CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Hearing Conservation Program Administration Questions and Answers Flashcards

How long must employers retain employee audiometric test records under OSHA's HCP standard?

Answer: For the duration of employment plus 30 years

OSHA requires audiometric records to be retained for the duration of employment plus 30 years due to the latency of noise-induced hearing loss.

What exchange rate does OSHA use when calculating noise dose, indicating how dose doubles with increasing level?

Answer: 5 dB

OSHA uses a 5 dB exchange rate, meaning the allowable exposure time is halved for every 5 dB increase in noise level.

A hearing conservation program is required by OSHA when employee noise exposures reach or exceed which level?

Answer: 85 dBA TWA

OSHA mandates HCP implementation when any employee's noise exposure equals or exceeds the 85 dBA action level.

Which document is most appropriate for auditing whether an employer's HCP meets all OSHA regulatory requirements?

Answer: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 compliance checklist

A compliance checklist based on 29 CFR 1910.95 systematically verifies that each required HCP element is in place.

Which of the following is NOT a required element of OSHA's hearing conservation program?

Answer: Employer-purchased custom hearing aids for all workers

OSHA requires employers to provide HPDs for prevention, not to purchase custom hearing aids, which are a medical treatment.

The CAOHC certification examination primarily tests competency in which area?

Answer: Hearing conservation program administration and audiometric testing

The CAOHC exam assesses competency specifically in HCP administration and audiometric testing as performed by OHCs.