CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Recordkeeping and Program Management Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.95, what are the respective record retention periods for employee noise exposure measurement records and audiometric test records?

Accepted Answer

Noise exposure for 2 years, audiometric tests for the duration of employment.

Answer

Noise exposure for 2 years, audiometric tests for 5 years.

Answer

Noise exposure for 5 years, audiometric tests for 30 years.

Answer

Noise exposure for 30 years, audiometric tests for the duration of employment plus 30 years.

Question 2

An employee in a hearing conservation program experiences a work-related Standard Threshold Shift (STS). To be recordable on the OSHA 300 Log, what additional criterion must be met?

Accepted Answer

The employee's total hearing level is 25 dB or more above audiometric zero (averaged at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz) in the same ear as the STS.

Answer

The employee must report tinnitus to the Professional Supervisor.

Answer

The shift must be greater than an average of 15 dB at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz.

Answer

A second audiogram must confirm the STS within 10 days.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a required core element of an OSHA-compliant Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) under 29 CFR 1910.95?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory job rotation for all employees exposed above the PEL.

Answer

Noise monitoring and exposure assessment.

Answer

Audiometric testing for all exposed employees.

Answer

Providing a selection of suitable hearing protectors.

Question 4

An employee submits a written request for a copy of their audiometric test records. According to OSHA's standard on access to employee exposure and medical records (29 CFR 1910.1020), how long does the employer have to provide access to the records?

Accepted Answer

15 working days

Answer

5 working days

Answer

30 calendar days

Answer

Immediately upon request

Question 5

As part of a hearing conservation program evaluation, a program manager notes that the facility's overall rate of Standard Threshold Shifts (STS) has been steadily increasing over the past three years. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial program management action?

Accepted Answer

Analyze the STS data by department, job title, and HPD type to identify trends and problem areas.

Answer

Immediately purchase new hearing protectors with the highest possible NRR for all employees.

Answer

Assume the audiometric testing equipment is malfunctioning and schedule an exhaustive calibration.

Answer

Revise the baseline audiograms for all employees with an STS to reset the data.

Question 6

A company is acquired by a new owner. What is the successor employer's responsibility regarding the audiometric records and baseline audiograms from the previous owner?

Accepted Answer

They must receive and retain the records, continuing to use the established baselines for STS comparison.

Answer

They must establish new baseline audiograms for all employees within 6 months.

Answer

They must transfer the records to NIOSH and are not required to maintain them.

Answer

They are only required to keep the last annual audiogram, not the full history.