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

Cotton, tissue, and similar improvised ear plugs are not acceptable hearing protectors under OSHA. They provide minimal and inconsistent attenuation that does not reliably protect against hazardous noise levels.

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

OSHA requires that noise measurement instruments (sound level meters and dosimeters) be calibrated before and after each measurement session. The calibrator must be traceable to national standards to ensure measurement accuracy.

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 returning from extended absence should receive an updated annual audiogram and training. While OSHA does not specify exact re-entry procedures, best practice ensures returning workers have current audiometric records and training before noise exposure resumes.

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

OSHA requires that employers ensure hearing protectors fit properly and that workers are trained in correct insertion and use. A protector that is not properly fitted provides significantly less protection than its rated NRR suggests.

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

OSHA requires A-weighted noise measurements (dBA) because the A-weighting filter approximates the frequency sensitivity of the human ear at moderate sound levels. This provides measurements that correlate with the hearing damage risk from noise exposure.

CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Practice Test

CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Practice Test

CAOHC OSHA Noise Standard Compliance 2