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Noise and vibration questions for the CSCS MAP test

4 free questions on Noise and vibration, from section B. Occupational health, wellbeing and welfare. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

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Question 1

Medium ·Link to this question (question 1)

A noise assessment shows workers on your site are exposed to 82 dB(A) on average each day.

What must the employer do at this level?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Stop all work, as 82 dB(A) is above the limit
  2. B. Nothing, as action only starts at 90 dB(A)
  3. C. Make hearing protection zones compulsory across the site
  4. D. Assess the risk and give workers information and training
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. The exposure limit value is 87 dB(A).
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Action starts at 80 dB(A).
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Hearing protection zones are required at 85 dB(A), the upper action value.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says 80 dB(A) is the lower exposure action value. Employers must assess the risk and give information and training.

Explanation

Noise action values: 80 dB(A) assess and train; 85 dB(A) hearing protection and zones; 87 dB(A) limit, not to be exceeded.

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Question 2

Harder ·Link to this question (question 2)

A worker's daily hand-arm vibration exposure is worked out as 3.5 m/s² A(8).

What does this mean?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. It is above the action value, so exposure must be reduced
  2. B. It is above the limit, so the worker must never use tools again
  3. C. It is below every value, so nothing is needed
  4. D. It only matters if the worker already has symptoms
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE gives the exposure action value as 2.5 m/s² A(8). Above it, employers should bring in technical and organisational measures to reduce exposure.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The limit value is 5.0 m/s² A(8). 3.5 is above the action value but below the limit.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. 3.5 is above the action value of 2.5.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Action is needed to reduce exposure before harm happens.

Explanation

HAV: the exposure action value is 2.5 m/s² A(8), and the limit value of 5.0 m/s² A(8) must not be exceeded.

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Question 3

Harder ·Link to this question (question 3)

Even with hearing protection, a worker's noise exposure may reach 88 dB(A).

What does this mean?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. It is fine, as it is only just over 85 dB(A)
  2. B. It only matters if the worker complains
  3. C. It is fine for up to a year
  4. D. It is over the legal limit
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. 88 dB(A) after hearing protection is above the legal limit.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The limit is a legal requirement.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Exposure must be brought below the limit.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says the exposure limit value is 87 dB(A), taking account of hearing protection. Workers must not be exposed above it.

Explanation

The exposure limit value is 87 dB(A), taking account of hearing protection. It must not be exceeded.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

Your team uses several vibrating tools a day.

What does HSE say about the exposure limit value of 5.0 m/s² A(8)?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. It should not be exceeded
  2. B. It is a target to work towards
  3. C. It only applies to new tools
  4. D. It can be exceeded if workers wear gloves
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says the exposure limit value of 5.0 m/s² A(8) should not be exceeded.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. It is a limit that must not be exceeded.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. It applies to a worker's daily exposure from all tools.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Gloves don't reduce vibration exposure enough to rely on.

Explanation

HAV: reduce exposure above the 2.5 m/s² A(8) action value, and never exceed the 5.0 m/s² A(8) limit.

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