CSCS Noise and Vibration 2 ā Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does WBV stand for in relation to vibration at work?
- Work Based Verification
- Whole Body Vibration (Correct answer)
- Weekly Baseline Value
- Workplace Building Ventilation
Correct answer: Whole Body Vibration
WBV stands for Whole Body Vibration, which is transmitted through the seat or feet of workers operating mobile plant and machinery such as dumpers, excavators, and forklift trucks. Prolonged WBV exposure can cause lower back pain and spinal disorders.
Question 2: What must an employer do when the lower exposure action value for noise (80 dB(A)) is reached or exceeded?
- No action is required at this level
- Make hearing protection available to workers and provide information and training on noise risks (Correct answer)
- Immediately stop all work
- Only record the noise level in the site diary
Correct answer: Make hearing protection available to workers and provide information and training on noise risks
At or above the lower exposure action value of 80 dB(A), employers must make hearing protection available to workers who request it, provide information and training about the risks, and carry out a noise risk assessment. Hearing protection is not yet mandatory at this level.
Question 3: What is a hearing protection zone on a construction site?
- An area where hearing protection is forbidden
- A designated area where noise levels reach or exceed the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A) and hearing protection must be worn (Correct answer)
- A quiet rest area for workers
- An area where noise monitoring equipment is stored
Correct answer: A designated area where noise levels reach or exceed the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A) and hearing protection must be worn
Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, hearing protection zones must be demarcated and signposted where noise levels reach or exceed the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A). All persons entering these zones must wear suitable hearing protection.
Question 4: What is audiometry in the context of noise at work?
- A method of measuring ambient noise levels on site
- A hearing test to measure a worker's ability to detect sounds at different frequencies (Correct answer)
- A vibration measurement technique
- A type of hearing protection device
Correct answer: A hearing test to measure a worker's ability to detect sounds at different frequencies
Audiometry is a hearing test that measures a worker's ability to hear sounds at various frequencies and volumes. It is used as part of health surveillance to detect early signs of noise-induced hearing loss. Baseline audiometry should be conducted before a worker begins noise-exposed work.
Question 5: Which of the following is a practical way to reduce noise exposure on a construction site?
- Increase the speed of noisy machinery to finish the task quicker
- Select quieter plant and equipment, use silencers, and limit the duration of exposure through job rotation (Correct answer)
- Move noisy equipment closer to workers so they can finish faster
- Remove all hearing protection zone signs
Correct answer: Select quieter plant and equipment, use silencers, and limit the duration of exposure through job rotation
Practical noise reduction measures include selecting quieter tools and equipment, fitting silencers or mufflers, using noise barriers or enclosures, maintaining equipment properly, limiting exposure time through job rotation, and segregating noisy work from other activities.
Question 6: Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, what must employers do when the exposure action value for hand-arm vibration is exceeded?
- Nothing; the action value is only advisory
- Introduce a programme of organisational and technical measures to reduce exposure, and place workers under health surveillance (Correct answer)
- Simply provide anti-vibration gloves
- Report the exposure to the HSE immediately
Correct answer: Introduce a programme of organisational and technical measures to reduce exposure, and place workers under health surveillance
When the hand-arm vibration EAV of 2.5 m/sĀ² A(8) is exceeded, employers must reduce exposure through organisational and technical measures (e.g., limiting exposure times, selecting low-vibration tools, maintaining equipment), provide health surveillance, and give information and training to exposed workers.
CSCS Noise and Vibration 2
What does WBV stand for in relation to vibration at work?