Free CAOHC OSHA Noise Standard Compliance Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for occupational noise as specified in 29 CFR 1910.95?
- 90 dBA TWA over an 8-hour workday (Correct answer)
- 85 dBA TWA over an 8-hour workday
- 95 dBA TWA over an 8-hour workday
- 80 dBA TWA over an 8-hour workday
Correct answer: 90 dBA TWA over an 8-hour workday
OSHA's permissible exposure limit for noise is 90 dBA as an 8-hour time-weighted average. Exposure above this level requires implementation of feasible engineering and administrative controls to reduce exposure.
Question 2: At what noise level does OSHA require employers to implement a hearing conservation program?
- 85 dBA TWA (action level) (Correct answer)
- 90 dBA TWA
- 80 dBA TWA
- 95 dBA TWA
Correct answer: 85 dBA TWA (action level)
OSHA's action level is 85 dBA as an 8-hour TWA. When workers are exposed at or above this level, employers must implement a hearing conservation program including noise monitoring, audiometric testing, hearing protection, and training.
Question 3: What exchange rate does OSHA use for calculating noise dose?
- 5 dB exchange rate (doubling rate) (Correct answer)
- 3 dB exchange rate
- 10 dB exchange rate
- 2 dB exchange rate
Correct answer: 5 dB exchange rate (doubling rate)
OSHA uses a 5 dB exchange rate, meaning that for every 5 dB increase in noise level, the permissible exposure time is halved. At 95 dBA, the permitted time is 4 hours; at 100 dBA, 2 hours; and at 105 dBA, 1 hour.
Question 4: What is the maximum permissible exposure time for continuous noise at 100 dBA under OSHA standards?
- 2 hours (Correct answer)
- 4 hours
- 1 hour
- 8 hours
Correct answer: 2 hours
Using OSHA's 5 dB exchange rate starting from 90 dBA/8 hours: 95 dBA allows 4 hours, and 100 dBA allows 2 hours. Exposure beyond this time at 100 dBA exceeds the permissible noise dose.
Question 5: Under OSHA's hearing conservation amendment, how soon must a baseline audiogram be obtained for a new employee exposed at or above the action level?
- Within 6 months of first exposure (or within 1 year if a mobile test van is used) (Correct answer)
- Within 30 days of hire
- Before the first day of work
- Within 2 years of first exposure
Correct answer: Within 6 months of first exposure (or within 1 year if a mobile test van is used)
OSHA requires baseline audiograms within 6 months of a worker's first exposure at or above 85 dBA TWA. If a mobile audiometric testing van is used, this can be extended to within 1 year, but hearing protection must be provided until the baseline is obtained.
Question 6: What is OSHA's definition of a Standard Threshold Shift (STS)?
- An average change of 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear (Correct answer)
- Any change of 5 dB at any frequency
- A 15 dB change at 4000 Hz only
- An average change of 25 dB across all frequencies
Correct answer: An average change of 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear
OSHA defines STS as an average shift of 10 dB or more at the frequencies of 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear relative to the baseline audiogram. This specific definition focuses on the frequencies most affected by occupational noise.
Free CAOHC OSHA Noise Standard Compliance Questions and Answers 1
What is the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for occupational noise as specified in 29 CFR 1910.95?