Section Four: Permissible Exposure Limit

What HPDs must be available to all employees?

Ear plugs/muffs Note: OSHA requires employers to have more than one type of hearing protection available to employees

True or False: AL is the limit that should not be exceeded.

False

True or False: Employers do not have to comply with all regulatory standards applicable to hearing conservation.

False

True or False: The impact or impulse noise exposure should never exceed 150 dB(A), regardless of the 8-hour average.

False Note: 140 dB(A)

What should you do if there is more than one regulation?

Follow the most stringent one Note: Typically the most stringent are DoD regulations

When is a baseline audiogram conducted?

When they first enter the hearing conservation program

True or False: Special HPDs are required to reduce the sound level reaching the ear to below 90 dB9A).

True

Where can exposure limits be found in the OSHA Standard?

29 CFR 1910.95(b)(2) table G-16

According to OSHA, when do employees need to be included in a hearing conservation program?

8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) above 85 dB(A)

What is the most preferred method to protecting employees from hazardous noise exposures?

Reducing the hazard Note: o That is why employers must first implement a feasible noise control o PPE is susceptible to human error and may be less effective in the long run

How does an exchange rate of 5 dB effect the exposure time?

The exposure time should be cut in half for each 5 dB(A) increase in sound level

True or False: AL is the trigger for employers to enroll people into a hearing conservation program.

True

True or False: Noise regulations can vary by country, so it is important to know the local standards and regulations.

True

Impulse noise becomes hazardous at ____________. a. 140 dB(P) b. 190 dB(P) c. 140 dB(A) d. 185 dB(P)

a. 140 dB(P)

According to OSHA, the Action Level or AL at which workers should be included in a hearing conservation program occurs when they are: a. Exposed to a consistent sound level of 85 dB (A) for an entire 8-hour shift b. Exposed to a sound level of 80 dB(A) for 7.5 hours and 100 dB (A) for 30 minutes c. Exposed to a sound level of 80 dB(A) for 4 days of the week and 100 dB (A) for one day of the week d. All of the above

a. Exposed to a consistent sound level of 85 dB (A) for an entire 8-hour shift

____________ reflects the relationship between the allowable exposure time and the noise intensity level. a. Action level b. Exchange rate c. Noise rating d. Dose level

b. Exchange rate

According to OSHA, the permissible exposure limit (or PEL) for 8 hours that should not be exceeded is: a. 87 dB(A) b. 85 dB(A) c. 90 dB(A) d. 88 dB(A)

c. 90 dB(A)

If more than one regulation applies to a workplace be sure to follow: a. OSHA b. NIOSH c. The most stringent one d. State and local regulations

c. The most stringent one

Regardless of the 8-hour average, impact or impulse noise exposure should never exceed: a. 85 dB(A) b. 90 dB(A) c. 120 dB(A) d. 140 dB(A)

d. 140 dB(A)

OSHA requires implementation of feasible noise controls as the first obligation of the employer. All of the following statements are true about this requirement except: a. Both technical and economic feasibility are part of the equation b. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be the less effective option in the long run c. Feasible engineering controls must be used even if they do not reduce noise levels to below 90 dB(A) d. According to the hierarchy of hazard control, employers must implement external controls until levels below 90 dB(A) are reached

d. According to the hierarchy of hazard control, employers must implement external controls until levels below 90 dB(A) are reached

Several government agencies develop and publish noise related regulations requiring compliance by employers. They include which of the following agencies: a. DoD and NIOSH b. Individual state and local governments c. OSHA, DoD and FRA d. Both b and c

d. Both b and c

If the 8-hour time-weighted average is 90 dB(A) or above, the permissible exposure limit has been reached and additional requirements apply. They include all of the following except: a. The use of hearing protection devices becomes mandatory b. Employers must consider feasible engineering or administrative controls to reduce noise exposure c. Employers must ensure hearing protection reduces sound levels reaching the ear to below 90 dB(A) d. Employers are fined and OSHA will conduct additional inspections

d. Employers are fined and OSHA will conduct additional inspections

All of the following statements about time-weighted average are true except: a. It is often "normalized" to 8 hours. b. It calculates amplitude or dB(A) and the duration of noise exposure. c. It changes if employees work more than 8-hour shifts. d. It is used to determine noise levels that a worker is exposed to at the moment

d. It is used to determine noise levels that a worker is exposed to at the moment

What is OSHA's exchange rate and criterion level?

o 5 dB exchange rate o 90 dB criterion level

Per the OSHA Hearing Conservation Standard for an 8-hour TWA, the action level is _____ dB(A) and the permissible exposure limit is _____ dB(A).

o 85 o 90

What are the two limits that the hearing conservation program is based off of?

o Action level (AL) o Permissible exposure limit (PEL)

What do employers need to do if the 8-hour TWA is 90 dB(A) or above?

o Audiograms & training o Consider more feasible engineering or administrative controls to reduce noise exposures o Mandatory hearing protection

Which agencies develop and publish noise related regulations?

o Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) o Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) o Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) o Department of Defense (DoD)

What are some state/local agencies that may be more restrictive with regulations than those at the federal level?

o The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) o National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) Note: These may be more restrictive, but not mandatory

What training topics must be included to all employees in the hearing conservation program?

o The effects of noise on hearing o the purpose of hearing protection devices o Advantages & disadvantages of different types of hearing protection o Instructions on their fitting o Use of care o The purpose of audiometric testing