OSHA Sound Level Standards & References

OSHA Noise Exposure Standards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established comprehensive standards for occupational noise exposure to protect workers from hearing loss. These standards are found in 29 CFR 1910.95 and apply to most workplaces in the United States.

Action Level (AL)

85 dBA

When noise exposure reaches this level, employers must implement a hearing conservation program including monitoring, audiometric testing, and training.

Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)

90 dBA

The maximum allowable 8-hour time-weighted average noise exposure. Exceeding this level requires immediate action to reduce exposure.

OSHA Noise Exposure Limits

Duration (hours)Sound Level (dBA)Dose (%)Required Action
88550%Hearing Conservation Program
890100%Engineering Controls Required
495100%Engineering Controls Required
2100100%Engineering Controls Required
1105100%Engineering Controls Required
0.5110100%Engineering Controls Required
0.25115100%Engineering Controls Required

Hearing Conservation Program Requirements

When employee noise exposure equals or exceeds an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA, employers must implement a comprehensive hearing conservation program.

Required Program Elements:

  • •Noise exposure monitoring and assessment
  • •Audiometric testing program
  • •Hearing protection devices (earplugs, earmuffs)
  • •Employee training and education
  • •Record keeping and program evaluation

Engineering Controls:

  • •Equipment maintenance and modification
  • •Sound barriers and enclosures
  • •Vibration isolation and damping
  • •Acoustic treatment of work areas
  • •Equipment replacement with quieter alternatives

OSHA Measurement Requirements

Measurement Standards:

  • •A-weighting filter (dBA) must be used
  • •Slow response setting (1-second averaging)
  • •Calibrated sound level meters meeting ANSI S1.4
  • •Personal dosimeters for continuous monitoring
  • •8-hour time-weighted average calculations

Monitoring Frequency:

  • •Initial assessment when program is established
  • •Reassessment when workplace changes occur
  • •Annual review of noise exposure data
  • •Continuous monitoring for variable exposures
  • •Follow-up measurements after control implementation

Industry-Specific Noise Standards

Construction Industry

Standard: 29 CFR 1926.52
PEL: 90 dBA (8-hour TWA)
AL: 85 dBA (8-hour TWA)

Applies to construction, demolition, and renovation activities.

Maritime Industry

Standard: 29 CFR 1915.95
PEL: 90 dBA (8-hour TWA)
AL: 85 dBA (8-hour TWA)

Covers shipyard employment and maritime operations.

Agriculture

Standard: 29 CFR 1928.21
PEL: 90 dBA (8-hour TWA)
AL: 85 dBA (8-hour TWA)

Applies to agricultural operations and equipment.

Mining Industry

Standard: 30 CFR 62.110
PEL: 90 dBA (8-hour TWA)
AL: 85 dBA (8-hour TWA)

MSHA regulations for mining operations.

Additional Resources & References

OSHA Publications:

  • • OSHA 3074: Hearing Conservation
  • • OSHA 3348: Noise Control
  • • OSHA 3498: Preventing Hearing Loss
  • • OSHA 3636: Occupational Noise Exposure

Technical Standards:

  • • ANSI S1.4: Sound Level Meters
  • • ANSI S1.25: Personal Noise Dosimeters
  • • ANSI S12.6: Hearing Protector Testing
  • • ISO 9612: Occupational Noise Measurement

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