Noise & Vibration
Prolonged exposure to excessive noise and vibration causes permanent hearing loss and hand-arm vibration syndrome. This topic covers noise exposure limits (85 dB(A) action level), audiometric testing, hearing protection selection and NRR ratings, vibration exposure standards, engineering controls to reduce noise, and employer monitoring obligations.
Study Guide: Noise & Vibration
Review these sample questions before starting the practice test.
Q1: What is the exposure standard for noise in an 8-hour workday under WHS Regulations?
- A. 95 dB(A)
- B. 75 dB(A)
- C. 85 dB(A) LAeq,8h β
- D. 100 dB(A)
The WHS Regulations set the noise exposure standard at 85 dB(A) averaged over an 8-hour day (LAeq,8h). Exposure above this level requires control measures to be implemented.
Q2: What is the peak noise exposure limit under WHS Regulations?
- A. 120 dB(C)
- B. 100 dB(A)
- C. 150 dB(A)
- D. 140 dB(C) LC,peak β
The peak noise exposure limit is 140 dB(C). No worker should be exposed to noise above this peak level at any time, as it can cause immediate hearing damage.
Q3: Which Australian Standard covers occupational noise management?
- A. AS 1319
- B. AS 2444
- C. AS 2865
- D. AS/NZS 1269 β Occupational Noise Management β
AS/NZS 1269 (series) covers occupational noise management including measurement and assessment, noise control, hearing protector selection, and audiometric testing.
Q4: What is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)?
- A. Temporary hearing loss from a cold
- B. A psychological condition
- C. Hearing loss from aging only
- D. Permanent damage to the inner ear hair cells caused by prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels β
NIHL is permanent, irreversible damage to the hair cells of the cochlea (inner ear) caused by prolonged or repeated exposure to excessive noise. It develops gradually and has no cure.
Q5: At what noise level should hearing protection be made available to workers?
- A. 70 dB(A)
- B. Hearing protection is never mandatory
- C. Only above 100 dB(A)
- D. Above 85 dB(A) β hearing protection must be provided and worn β
When noise exposure exceeds 85 dB(A) LAeq,8h or 140 dB(C) peak and elimination or reduction is not reasonably practicable, the PCBU must provide hearing protection and ensure workers wear it.
Q6: What is audiometric testing?
- A. A test of a worker's vision
- B. A test of lung capacity
- C. A test of blood pressure
- D. A hearing test that measures a worker's ability to hear sounds at different frequencies and volumes to detect early hearing loss β
Audiometric testing measures hearing sensitivity across different frequencies. Workers exposed to noise above 85 dB(A) must receive baseline and periodic audiometric tests to detect hearing changes early.
Q7: How often should audiometric testing be conducted for noise-exposed workers?
- A. Once at the start of employment only
- B. Only after a noise complaint
- C. Every 10 years
- D. Within 3 months of starting noise-exposed work, then at least every 2 years β
A baseline audiometric test should be conducted within 3 months of starting noise-exposed work, then at least every 2 years for ongoing monitoring under the WHS Regulations.
Q8: What does the SLC80 rating on hearing protection mean?
- A. The weight of the ear muff
- B. The shelf life in months
- C. The maximum temperature rating
- D. The Sound Level Conversion 80th percentile β the noise reduction achieved by 80% of wearers in practice β
SLC80 (Sound Level Conversion 80th percentile) indicates the noise reduction that 80% of wearers will achieve or exceed. A Class 5 protector (SLC80 of 26+) provides the highest attenuation.
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