Noise and Vibration Flashcards
6 cards from real CSCS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Noise and Vibration flashcards as text
What is a noise exposure calculator used for on construction sites?
Answer: Estimating a worker's daily noise exposure based on the noise levels and durations of different tasks performed during a shift
A noise exposure calculator (such as the HSE's online tool) allows employers to estimate a worker's daily personal noise exposure (LEP,d) by inputting the noise level and duration of each task they perform. This helps determine which exposure action or limit values apply and what controls are needed.
What HAVS tier system is used in UK health surveillance to classify the severity of vibration-related symptoms?
Answer: The Stockholm Workshop Scale / HSE tiered assessment (Tiers 1-5)
UK health surveillance for HAVS uses a tiered assessment system. Tier 1 is a screening questionnaire. Tier 2 involves a more detailed assessment by an occupational health professional. Tiers 3-5 involve clinical examination and standardised tests such as thermal aesthesiometry. The Stockholm Workshop Scale classifies symptom severity.
Under the Noise Regulations, what additional duty applies in a designated hearing protection zone?
Answer: The zone must be clearly demarcated, signed with appropriate signage, and only entered by persons wearing hearing protection
Hearing protection zones must be clearly demarcated and marked with the mandatory hearing protection sign (blue circle with ear defender symbol). Access must be restricted and all persons entering the zone must wear suitable hearing protection. Employers must enforce the wearing of hearing protection in these zones.
A worker using a breaker has a vibration exposure of 12 m/s². What is the maximum continuous exposure time to stay within the EAV of 2.5 m/s²?
Answer: About 30 minutes
The HSE Ready Reckoner shows that for a tool with a vibration magnitude of 12 m/s², the exposure time to reach the EAV of 2.5 m/s² A(8) is approximately 30 minutes. Workers must stop using the tool at this point or their exposure will exceed the action value, triggering additional employer duties.
What must an employer do if a worker is diagnosed with HAVS or carpal tunnel syndrome related to vibration at work?
Answer: Review the risk assessment, consider removing the worker from vibration-exposed work, and ensure all other exposed workers are under health surveillance
If a worker is diagnosed with HAVS or carpal tunnel syndrome linked to vibration exposure, the employer must review and revise the risk assessment, consider whether the affected worker should be redeployed to work without vibration exposure, ensure health surveillance covers all other at-risk workers, and consider reporting under RIDDOR.
Under RIDDOR 2013, which vibration-related conditions must be reported to the HSE?
Answer: Hand-arm vibration syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome where the worker's job involves regular use of vibrating tools
Under RIDDOR 2013 Schedule 1, HAVS (including vibration white finger) and carpal tunnel syndrome are reportable occupational diseases where the worker's job involves regular use of percussive or vibrating tools. The employer must report these to the HSE when they receive a written diagnosis from a doctor.