Which term describes any area where personnel could be exposed to steady-state noise with an 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA or greater?

• A. Community Noise
• B. Hazardous Noise Area Survey
• C. Potentially Hazardous Noise Area
• D. Noise Surveys

Answer: (C)

Understanding how we label areas in a facility based on potential noise exposure helps you see why this term fits. When the steady-state noise could produce an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA or greater, that area is identified as potentially hazardous. The word “potentially” is key—it acknowledges that exposure might occur under certain tasks or shifts, and it signals the need for protective measures or controls to prevent hearing damage.

Why the other terms don’t fit as area designations: Community Noise refers to noise affecting the general public, not workers in a workplace. A Hazardous Noise Area Survey describes the process of identifying noisy zones, not the label itself. Noise Surveys are general measurements or assessments of noise, not the specific designation used to indicate a zone that could expose personnel to hazardous levels.