CSCS Ireland Noise and Vibration

Question 1

What is the lower exposure action value (LEAV) for daily personal noise exposure under Irish health and safety regulations?

Accepted Answer

80 dB(A)

Answer

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, the lower exposure action value for daily noise is 80 dB(A), at which point employers must begin taking steps such as providing hearing protection on request.

Question 2

When daily noise reaches the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A), what action must an employer take?

Accepted Answer

Establish mandatory hearing protection zones and enforce their use

Answer

At the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A), employers must establish hearing protection zones, supply appropriate hearing protection, and ensure its mandatory use within those zones.

Question 3

What is the noise exposure limit value (ELV) that must never be exceeded under Irish regulations, even with hearing protection in use?

Accepted Answer

87 dB(A)

Answer

The exposure limit value under the 2007 regulations is 87 dB(A); this is the absolute ceiling and must not be exceeded when account is taken of the attenuation provided by hearing protection.

Question 4

Which type of hearing protection generally provides the greatest noise attenuation in very high noise environments on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

A combination of earplugs worn underneath earmuffs

Answer

Wearing earplugs under earmuffs (dual protection) provides the highest level of noise attenuation and is recommended where noise levels are extreme.

Question 5

What is the most serious long-term health consequence of uncontrolled exposure to excessive noise on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

Permanent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)

Answer

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and irreversible; hair cells in the inner ear that are destroyed by noise cannot regenerate, making prevention the only effective strategy.

CSCS Ireland Practice Test

CSCS Ireland Practice Test

CSCS Ireland Noise and Vibration