CITB Specialists Confined Spaces & Noise 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, what is the Lower Exposure Action Value (LEAV)?
- 80 dB(A) daily or weekly average — employers must provide information and make hearing protection available (Correct answer)
- 85 dB(A)
- 90 dB(A)
- 75 dB(A)
Correct answer: 80 dB(A) daily or weekly average — employers must provide information and make hearing protection available
The Lower Exposure Action Value under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 is 80 dB(A) (daily or weekly average exposure). At this level, employers must provide workers with information about the risks and make hearing protection available.
Question 2: What is the Upper Exposure Action Value (UEAV) for noise in construction?
- 85 dB(A) — at this level hearing protection use becomes mandatory (Correct answer)
- 80 dB(A)
- 90 dB(A)
- 95 dB(A)
Correct answer: 85 dB(A) — at this level hearing protection use becomes mandatory
The Upper Exposure Action Value is 85 dB(A). When workers are exposed to noise at or above this level, employers must implement a noise reduction programme and hearing protection use becomes mandatory.
Question 3: What is the Exposure Limit Value (ELV) for noise that must never be exceeded?
- 87 dB(A) — even accounting for hearing protection worn (Correct answer)
- 85 dB(A)
- 90 dB(A)
- 100 dB(A)
Correct answer: 87 dB(A) — even accounting for hearing protection worn
The Exposure Limit Value of 87 dB(A) must never be exceeded, even taking into account the protection provided by hearing protection worn. If a worker is still exposed to 87 dB(A) or above when wearing PPE, the situation is unlawful.
Question 4: Which specialist trade typically generates the highest noise exposure levels on a construction site?
- Chasing and drilling (hammer drilling, angle grinding, scabbling) (Correct answer)
- Painting and decorating
- Carpentry using hand tools
- Plumbing using hand tools
Correct answer: Chasing and drilling (hammer drilling, angle grinding, scabbling)
Hammer drilling, angle grinding, and scabbling generate noise levels well above 100 dB(A), far exceeding both action values. These activities require hearing protection and, wherever possible, quieter working methods.
Question 5: What is the hierarchy of noise control on a construction site?
- Eliminate, substitute with quieter equipment, engineer controls (enclosures/screens), then PPE as a last resort (Correct answer)
- PPE first as it is quickest to implement
- Signage warning of noise, then PPE
- Reduce working hours then provide PPE
Correct answer: Eliminate, substitute with quieter equipment, engineer controls (enclosures/screens), then PPE as a last resort
Noise control follows the hierarchy of prevention: eliminate the noisy process, substitute with quieter methods, apply engineering controls (enclosures, screens, anti-vibration mounts), then administrative controls (job rotation), with PPE only as a final resort.
Question 6: What health condition is caused by prolonged exposure to excessive noise at work?
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) — permanent, irreversible damage to inner ear hair cells (Correct answer)
- Temporary hearing fatigue that recovers with rest
- Tinnitus only, not permanent hearing loss
- A condition affecting balance only
Correct answer: Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) — permanent, irreversible damage to inner ear hair cells
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is a permanent, irreversible condition caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise, which destroys the sensory hair cells in the inner ear. Unlike temporary threshold shift after noise exposure, NIHL cannot be reversed.
CITB Specialists Confined Spaces & Noise 2
Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, what is the Lower Exposure Action Value (LEAV)?