In noise control, which approach is preferred when feasible?

• A. PPE alone is always preferred.
• B. Engineering controls are preferred first, with PPE and administrative controls as supplements.
• C. Ignore controls; let workers self-manage exposure.
• D. Rely on organizational changes without any physical controls.

Answer: (B)

Noise control relies on a hierarchy of measures, starting with reducing exposure at the source through engineering controls. When feasible, make changes to the equipment or its setup to lower noise levels—examples include enclosing noisy machinery, adding mufflers or dampers, isolating vibration, or installing barriers. If engineering changes can’t bring exposure below safe limits, supplement with administrative controls that limit how long workers are exposed, such as rotating shifts or scheduling high-noise tasks away from the most vulnerable times. Hearing protection then serves as a backup, used when residual exposure remains after engineering and administrative measures, and only if workers are properly trained and fitted. This approach is preferred because it provides more reliable, broad protection by lowering noise at the source rather than relying on individuals to wear protection correctly. Options that skip engineering controls or ignore protective measures do not adequately reduce the risk of hearing loss.