Oklahoma Locksmith Practice Exam

At what noise level should construction workers wear ear protection?

1. Any level above 90 dB

2. Only above 85 dB

3. Above 100 dB

4. At all times, regardless of dB level

The correct answer is: Above 100 dB

The correct choice is that construction workers should wear ear protection above 100 dB. This aligns with occupational safety guidelines, which state that exposure to noise levels exceeding this threshold can cause hearing damage and loss over time. Noise levels at or above 100 dB are considered to put workers at a significant risk, especially with prolonged exposure. Hearing protection is crucial in environments where noise intensity reaches such high levels because the auditory system can be irreversibly harmed by excessive sound pressure. By wearing ear protection, workers can help mitigate these risks and shield their hearing from the damaging effects of loud noise. It is important to note that the other options suggest lower thresholds for hearing protection, which may not be stringent enough to prevent auditory damage in very loud environments. The threshold of 100 dB is where immediate action, such as the use of hearing protection, becomes increasingly critical, ensuring an effective safeguard for hearing health on construction sites.