CAOHC OSHA Noise Standard Compliance

Question 1

What is the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for occupational noise as specified in 29 CFR 1910.95?

Accepted Answer

90 dBA TWA over an 8-hour workday

Answer

OSHA's permissible exposure limit for noise is 90 dBA as an 8-hour time-weighted average. Exposure above this level requires implementation of feasible engineering and administrative controls to reduce exposure.

Question 2

At what noise level does OSHA require employers to implement a hearing conservation program?

Accepted Answer

85 dBA TWA (action level)

Answer

OSHA's action level is 85 dBA as an 8-hour TWA. When workers are exposed at or above this level, employers must implement a hearing conservation program including noise monitoring, audiometric testing, hearing protection, and training.

Question 3

What exchange rate does OSHA use for calculating noise dose?

Accepted Answer

5 dB exchange rate (doubling rate)

Answer

OSHA uses a 5 dB exchange rate, meaning that for every 5 dB increase in noise level, the permissible exposure time is halved. At 95 dBA, the permitted time is 4 hours; at 100 dBA, 2 hours; and at 105 dBA, 1 hour.

Question 4

What is the maximum permissible exposure time for continuous noise at 100 dBA under OSHA standards?

Accepted Answer

2 hours

Answer

Using OSHA's 5 dB exchange rate starting from 90 dBA/8 hours: 95 dBA allows 4 hours, and 100 dBA allows 2 hours. Exposure beyond this time at 100 dBA exceeds the permissible noise dose.

Question 5

Under OSHA's hearing conservation amendment, how soon must a baseline audiogram be obtained for a new employee exposed at or above the action level?

Accepted Answer

Within 6 months of first exposure (or within 1 year if a mobile test van is used)

Answer

OSHA requires baseline audiograms within 6 months of a worker's first exposure at or above 85 dBA TWA. If a mobile audiometric testing van is used, this can be extended to within 1 year, but hearing protection must be provided until the baseline is obtained.

CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Practice Test

CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Practice Test

CAOHC OSHA Noise Standard Compliance