Occupational Noise and Hearing Conservation practice questions for the ASP exam

A plant uses forklift operators who move constantly between loud stamping areas and quiet warehouse zones, so sound levels vary significantly through the shift. The safety professional is deciding how to conduct noise monitoring for these workers. Which approach is consistent with the standard?

1. A.Skip monitoring, because variable noise exposures cannot be measured
2. B.Use area monitoring at the loudest stamping press, because it gives the worst-case value
3. C.Use representative personal sampling unless the employer can show that area sampling produces equivalent results
4. D.Use area sampling only, because personal sampling is not permitted for mobile workers

An audiologist compares a worker's annual audiogram with the baseline, with no age correction applied. Right ear, change from baseline: 2000 Hz +5 dB, 3000 Hz +10 dB, 4000 Hz +15 dB. Left ear, change from baseline: 2000 Hz 0 dB, 3000 Hz +5 dB, 4000 Hz +5 dB, with a +20 dB change at 6000 Hz. Which conclusion is correct?

1. A.No standard threshold shift has occurred because the shift must appear in both ears.
2. B.No standard threshold shift has occurred because the change at 2000 Hz in the right ear is under 10 dB.
3. C.A standard threshold shift has occurred in the left ear because of the 20 dB change at 6000 Hz.
4. D.A standard threshold shift has occurred in the right ear because the average change at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz is 10 dB.