When sound levels exceed which of the following values, a hearing conservation program must be administered?

A hearing conservation program is necessary when noise levels pose a risk to hearing safety, and this is determined by certain regulatory standards. The correct response refers to the requirement to assess sound levels against those outlined in Table D-2 of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

This table indicates the permissible noise exposure limits based on the sound intensity measured in decibels (dB) and the duration of exposure, aligning with the principle that higher sound levels mandate stricter controls on exposure time. When noise exceeds the specified limits in Table D-2, the need for a hearing conservation program becomes essential to protect workers' hearing.

Respectively, other options suggest thresholds that, while they may relate to hearing concerns, do not encompass the comprehensive guideline provided by Table D-2, which takes into account various factors like exposure duration and intensity in a more nuanced manner. This makes the response referencing Table D-2 the most accurate choice for determining when a hearing conservation program must be put in place.