How Much Noise?

How Much Noise?

There are LEGAL LIMITS on noise in the workplace, set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

According to OSHA noise regulations, workers:

may not be exposed to more than an average of 90 dB(A), or decibels, over 8 hours
must be included in a Hearing Conservation Program if exposure averages 85 dB(A) or more over 8 hours

Review the table below, showing the effects of various noise levels.

DECIBELS	EXPOSURE	EFFECTS
85-90	Exposure over a length of time MAY cause hearing loss. Examples: subway, loud shout	Most hearing loss hapens over a period of time - weeks, months or years. No pain at this level of exposure.
90-100	Exposure over a lenght of time causes hearing loss. Examples: Power mower, air hammer, newpaper press	At this level of exposure, the noise can be uncomfortable
100-130	Exposure over a short period of time causes hearing loss. Examples: riveter, compacter, rock concert	Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) may occur after an exposure at this level. Discomfort threshold is 120 dB(A)
140+	A single exposure can cause hearing loss. Examples: jet taking off, shotgun	Pain threshold.

You may be exposed to too much noise if you:

have trouble understanding normal conversation at work with someone 2 feet away
hear prolonged ringing or other unusual noises after leaving work
have trouble hearing TV or speech, but can hear normally again after a few hours off the job

Next, let's review the four components of the Hearing Conservation Program. Then we'll talk about each component in more detail.