CSCS Noise and Vibration 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, what is the lower exposure action value?
- 75 dB(A)
- 80 dB(A) (Correct answer)
- 85 dB(A)
- 87 dB(A)
Correct answer: 80 dB(A)
The lower exposure action value (EAV) is a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 80 dB(A). At this level, employers must make hearing protection available to workers who request it and provide information and training about the risks of noise exposure.
Question 2: What is the upper exposure action value under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005?
- 80 dB(A)
- 83 dB(A)
- 85 dB(A) (Correct answer)
- 90 dB(A)
Correct answer: 85 dB(A)
The upper exposure action value is 85 dB(A) daily or weekly personal noise exposure. At this level, employers must ensure hearing protection is worn, designate hearing protection zones, and take additional steps to reduce noise exposure.
Question 3: What is the exposure limit value for noise under the 2005 Regulations?
- 80 dB(A)
- 85 dB(A)
- 87 dB(A) (Correct answer)
- 90 dB(A)
Correct answer: 87 dB(A)
The exposure limit value is 87 dB(A), taking into account the effect of any hearing protection worn. This is an absolute ceiling that must never be exceeded. Unlike the action values, the exposure limit takes into account the attenuation provided by hearing protection.
Question 4: What is HAVS?
- Health and Accident Verification System
- Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (Correct answer)
- Hazardous Area Ventilation Scheme
- High Altitude Vibration Standard
Correct answer: Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome
HAVS (Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome) is a condition caused by regular and prolonged use of vibrating hand-held tools such as breakers, grinders, and hammer drills. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, loss of grip strength, and blanching of the fingers (vibration white finger). It is a prescribed industrial disease under UK law.
Question 5: Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, what is the daily exposure action value for hand-arm vibration?
- 1.0 m/s²
- 2.5 m/s² (Correct answer)
- 5.0 m/s²
- 10.0 m/s²
Correct answer: 2.5 m/s²
The daily exposure action value (EAV) for hand-arm vibration is 2.5 m/s² A(8). At this level, employers must introduce a programme of controls to reduce exposure, provide health surveillance, and give information and training to exposed workers.
Question 6: What is the daily exposure limit value for hand-arm vibration?
- 2.5 m/s²
- 3.5 m/s²
- 5.0 m/s² (Correct answer)
- 7.5 m/s²
Correct answer: 5.0 m/s²
The daily exposure limit value (ELV) for hand-arm vibration is 5.0 m/s² A(8). This must not be exceeded. Employers must take immediate action if monitoring shows that workers are being exposed above this level.
CSCS Noise and Vibration 1
Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, what is the lower exposure action value?