MSHA Dust Sampling Technician Certification
Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
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1. What is the primary purpose of the respirable dust sampler used
by MSHA dust technicians?
A. To measure total dust in the mine environment
B. To filter out all airborne contaminants
C. To collect respirable dust particles for gravimetric analysis
D. To test air velocity in mine passages
The respirable dust sampler is designed specifically to collect the
fraction of airborne dust small enough to penetrate the lungs. This
allows MSHA to assess compliance with respirable dust standards.
2. Before starting a sampling shift, the technician should:
A. Only check the pump battery
B. Calibrate the sampling pump and inspect all tubing and filters
C. Begin sampling immediately if the previous calibration was
done last week
D. Wear gloves but ignore calibration
Proper calibration ensures accurate sample collection. Inspecting
, tubing and filters prevents leaks or obstructions that could
compromise results.
3. When placing a personal dust sampler on a miner, it should be
positioned:
A. On the helmet
B. Near the waist
C. In the breathing zone, typically on the lapel or collar
D. Anywhere on the miner’s clothing
The breathing zone placement ensures the sample reflects what
the miner actually inhales, which is the critical factor for
compliance monitoring.
4. How often must the sampling pump flow rate be checked during a
shift?
A. Once per week
B. At the start and end of the shift only
C. Before starting the shift and periodically throughout as
specified
D. Only if a sample appears abnormal
Frequent flow rate checks ensure consistent sampling. MSHA
protocols require monitoring throughout the shift for accuracy.
,5. If a dust filter appears damaged prior to use, the technician
should:
A. Attempt to repair it with tape
B. Replace it with a new, undamaged filter
C. Use it anyway and note the damage
D. Only use it for non-critical areas
Using a damaged filter can invalidate the sample. Always replace
damaged filters to maintain sample integrity.
6. What is the typical flow rate for a personal dust sampling pump?
A. 1–2 liters per minute
B. 3–4 liters per minute
C. 2 liters per minute, as specified for respirable dust sampling
D. 5–6 liters per minute
MSHA specifies a standard flow rate to ensure collected dust is
representative. Deviating from this flow rate can affect gravimetric
results.
7. Why is it important to avoid handling the filter surface directly?
A. It causes static electricity
B. Oils or particles from hands can contaminate the sample
C. The filter will tear easily
D. It affects the pump’s flow rate
, Direct contact can introduce contaminants, altering the weight
measurement of collected dust and invalidating the sample.
8. During gravimetric analysis, the dust collected is weighed:
A. Immediately after collection in the field
B. Only visually inspected
C. In a controlled laboratory environment using a calibrated
microbalance
D. By comparing with a standard filter color
Laboratory weighing ensures precision and compliance with MSHA
standards. Field weighing is not accurate enough for regulatory
purposes.
9. What is the purpose of the cyclone in a dust sampler?
A. To accelerate airflow
B. To filter out all particles
C. To separate respirable dust from larger, non-respirable
particles
D. To hold the filter in place
The cyclone removes larger particles that do not contribute to
respirable dust exposure, ensuring accurate sampling of the
respirable fraction.
Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of the respirable dust sampler used
by MSHA dust technicians?
A. To measure total dust in the mine environment
B. To filter out all airborne contaminants
C. To collect respirable dust particles for gravimetric analysis
D. To test air velocity in mine passages
The respirable dust sampler is designed specifically to collect the
fraction of airborne dust small enough to penetrate the lungs. This
allows MSHA to assess compliance with respirable dust standards.
2. Before starting a sampling shift, the technician should:
A. Only check the pump battery
B. Calibrate the sampling pump and inspect all tubing and filters
C. Begin sampling immediately if the previous calibration was
done last week
D. Wear gloves but ignore calibration
Proper calibration ensures accurate sample collection. Inspecting
, tubing and filters prevents leaks or obstructions that could
compromise results.
3. When placing a personal dust sampler on a miner, it should be
positioned:
A. On the helmet
B. Near the waist
C. In the breathing zone, typically on the lapel or collar
D. Anywhere on the miner’s clothing
The breathing zone placement ensures the sample reflects what
the miner actually inhales, which is the critical factor for
compliance monitoring.
4. How often must the sampling pump flow rate be checked during a
shift?
A. Once per week
B. At the start and end of the shift only
C. Before starting the shift and periodically throughout as
specified
D. Only if a sample appears abnormal
Frequent flow rate checks ensure consistent sampling. MSHA
protocols require monitoring throughout the shift for accuracy.
,5. If a dust filter appears damaged prior to use, the technician
should:
A. Attempt to repair it with tape
B. Replace it with a new, undamaged filter
C. Use it anyway and note the damage
D. Only use it for non-critical areas
Using a damaged filter can invalidate the sample. Always replace
damaged filters to maintain sample integrity.
6. What is the typical flow rate for a personal dust sampling pump?
A. 1–2 liters per minute
B. 3–4 liters per minute
C. 2 liters per minute, as specified for respirable dust sampling
D. 5–6 liters per minute
MSHA specifies a standard flow rate to ensure collected dust is
representative. Deviating from this flow rate can affect gravimetric
results.
7. Why is it important to avoid handling the filter surface directly?
A. It causes static electricity
B. Oils or particles from hands can contaminate the sample
C. The filter will tear easily
D. It affects the pump’s flow rate
, Direct contact can introduce contaminants, altering the weight
measurement of collected dust and invalidating the sample.
8. During gravimetric analysis, the dust collected is weighed:
A. Immediately after collection in the field
B. Only visually inspected
C. In a controlled laboratory environment using a calibrated
microbalance
D. By comparing with a standard filter color
Laboratory weighing ensures precision and compliance with MSHA
standards. Field weighing is not accurate enough for regulatory
purposes.
9. What is the purpose of the cyclone in a dust sampler?
A. To accelerate airflow
B. To filter out all particles
C. To separate respirable dust from larger, non-respirable
particles
D. To hold the filter in place
The cyclone removes larger particles that do not contribute to
respirable dust exposure, ensuring accurate sampling of the
respirable fraction.
