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

For 30 years

Answer

For the duration of employment plus 5 years

Answer

For 5 years

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

The miner must be enrolled in a hearing conservation program.

Answer

The miner must be offered a variety of hearing protectors.

Answer

The miner must undergo audiometric testing within 6 months.

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

The physics of sound and the decibel scale.

Answer

A review of the company's annual noise monitoring results.

Answer

The employer's specific procedures for reporting workers' compensation claims.

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

85 dBA

Answer

115 dBA

Answer

140 dBC

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

The Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC)

Answer

The employee's direct supervisor

Answer

The company's safety manager

Question 6

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Noise Exposure regulation (49 CFR Part 227) requires that hearing conservation programs be implemented for certain railroad employees. What is the continuous noise exposure action level that triggers this requirement?

Accepted Answer

An 8-hour TWA of 90 dBA

Answer

An 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA

Answer

A 12-hour TWA of 85 dBA

Answer

A 12-hour TWA of 90 dBA