CAOHC OSHA Noise Standard Compliance 2

Question 1

What is OSHA's position on the use of cotton or tissue plugs as hearing protectors?

Accepted Answer

They are not acceptable hearing protectors because they provide inadequate and unpredictable attenuation

Answer

They are acceptable for noise levels below 95 dBA

Answer

OSHA considers them equivalent to foam earplugs

Answer

They are acceptable if the employer provides them at no cost

Question 2

Under OSHA, how must noise measurement instruments be calibrated?

Accepted Answer

Before and after each measurement session using an acoustic calibrator traceable to national standards

Answer

Only once per year during the annual audiometer calibration

Answer

Calibration is not required for noise measurement instruments

Answer

Only when the instrument displays an error message

Question 3

What is the OSHA provision regarding workers who are temporarily absent from the hearing conservation program?

Accepted Answer

Workers returning from absence must receive a new annual audiogram and updated training before resuming noise-exposed duties

Answer

Workers on leave are permanently removed from the program

Answer

No re-entry procedures are required regardless of absence duration

Answer

Workers must complete an entirely new baseline audiogram after any absence

Question 4

What does OSHA require regarding the fit and effectiveness of hearing protectors provided to workers?

Accepted Answer

Employers must ensure protectors are properly fitted and workers are trained in their correct use

Answer

Simply providing protectors satisfies the requirement regardless of fit

Answer

Only custom-molded protectors satisfy OSHA requirements

Answer

Workers must be fit-tested annually with documented results

Question 5

Which A-weighting scale does OSHA require for noise measurements, and why?

Accepted Answer

A-weighting because it approximates the human ear's frequency response at moderate sound levels

Answer

C-weighting because it captures all frequencies equally

Answer

Z-weighting because it provides the flattest frequency response

Answer

No specific weighting is required by OSHA

Question 6

What is the significance of the 'criterion level' in OSHA noise dosimetry?

Accepted Answer

It is the constant noise level (90 dBA) that produces a 100% dose over the criterion duration (8 hours)

Answer

It is the quietest noise level that can be measured

Answer

It is the noise level that causes immediate hearing loss

Answer

It is the ambient noise level required in the audiometric booth