A worker is exposed to noise levels of 95 dB for 6 hours during a shift. According to OSHA's permissible exposure limits, is this exposure acceptable?
Correct Answer
A) No, exposure time must be reduced to 4 hours
OSHA's permissible exposure limit for 95 dB is 4 hours. At 6 hours of exposure, this exceeds the allowable time and requires either noise reduction or limiting exposure time to 4 hours.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
OSHA's permissible exposure limits establish specific time limits for different noise levels to protect worker hearing. At 95 dB, the maximum allowable exposure time is 4 hours per 8-hour shift. Since the worker is exposed for 6 hours, this exceeds the permissible limit by 2 hours. The exposure must be reduced to comply with OSHA standards, making option B correct.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: Yes, it's within acceptable limits
This is incorrect because 6 hours of exposure at 95 dB exceeds OSHA's permissible exposure limit of 4 hours for this noise level.
Option C: Yes, but hearing protection is recommended
While 2 hours would be safer, OSHA specifically allows up to 4 hours of exposure at 95 dB, so reducing to only 2 hours is more restrictive than required.
Memory Technique
Use the '5-and-Half' rule: every 5 dB increase cuts exposure time in half. Start with 90 dB = 8 hours, then 95 dB = 4 hours, 100 dB = 2 hours, 105 dB = 1 hour.
Reference Hint
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.95 - Personal Protective Equipment, Table D-2 Permissible Noise Exposures
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