True or False: The order of controls to address noise begins with PPE and ends with engineering controls.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. I don't know

Answer: (B)

Noise control follows the hierarchy of controls, prioritizing measures that reduce the hazard at its source or along its path before relying on personal protection. Engineering controls aim to lower the noise level for everyone in the area—such as enclosing the noisy equipment, adding mufflers, or isolating vibration—so the exposure at the source is diminished. If noise levels remain above limits, administrative controls reduce the worker’s exposure through tactics like shorter shifts or job rotation. PPE, like hearing protection, is then used as a last resort when exposures cannot be reduced enough by other means or when it isn’t feasible to implement engineering or administrative controls. So starting with PPE and ending with engineering controls would not provide the best protection, which makes the statement false. For example, enclosing a noisy grinder reduces noise for all nearby workers far more effectively than only giving workers earplugs, and only if residual exposure still requires protection would you add hearing protection and administrative controls as needed.