Safety Orientation for Supervisors Practice Exam

The maximum permissible peak sound pressure level acceptable for impulse noise is recognized to be 140 dB. This standard is based on research and guidelines provided by organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which delineate the limits to protect workers from hearing damage and other auditory-related hazards. Impulse noise, which is characterized by brief bursts of high-intensity sound, can cause immediate damage to hearing. Levels at or above 140 dB are known to have the potential for causing instant and severe hearing loss. Regulations and guidelines aim to establish safe thresholds for exposure, particularly because the risks associated with high-decibel levels are significant and cumulative with repeated exposure. Thus, the 140 dB limit signifies an important safety threshold, ensuring that workers in environments where impulse noise may be present are adequately protected from the detrimental effects of excessive sound levels.