COHN Workplace Hazard Identification 3

Question 1

Under NIOSH guidelines, which action level for noise exposure triggers the need for a hearing conservation program?

Accepted Answer

85 dBA as an 8-hour TWA

Answer

OSHA's Hearing Conservation Amendment requires a hearing conservation program when noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA (the action level).

Question 2

An occupational health nurse notices that several employees in a painting department have elevated lead blood levels. The MOST likely primary exposure route is:

Accepted Answer

Inhalation of lead dust and fumes

Answer

Inhalation of lead dust and fumes from sanding, spraying, and heat application is the primary occupational exposure route in painting operations.

Question 3

Which term describes a hazard that results from the combined effects of two workplace stressors that is greater than the sum of their individual effects?

Accepted Answer

Synergistic effect

Answer

A synergistic effect occurs when two hazards together produce a health impact greater than the sum of their individual effects, such as combined silica and cigarette smoke increasing lung cancer risk.

Question 4

When identifying psychosocial hazards in the workplace, which tool is MOST appropriate for the occupational health nurse to use?

Accepted Answer

Validated workplace stress surveys

Answer

Validated workplace stress surveys (such as the JCQ or NIOSH Generic Job Stress Questionnaire) are designed to systematically identify psychosocial stressors including workload, control, and social support.

Question 5

A confined space is classified as a 'permit-required' confined space when it:

Accepted Answer

Has a hazardous atmosphere or other serious safety hazard

Answer

A confined space becomes permit-required under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 when it contains or has a potential for a hazardous atmosphere, engulfment hazard, internal configuration hazard, or any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

COHN Exam Practice Test

COHN Exam Practice Test

COHN Workplace Hazard Identification 3