufacturing, and any operations involving flammable materials. Other options do not indicate a hazardous atmosphere in the same way. Airborne combustible dust at safe concentration levels does not pose an immediate explosion risk and is therefore not hazardous until it reaches certain thresholds. Similarly, while an atmospheric oxygen concentration below 23.5 percent does indicate a potentially hazardous condition in terms of insufficient oxygen for breathing, it does not necessarily equate to a flammable atmosphere. An atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration at 1.5 percent, while it can affect air quality, is generally not considered hazardous on its own within the typical occupational exposure limits.