The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Occupational Noise Standard, found in 29 CFR 1910.95, addresses occupational exposure to noise and aims to protect workers from the adverse effects of excessive noise levels in the workplace. Here's an overview of the key components of this standard:
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL):
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Time-Weighted Average (TWA):
- The standard establishes a permissible exposure limit (PEL) based on an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) for noise exposure.
- The current PEL is 90 decibels measured on the A scale (dBA) for an 8-hour workday.
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Action Level:
- An action level is set at 85 dBA. Employers must take certain actions, such as implementing a hearing conservation program, when workers are exposed to noise levels at or above this level.
Hearing Conservation Program:
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Implementation:
- Employers are required to implement a hearing conservation program when workers are exposed to noise levels at or above the action level.
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Program Components:
- Components of the hearing conservation program include noise monitoring, audiometric testing, hearing protection, training, and recordkeeping.
Monitoring and Audiometric Testing:
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Noise Monitoring:
- Employers must conduct initial monitoring to assess noise levels in the workplace.
- Subsequent monitoring is required if changes in production, process, or controls may increase noise exposure.
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Audiometric Testing:
- Employers must provide audiometric testing to employees exposed at or above the action level.
- Baseline audiograms are conducted within 6 months of the employee's first exposure to noise at or above the action level.
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Follow-Up Testing:
- Follow-up audiometric testing is performed annually for employees exposed at or above the action level.
Hearing Protection:
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Providing Protection:
- Employers must provide hearing protection devices (HPDs) to employees exposed at or above the action level.
- Employees are required to use provided hearing protection if they have not yet had a baseline audiogram or if they have experienced a standard threshold shift.
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Training:
- Employers are obligated to provide training on the proper use and care of hearing protection devices.
Recordkeeping:
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Record Retention:
- Employers must retain records of noise monitoring results, audiometric test records, and records of the provision of hearing protection for specific periods.
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Transfer of Records:
- Employers must transfer records to the successor employer if there is a change in ownership.
Signs and Labels:
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Warning Signs:
- Warning signs must be posted in areas where noise levels exceed the permissible exposure limit.
Employee Notification:
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Informing Employees:
- Employees must be informed of the results of noise monitoring and their right to observe monitoring and audiometric testing.
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Standard Threshold Shift (STS):
- Employers must notify employees when a standard threshold shift (significant hearing loss) is identified.
Compliance and Enforcement:
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Compliance Assistance:
- OSHA provides resources and guidance to help employers comply with the noise standard.
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Enforcement:
- OSHA may conduct inspections and take enforcement actions against employers not in compliance with the standard.
Conclusion: Protecting Workers' Hearing Health
OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.95 standard is designed to ensure that workers are protected from hazardous noise exposures in the workplace. Employers are responsible for implementing hearing conservation programs, monitoring noise levels, providing protective measures, and maintaining records to safeguard the hearing health of their workers. Compliance with these regulations not only protects individual workers but also contributes to a safer and healthier work environment overall.