MSHA Noise Sampling Technician Certification
Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
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1. What is the primary purpose of noise sampling in mining
operations?
A. To increase production efficiency
B. To identify and assess noise hazards to prevent hearing loss
C. To comply with ventilation requirements
D. To monitor air quality
Rationale: Noise sampling is conducted primarily to identify areas
where noise levels could damage workers’ hearing, allowing for
controls to be implemented.
2. Which unit is commonly used to measure sound levels in
occupational noise assessments?
A. Hertz (Hz)
B. Decibel (dB)
C. Pascal (Pa)
D. Watt (W)
Rationale: Sound intensity in occupational noise monitoring is
measured in decibels (dB), which quantify sound pressure level.
3. What type of noise dosimeter is most commonly used for mining
noise assessments?
A. Type 0 precision meter
B. Personal noise dosimeter
, C. Sound level calibrator
D. Integrating sound analyzer
Rationale: Personal noise dosimeters are worn by workers to
record individual exposure over a work shift.
4. Which factor is critical when positioning a noise dosimeter on a
worker?
A. Near the ankle
B. On the back of a helmet
C. Near the ear, at shoulder height
D. On the chest
Rationale: Positioning near the ear ensures the dosimeter
accurately reflects the noise exposure the worker actually
experiences.
5. What is the OSHA/NIOSH permissible exposure limit (PEL) for an
8-hour work shift?
A. 80 dB
B. 85 dB
C. 90 dB
D. 95 dB
Rationale: OSHA sets the PEL at 90 dB for an 8-hour TWA, while
NIOSH recommends 85 dB to minimize risk of hearing loss.
6. What does the “A-weighting” scale on a sound level meter
account for?
A. Low-frequency sensitivity only
B. High-frequency sensitivity only
C. The human ear’s response to different frequencies
D. Amplitude modulation
, Rationale: A-weighting adjusts measurements to reflect the
frequencies humans hear most sensitively.
7. What is the purpose of calibrating a noise dosimeter before use?
A. To adjust battery levels
B. To ensure accurate and reliable measurements
C. To set the work shift duration
D. To convert units to decibels
Rationale: Calibration ensures the dosimeter produces accurate
readings by correcting for instrument drift or environmental
factors.
8. Which of the following is considered a “continuous” noise
exposure?
A. Sudden explosion
B. Steady machinery operation over a shift
C. Gunfire
D. Hammering intermittently
Rationale: Continuous noise occurs consistently over time, like
machinery running throughout a work shift.
9. What is the “exchange rate” used in noise dosimetry?
A. Rate of converting decibels to pascals
B. Rate of calibrating meters
C. The increase in allowable exposure time for a 5 dB change
D. Rate of battery consumption
Rationale: The exchange rate (commonly 5 dB for OSHA) defines
how exposure limits change with noise intensity.
10. Which of the following best describes “time-weighted
average” (TWA) noise exposure?
Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of noise sampling in mining
operations?
A. To increase production efficiency
B. To identify and assess noise hazards to prevent hearing loss
C. To comply with ventilation requirements
D. To monitor air quality
Rationale: Noise sampling is conducted primarily to identify areas
where noise levels could damage workers’ hearing, allowing for
controls to be implemented.
2. Which unit is commonly used to measure sound levels in
occupational noise assessments?
A. Hertz (Hz)
B. Decibel (dB)
C. Pascal (Pa)
D. Watt (W)
Rationale: Sound intensity in occupational noise monitoring is
measured in decibels (dB), which quantify sound pressure level.
3. What type of noise dosimeter is most commonly used for mining
noise assessments?
A. Type 0 precision meter
B. Personal noise dosimeter
, C. Sound level calibrator
D. Integrating sound analyzer
Rationale: Personal noise dosimeters are worn by workers to
record individual exposure over a work shift.
4. Which factor is critical when positioning a noise dosimeter on a
worker?
A. Near the ankle
B. On the back of a helmet
C. Near the ear, at shoulder height
D. On the chest
Rationale: Positioning near the ear ensures the dosimeter
accurately reflects the noise exposure the worker actually
experiences.
5. What is the OSHA/NIOSH permissible exposure limit (PEL) for an
8-hour work shift?
A. 80 dB
B. 85 dB
C. 90 dB
D. 95 dB
Rationale: OSHA sets the PEL at 90 dB for an 8-hour TWA, while
NIOSH recommends 85 dB to minimize risk of hearing loss.
6. What does the “A-weighting” scale on a sound level meter
account for?
A. Low-frequency sensitivity only
B. High-frequency sensitivity only
C. The human ear’s response to different frequencies
D. Amplitude modulation
, Rationale: A-weighting adjusts measurements to reflect the
frequencies humans hear most sensitively.
7. What is the purpose of calibrating a noise dosimeter before use?
A. To adjust battery levels
B. To ensure accurate and reliable measurements
C. To set the work shift duration
D. To convert units to decibels
Rationale: Calibration ensures the dosimeter produces accurate
readings by correcting for instrument drift or environmental
factors.
8. Which of the following is considered a “continuous” noise
exposure?
A. Sudden explosion
B. Steady machinery operation over a shift
C. Gunfire
D. Hammering intermittently
Rationale: Continuous noise occurs consistently over time, like
machinery running throughout a work shift.
9. What is the “exchange rate” used in noise dosimetry?
A. Rate of converting decibels to pascals
B. Rate of calibrating meters
C. The increase in allowable exposure time for a 5 dB change
D. Rate of battery consumption
Rationale: The exchange rate (commonly 5 dB for OSHA) defines
how exposure limits change with noise intensity.
10. Which of the following best describes “time-weighted
average” (TWA) noise exposure?
