How often does OSHA require exhaustive electroacoustic calibration?

The correct frequency for exhaustive electroacoustic calibration, as required by OSHA, is every two years. This periodic calibration is crucial for ensuring that audiometric equipment used to assess hearing is functioning accurately and providing reliable results. Regular calibrations help maintain the integrity of hearing tests, which are essential for monitoring employees' hearing health and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Electroacoustic calibration verifies that the equipment is providing the correct stimuli required for hearing tests, such as pure tones at specified frequencies and intensity levels. If calibration intervals were either less frequent or more stringent than every two years, it could lead to outdated or inaccurate equipment, potentially placing employees' hearing safety at risk.

Other options imply calibration at different frequencies, but two years is the standard set by OSHA to balance accurate monitoring without imposing unnecessary burdens that could divert resources from other important areas in workplace safety and health management. This requirement aligns with the best practices in occupational health to ensure ongoing protection for employees exposed to noise hazards.