CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Federal Regulations and Standards Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to OSHA's Noise Standard (29 CFR 1910.95), for how long must an employer retain records of employee noise exposure measurements?

Accepted Answer

For 2 years

Answer

OSHA's standard at 29 CFR 1910.95(m)(3)(i) specifically requires that noise exposure measurement records be retained for two years. This is different from audiometric test records, which must be kept for the duration of the affected employee's employment.

Question 2

A miner's full-shift noise exposure is measured at a 106 dBA TWA. Under the MSHA noise regulation (30 CFR Part 62), what specific hearing protection action is required that is not explicitly mandated by the general industry OSHA standard at this level?

Accepted Answer

The miner must wear dual hearing protection (e.g., earplugs and earmuffs).

Answer

MSHA's regulation at 30 CFR 62.140 establishes a "dual hearing protection level" at a TWA of 105 dBA. For exposures exceeding this level, miners must wear both an earplug and an earmuff type protector. OSHA's general industry standard does not have a specific TWA level that automatically mandates dual protection, although it may be necessary to achieve adequate attenuation.

Question 3

Which of the following topics is specifically required by OSHA (29 CFR 1910.95) to be included in the annual training program for employees in a hearing conservation program?

Accepted Answer

The effects of noise on hearing.

Answer

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95(k) mandates that the annual training program must cover several specific topics, including the effects of noise on hearing; the purpose, advantages, and disadvantages of various types of hearing protectors; the selection, fitting, and care of protectors; and the purpose and procedures of audiometric testing. While the other topics may be useful, the effects of noise on hearing is an explicitly required element.

Question 4

The OSHA Noise Standard (29 CFR 1910.95) establishes a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for noise, which requires the implementation of feasible engineering or administrative controls. This PEL is defined as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of:

Accepted Answer

90 dBA

Answer

According to 29 CFR 1910.95(b)(1), the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is an 8-hour TWA of 90 dBA. Exposures at or above this level require the implementation of feasible engineering or administrative controls. The Action Level, which triggers inclusion in a hearing conservation program, is 85 dBA.

Question 5

An employee has a confirmed Standard Threshold Shift (STS). The employer's investigation reveals the employee engages in frequent recreational firearm use without hearing protection. According to OSHA regulations, who is ultimately responsible for determining if the STS is work-related and therefore recordable on the OSHA 300 Log?

Accepted Answer

The audiologist or physician supervising the program (Professional Supervisor)

Answer

OSHA's recordkeeping standard (29 CFR 1904.10) allows a physician or other licensed health care professional to determine if a hearing loss is not work-related. In the context of a hearing conservation program, this role is filled by the Professional Supervisor (an audiologist or physician), who has the expertise to evaluate audiometric data and other factors to make this medical determination.

CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Practice Test

CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Practice Test

CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Federal Regulations and Standards Questions and Answers