What is the general purpose of Noise Surveys?

• A. Used to classify and determine whether a particular noise source exceeds the level of 85 dBA and could present a potential exposure hazard to the worker
• B. To calibrate and maintain noise measurement devices
• C. To measure humidity in workspace
• D. To evaluate PPE fit

Answer: (A)

Noise surveys focus on identifying whether workers could be exposed to hazardous noise by measuring sound levels around equipment or tasks and comparing them to a threshold such as 85 dBA. This process helps classify which noise sources are loud enough to warrant controls, prioritize mitigation efforts, and inform ongoing monitoring and hearing conservation actions.

Calibrating and maintaining measurement devices is important, but that’s about ensuring readings are accurate, not about assessing exposure itself. Measuring humidity in the workspace is unrelated to noise exposure, and evaluating PPE fit relates to how well hearing protection works, not to the survey’s main purpose of determining exposure risk.