Safety Quiz On Hearing Conservation Program!

Explanation
All of the above. If the noise hurts your ears, it indicates that the noise level is too great. Similarly, if you have to shout over a short distance to be heard, it suggests that the noise level is too high. Additionally, if you have difficulty hearing a few hours after being exposed to the noise, it indicates that the noise level was too great. Therefore, all of these factors together can be used to determine if a noise level is too great.

Explanation
The intensity of noise is measured in decibels. Decibels (dB) is a unit used to quantify the level of sound. It is a logarithmic scale that measures the ratio of the sound pressure level to a reference level. The higher the decibel level, the louder the noise. Decibels are commonly used in various fields such as acoustics, engineering, and environmental science to assess and control noise levels.

Explanation
The correct answer is 85dB. The threshold for what is considered a hazardous noise level is typically set at 85dB. This is because prolonged exposure to noise levels at or above 85dB can cause hearing damage or loss. It is important to take precautions such as wearing hearing protection in environments where noise levels exceed this threshold.

Explanation
The correct answer is 3 hours. This means that without hearing protection, a person can be exposed to a concrete chipping operation rated at 97 decibels for up to 3 hours before being considered overexposed.

Explanation
By playing your music loud enough to drown out the noise of the lawn mower, you have increased your risk of NIHL by adding to the sound of the mower. Music headphones are never as effective as hearing protection.

Explanation
The correct answer is 8 hours. This is because exposure to a noise level of 90dB for more than 8 hours can cause hearing damage. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends a maximum exposure limit of 90dB for 8 hours. Beyond this limit, the risk of hearing loss increases. Therefore, it is important to use hearing protection or take breaks to limit the duration of exposure to high noise levels.

Explanation
Yes, you have been overexposed. The noise level of 108dB from the impact wrench is considered to be very high and prolonged exposure to such noise levels can cause damage to the ears. Since you have been using the impact wrench for 6 consecutive hours with no hearing protection, it is highly likely that you have been overexposed to the noise and may have suffered damage to your hearing.

Explanation
Yes, you can work for 8 hours in this environment. The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of the ear plugs indicates the amount of noise they can block. In this case, the ear plugs have an NRR of 23dB, which means they can reduce the noise level by 23dB. Therefore, the effective noise level for the person wearing the ear plugs would be 92dB - 23dB = 69dB. As long as the person can tolerate working in a noise level of 69dB for 8 hours, they can work in this environment.

Explanation
NIHL can be permanent depending on many factors, such as length of time exposed to the noise, intensity of the noise, and personal factors.

Explanation
Photo C demonstrates the correct way to wear your ear plugs. Not having the ear plug inserted correctly will decrease its Noise Reduction Rating and ability to protect your hearing.