🔊 Noise & Vibration (HAVS)

1. Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, what is the lower exposure action value (EAV) for daily noise exposure?

1. 80 dB(A)
2. 85 dB(A)
3. 87 dB(A)
4. 90 dB(A)

The lower exposure action value is 80 dB(A); at this level the employer must provide hearing protection on request and give information and training. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

2. Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, what is the upper exposure action value (EAV) for daily noise exposure?

1. 80 dB(A)
2. 83 dB(A)
3. 85 dB(A)
4. 87 dB(A)

The upper exposure action value is 85 dB(A); at this level hearing protection becomes mandatory, hearing protection zones must be set up and health surveillance provided. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

3. Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, what is the exposure limit value (ELV) that must not be exceeded at the worker's ear?

1. 80 dB(A)
2. 85 dB(A)
3. 87 dB(A)
4. 90 dB(A)

The exposure limit value is 87 dB(A); this is the level reaching the ear, taking account of the reduction provided by hearing protection, and it must never be exceeded. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

4. You are working in an area where noise has reached the upper exposure action value. What must happen regarding hearing protection?

1. Hearing protection is optional and only provided if you ask
2. Wearing hearing protection is mandatory and the area must be a hearing protection zone
3. No action is needed until the noise reaches 90 dB(A)
4. Only the supervisor needs to wear hearing protection

At the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A) the use of hearing protection is mandatory and the area must be designated and signed as a hearing protection zone. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

5. Daily noise where you work is below the lower exposure action value, but you would still prefer to wear ear defenders. What must your employer do?

1. Refuse, because the noise is below the action level
2. Provide hearing protection if you request it
3. Move you to a different job
4. Charge you for the hearing protection

At the lower exposure action value of 80 dB(A) the employer must make hearing protection available to any worker who requests it, and provide information and training. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

6. What is the main purpose of designating an area as a 'hearing protection zone'?

1. To show only authorised people may work there
2. To make it compulsory to wear hearing protection in that area
3. To indicate where smoking is allowed
4. To mark where eye protection must be worn

A hearing protection zone is an area where noise is at or above the upper exposure action value, so wearing hearing protection is compulsory and the zone must be clearly marked with mandatory signs. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

7. Which type of sign is used to mark the entrance to a hearing protection zone?

1. A red prohibition sign
2. A blue mandatory sign showing ear protection
3. A green safe-condition sign
4. A yellow warning triangle

Mandatory actions such as wearing ear protectors are shown by a blue circular sign, used to mark hearing protection zones. Source: Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996

8. A rough rule of thumb suggests noise may be a problem if you have to shout to be clearly heard by someone who is how far away?

1. About 2 metres away
2. About 5 metres away
3. About 10 metres away
4. About 20 metres away

HSE guidance suggests that if you need to shout to be understood by someone about 2 metres away, noise levels are likely to be reaching the action values and need assessing. Source: HSE guidance (Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005)

9. Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, where should employers focus their efforts to control noise?

1. By relying on workers to wear hearing protection as the first measure
2. By controlling the noise at source before relying on hearing protection
3. By only providing hearing protection above the limit value
4. By rotating staff so nobody complains

The regulations require noise to be controlled at source where reasonably practicable, with hearing protection used as a last resort rather than the first control measure. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

10. At what point do the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require an employer to provide health surveillance (hearing checks) for workers?

1. When exposure is likely to reach or exceed the upper exposure action value
2. Only after a worker has already lost their hearing
3. When exposure first reaches the lower exposure action value
4. Health surveillance is never required for noise

Health surveillance, including hearing checks, is required where workers are likely to be regularly exposed at or above the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A). Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

11. What does the exposure limit value of 87 dB(A) take into account that the action values do not?

1. The age of the worker
2. The protection provided by hearing protection being worn
3. The time of day
4. The size of the site

Unlike the action values, the exposure limit value of 87 dB(A) is measured at the ear and takes account of the reduction provided by any hearing protection worn. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

12. Your noise assessment shows that, even with hearing protection worn, the noise reaching a worker's ear would exceed 87 dB(A). What is the correct action?

1. Carry on, as some protection is better than none
2. Take immediate action to reduce exposure below the limit value, as it must not be exceeded
3. Issue two sets of ear plugs and continue
4. Move the work to the afternoon

The exposure limit value of 87 dB(A) at the ear must never be exceeded, so immediate action must be taken to reduce exposure, for example by reducing noise at source or limiting time exposed. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

13. You have been given ear defenders for a noisy task but find they are damaged and no longer seal properly. What should you do?

1. Use them anyway as they are better than nothing
2. Report it and get a replacement before continuing the noisy work
3. Throw them away and work without protection
4. Wait until the end of the shift to mention it

Hearing protection only works if it is in good condition and fits properly, so damaged defenders must be reported and replaced before continuing. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

14. Noise exposure depends on both how loud the noise is and what other factor?

1. How long you are exposed to it
2. The colour of the machine
3. The brand of the tool
4. How many people are nearby

Daily noise exposure is a combination of the sound level and the length of time exposed, which is why the action values are based on a daily personal exposure. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

15. Hearing damage caused by long-term exposure to loud noise at work is usually described as which of the following?

1. Temporary and fully recoverable within days
2. Permanent and not reversible
3. Only a problem for people over 60
4. Curable with medication

Noise-induced hearing loss builds up gradually and is permanent and incurable, which is why prevention through noise control and hearing protection is essential. Source: HSE guidance (Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005)

16. A colleague says ear plugs and ear defenders are a nuisance and refuses to wear them in a marked hearing protection zone. What is the best response?

1. Agree with them and stop wearing yours too
2. Remind them that wearing protection is mandatory in the zone and report the concern if they continue without it
3. Ignore it as it is their own choice
4. Tell them to work faster so they finish sooner

In a hearing protection zone wearing protection is a legal requirement, not a choice, so the worker should be reminded and the issue reported if they continue without it. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

17. Which of these is the best first option for controlling noise on site?

1. Reducing noise at source, for example using quieter equipment or methods
2. Issuing everyone with ear plugs straight away
3. Telling workers to get used to the noise
4. Putting up a warning sign only

Controlling noise at source, such as choosing quieter equipment or working methods, comes before relying on hearing protection, which is a last resort. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

18. You notice ringing in your ears and muffled hearing after a noisy shift. What is the most appropriate action?

1. Ignore it, as it always goes away
2. Report it to your supervisor or occupational health, as it can be an early sign of hearing damage
3. Stop wearing hearing protection so your ears can recover
4. Turn the radio up to mask it

Ringing in the ears and dulled hearing after work are early warning signs of noise-induced hearing damage and should be reported so action can be taken. Source: HSE guidance (Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005)

19. Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, what is the exposure action value (EAV) for hand-arm vibration over an eight-hour day?

1. 1.0 m/s² A(8)
2. 2.5 m/s² A(8)
3. 5 m/s² A(8)
4. 10 m/s² A(8)

The hand-arm vibration exposure action value is 2.5 m/s² A(8); above this the employer must take action to reduce exposure and provide health surveillance. Source: Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005

20. Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, what is the exposure limit value (ELV) for hand-arm vibration over an eight-hour day?

1. 2.5 m/s² A(8)
2. 5 m/s² A(8)
3. 7 m/s² A(8)
4. 15 m/s² A(8)

The hand-arm vibration exposure limit value is 5 m/s² A(8), which represents a high risk of harm and must not be exceeded. Source: Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005

21. Which tools are most likely to cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)?

1. Vibrating power tools such as breakers, grinders and sanders
2. Hand-held measuring tapes
3. Spirit levels
4. Paint brushes

HAVS is caused by regular and frequent use of vibrating hand-held power tools and equipment such as breakers, grinders, sanders and impact wrenches. Source: Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005

22. Vibration white finger is a condition associated with HAVS. What is one of its typical symptoms?

1. Fingers turning white and going numb, especially in the cold
2. Permanent darkening of the fingernails
3. Swelling of the knee joints
4. Loss of hair on the hands

Vibration white finger causes the fingers to blanch (turn white), tingle and go numb, with attacks often triggered by cold or wet conditions. Source: HSE guidance (Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005)

23. You have started getting tingling and numbness in your fingers after regularly using a breaker. What is the best thing to do?

1. Keep working and hope it settles down
2. Report the symptoms so you can have health surveillance and your exposure can be reviewed
3. Wear two pairs of gloves and carry on indefinitely
4. Only use the tool in the afternoons

Tingling and numbness can be early signs of HAVS, so they should be reported promptly to allow health surveillance and a review of vibration exposure before the damage worsens. Source: Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005

24. Why is HAVS a particular concern for health once symptoms have developed?

1. It clears up on its own once you stop using tools
2. The damage is usually permanent and can get worse if exposure continues
3. It only affects fingernails and is harmless
4. It can be cured with a simple operation

HAVS causes permanent damage to nerves, blood vessels and joints in the hands, and continued exposure makes it worse, so early detection and reduced exposure are vital. Source: HSE guidance (Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005)

25. Which of the following is the most effective way for an employer to reduce the risk of HAVS?

1. Issuing anti-vibration gloves as the main control
2. Eliminating or reducing vibration, for example using lower-vibration tools and limiting trigger time
3. Telling workers to grip the tool more tightly
4. Providing hot drinks at break time

The best controls are to eliminate or reduce vibration at source by using suitable low-vibration tools and methods and by limiting how long tools are used, rather than relying on gloves. Source: Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005

26. During cold weather you regularly use vibrating tools outdoors. Apart from limiting trigger time, what simple measure helps reduce the risk of HAVS attacks?

1. Keeping your hands warm and dry and keeping a good blood supply
2. Working without gloves so your hands toughen up
3. Pressing harder on the tool to absorb the vibration
4. Taking shorter rather than longer rest breaks

Keeping the hands warm and dry maintains blood flow and helps reduce the onset and severity of vibration white finger attacks, alongside limiting exposure time. Source: HSE guidance (Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005)

27. Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, what must an employer do once a worker's daily hand-arm vibration exposure is likely to regularly reach the exposure action value?

1. Nothing further until the limit value is reached
2. Take action to reduce exposure and place the worker under suitable health surveillance
3. Simply record the tools in a register
4. Increase the worker's pay for the extra risk

At or above the exposure action value of 2.5 m/s² A(8) the employer must introduce measures to reduce exposure and provide health surveillance to detect early signs of HAVS. Source: Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005

28. As a rough rule of thumb, noise on site is likely to be at a harmful level if you have to raise your voice to have a normal conversation with someone standing how far away?

1. About 2 metres away
2. About 10 metres away
3. About 20 metres away
4. About 50 metres away

HSE's simple guide is that if you need to raise your voice to talk to someone about 2 metres away, noise levels are likely to be high enough to damage hearing. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 / HSE guidance

29. You are working near a piece of plant and find you have to shout to be heard by a workmate standing about 2 metres away. What does this most likely indicate?

1. The noise level is high enough to risk damaging your hearing
2. The noise is perfectly safe as long as it is not constant
3. Your workmate has a hearing problem
4. Hearing protection is not needed because you can still hear each other

Having to shout to be understood at around 2 metres is a sign that noise is at a potentially harmful level and controls or hearing protection are likely needed. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 / HSE guidance

30. Damage to hearing caused by exposure to loud noise at work is best described as which of the following?

1. Usually permanent and cannot be cured
2. Always temporary and recovers within a few days
3. Easily reversed by surgery
4. Only a problem for people over 60

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and cannot be cured, which is why preventing exposure is so important. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 / HSE guidance

31. A constant ringing or buzzing in the ears that can result from exposure to loud noise is known as what?

1. Tinnitus
2. Vertigo
3. Dermatitis
4. Silicosis

Tinnitus is ringing or buzzing in the ears and is a common early sign of noise-induced hearing damage. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 / HSE guidance

32. After a full day using noisy equipment you notice a ringing in your ears and find that voices sound muffled. What is the best thing to do?

1. Report it to your supervisor and seek occupational health advice
2. Ignore it, as it always clears up by the next morning
3. Take a painkiller and carry on the next day without protection
4. Turn up the volume on your phone so you can hear it better

Ringing and muffled hearing are warning signs of noise damage that should be reported so health surveillance and better controls can be put in place. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 / HSE guidance

33. Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, at what daily exposure level must the employer make hearing protection available if a worker requests it, and provide information and training?

1. The lower exposure action value of 80 dB(A)
2. Only at 100 dB(A)
3. Only when peak noise reaches 140 dB(C)
4. There is no level at which this applies

At the lower exposure action value of 80 dB(A), employers must provide information, instruction and training and make hearing protection available on request. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

34. Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, at the upper exposure action value the use of hearing protection becomes mandatory. What is this upper exposure action value?

1. 85 dB(A)
2. 80 dB(A)
3. 87 dB(A)
4. 90 dB(A)

At the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A), hearing protection must be worn, hearing protection zones marked and health surveillance provided. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

35. Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, what is the exposure limit value that must not be exceeded at the ear (taking account of any hearing protection worn)?

1. 87 dB(A)
2. 80 dB(A)
3. 85 dB(A)
4. 137 dB(A)

The exposure limit value is 87 dB(A); this is measured at the ear allowing for the reduction provided by hearing protection and must not be exceeded. Source: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005