Which condition triggers the requirement for protective measures regarding noise exposure?

Which condition triggers the requirement for protective measures regarding noise exposure?

• A. Environments with continuous noise at or above 85 dB(A) TWA and impact noises above 140 dBA
• B. Noise exposure above 120 dB only for impact noises
• C. Noise exposure above 100 dB only for continuous noise
• D. Any audible noise requires protective measures

Answer: (A)

Noise protection is required when exposure reaches established limits for two kinds of noise: continuous and impulsive. For continuous noise, the time-weighted average over a work shift must be 85 dB(A) or higher to trigger protective measures. For impulsive or impact noises, any peak reaching 140 dBA or more also requires protection, because these very loud short bursts can cause immediate hearing damage. The other options don’t match the standard thresholds: 120 dB for impact noises is not the limit, 100 dB for continuous noise isn’t the threshold, and protection isn’t needed for every audible sound.

Noise protection is required when exposure reaches established limits for two kinds of noise: continuous and impulsive. For continuous noise, the time-weighted average over a work shift must be 85 dB(A) or higher to trigger protective measures. For impulsive or impact noises, any peak reaching 140 dBA or more also requires protection, because these very loud short bursts can cause immediate hearing damage. The other options don’t match the standard thresholds: 120 dB for impact noises is not the limit, 100 dB for continuous noise isn’t the threshold, and protection isn’t needed for every audible sound.