Free CAOHC Federal Regulations and Standards Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to OSHA's Noise Standard (29 CFR 1910.95), for how long must an employer retain records of employee noise exposure measurements?
- For 30 years
- For 2 years (Correct answer)
- For the duration of employment plus 5 years
- For 5 years
Correct answer: For 2 years
OSHA's standard at 29 CFR 1910.95(m)(3)(i) specifically requires that noise exposure measurement records be retained for two years. This is different from audiometric test records, which must be kept for the duration of the affected employee's employment.
Question 2: A miner's full-shift noise exposure is measured at a 106 dBA TWA. Under the MSHA noise regulation (30 CFR Part 62), what specific hearing protection action is required that is not explicitly mandated by the general industry OSHA standard at this level?
- The miner must be enrolled in a hearing conservation program.
- The miner must be offered a variety of hearing protectors.
- The miner must wear dual hearing protection (e.g., earplugs and earmuffs). (Correct answer)
- The miner must undergo audiometric testing within 6 months.
Correct answer: The miner must wear dual hearing protection (e.g., earplugs and earmuffs).
MSHA's regulation at 30 CFR 62.140 establishes a "dual hearing protection level" at a TWA of 105 dBA. For exposures exceeding this level, miners must wear both an earplug and an earmuff type protector. OSHA's general industry standard does not have a specific TWA level that automatically mandates dual protection, although it may be necessary to achieve adequate attenuation.
Question 3: Which of the following topics is specifically required by OSHA (29 CFR 1910.95) to be included in the annual training program for employees in a hearing conservation program?
- The physics of sound and the decibel scale.
- A review of the company's annual noise monitoring results.
- The effects of noise on hearing. (Correct answer)
- The employer's specific procedures for reporting workers' compensation claims.
Correct answer: The effects of noise on hearing.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95(k) mandates that the annual training program must cover several specific topics, including the effects of noise on hearing; the purpose, advantages, and disadvantages of various types of hearing protectors; the selection, fitting, and care of protectors; and the purpose and procedures of audiometric testing. While the other topics may be useful, the effects of noise on hearing is an explicitly required element.
Question 4: The OSHA Noise Standard (29 CFR 1910.95) establishes a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for noise, which requires the implementation of feasible engineering or administrative controls. This PEL is defined as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of:
- 85 dBA
- 90 dBA (Correct answer)
- 115 dBA
- 140 dBC
Correct answer: 90 dBA
According to 29 CFR 1910.95(b)(1), the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is an 8-hour TWA of 90 dBA. Exposures at or above this level require the implementation of feasible engineering or administrative controls. The Action Level, which triggers inclusion in a hearing conservation program, is 85 dBA.
Question 5: An employee has a confirmed Standard Threshold Shift (STS). The employer's investigation reveals the employee engages in frequent recreational firearm use without hearing protection. According to OSHA regulations, who is ultimately responsible for determining if the STS is work-related and therefore recordable on the OSHA 300 Log?
- The Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC)
- The employee's direct supervisor
- The company's safety manager
- The audiologist or physician supervising the program (Professional Supervisor) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The audiologist or physician supervising the program (Professional Supervisor)
OSHA's recordkeeping standard (29 CFR 1904.10) allows a physician or other licensed health care professional to determine if a hearing loss is not work-related. In the context of a hearing conservation program, this role is filled by the Professional Supervisor (an audiologist or physician), who has the expertise to evaluate audiometric data and other factors to make this medical determination.
Question 6: The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Noise Exposure regulation (49 CFR Part 227) requires that hearing conservation programs be implemented for certain railroad employees. What is the continuous noise exposure action level that triggers this requirement?
- An 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA
- An 8-hour TWA of 90 dBA (Correct answer)
- A 12-hour TWA of 85 dBA
- A 12-hour TWA of 90 dBA
Correct answer: An 8-hour TWA of 90 dBA
Unlike OSHA's general industry standard which has an action level of 85 dBA, the FRA's action level for implementing a hearing conservation program, as stated in 49 CFR 227, is an 8-hour TWA of 90 dBA. This is a key distinction between the two regulations.
Free CAOHC Federal Regulations and Standards Questions and Answers 1
According to OSHA's Noise Standard (29 CFR 1910.95), for how long must an employer retain records of employee noise exposure measurements?