OSHA occupational noise exposure in general industry (29 CFR 1910.95): the 85 dBA action level and 90 dBA limit, audiometric testing, standard threshold shift, hearing protectors, annual training and records. Free practice quiz with instant feedback; every explanation cites the 29 CFR paragraph it is based on. Independent review material: not affiliated with or endorsed by OSHA, not an OSHA Outreach (10/30-hour) exam, and it does not replace the training and evaluation your employer must provide.
Question 1 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
At what 8-hour time-weighted average noise level must a hearing conservation program start?
- 80 dBA
- 90 dBA
- 100 dBA
- 85 dBA
Question 2 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
What is OSHA's permissible noise exposure for an 8-hour day?
Question 3 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
Under Table G-16, how long may a worker be exposed to 100 dBA per day?
- 8 hours
- 4 hours
- 2 hours
- 15 minutes
Question 4 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
When levels exceed the table, what must the employer try first?
- Earplugs and earmuffs for everyone in the building
- Cutting the workday to 4 hours
- A written warning to each employee
- Feasible engineering or administrative controls
Question 5 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
Within how long of first exposure at or above the action level must a baseline audiogram be established?
- 30 days
- 6 months
- 18 months
- 5 years
Question 6 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
How many hours without workplace noise should come before the baseline audiogram?
- At least 14 hours
- At least 2 hours
- At least 48 hours
- No rest is needed
Question 7 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
How often must employees in the program get a new audiogram?
- Every three years
- Every two years
- At least annually
- Only when they ask
Question 8 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
What is a standard threshold shift (STS)?
- Any change of 5 dB at a single frequency in one ear
- Any hearing loss, at any frequency, that the worker personally notices
- An average change of 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hz
- A noise reading 10 dB above the permitted level
Question 9 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
After a standard threshold shift is found, how soon must the employee be told in writing?
- Within 21 days of the determination
- At the next annual training session
- Within 24 hours of the hearing test
- Only if the employee asks for the result
Question 10 · Multiple choice · 90s · 1 pt
What must the employer do about hearing protectors in the program? Choose the 3 correct answers.
- Provide them at no cost to employees exposed at 85 dBA or more
- Let employees choose from a variety of suitable protectors
- Train employees in their use and care
- Charge their cost to employees who lose them
Question 11 · True / False · 90s · 1 pt
Hearing conservation training must be repeated every year for each employee in the program.
Question 12 · Multiple choice · 90s · 1 pt
Which topics must the training cover? Choose the 3 correct answers.
- The effects of noise on hearing
- The types of hearing protectors and how to fit and care for them
- The purpose of audiometric testing and how it works
- How to repair the noisy machines yourself
Question 13 · Single choice · 90s · 1 pt
How long must audiometric test records be kept?
- Two years from the date of each test
- Five years after the baseline test
- As long as the employee works there
- Until the next annual test is done
Question 14 · True / False · 90s · 1 pt
The employer must post a copy of the noise standard in the workplace.