29 CFR 1910.95: OSHA Noise Standard

Regulatory citation: 29 CFR 1910.95, Occupational Noise Exposure

What Is OSHA's Occupational Noise Standard?

29 CFR 1910.95 protects general industry workers from hearing loss caused by workplace noise. It sets a permissible exposure limit, requires feasible controls when noise exceeds it, and requires a hearing conservation program when exposures reach an action level.

Why the Noise Standard Matters

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and one of the most common occupational illnesses. Because it develops slowly, workers often don't notice it until significant damage is done, which is why OSHA requires monitoring and regular hearing tests.

Core Requirements

1. Permissible Exposure Limit

The PEL is 90 dBA as an eight-hour time-weighted average, using a 5 dB exchange rate. When exposures exceed the PEL, employers must use feasible administrative or engineering controls, and provide hearing protection if those controls don't reduce exposure enough.

2. Action Level Triggers a Hearing Conservation Program

When exposures reach or exceed an eight-hour TWA of 85 dBA, employers must implement a hearing conservation program.

3. Exposure Monitoring

Employers must monitor noise to identify employees at or above the action level, and repeat monitoring when changes in production, equipment or controls increase exposures.

4. Audiometric Testing

Exposed employees need a baseline audiogram within six months of first exposure at or above the action level (one year if a mobile test van is used, with hearing protection worn in the meantime), and annual audiograms after that. A standard threshold shift requires follow-up, including notifying the employee within 21 days.

5. Hearing Protection

Hearing protectors must be available at no cost to all employees exposed at or above the action level, with a choice of suitable types, and must reduce exposure to 90 dBA or lower (85 dBA for employees with a standard threshold shift).

6. Training and Records

Employees in the program must receive annual training on noise effects, hearing protection and testing. Exposure measurement records must be kept for two years and audiometric test records for the duration of employment.

Common Compliance Approaches

Buy Quiet and Engineer Out Noise

Select quieter equipment, enclose noisy machinery and maintain plant to reduce noise at the source.

Mark Hearing Protection Zones

Clear signage helps make sure protectors are worn where they're needed.

Fit-Check Hearing Protectors

Training on correct insertion and fit makes a big difference to real-world protection.

Example: Hearing Conservation in Practice

A bottling plant's noise survey shows filler operators exposed to 88 dBA over a shift. The plant installs acoustic panels, enrolls operators in a hearing conservation program, provides a choice of earplugs and earmuffs, and arranges baseline and annual audiograms. When one worker shows a standard threshold shift, the plant notifies them within 21 days, refits their hearing protection and reviews noise controls in that area.

Related regulations: OSHA PPE Standards, UK Control of Noise at Work Regulations, Australian WHS noise regulations.

Note: This summary reflects federal OSHA requirements. States with OSHA-approved State Plans may have additional or different requirements. Always check the current regulation text and any state rules that apply to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the OSHA noise limit?

OSHA's permissible exposure limit for general industry is 90 dBA as an eight-hour time-weighted average. A hearing conservation program is required when exposures reach 85 dBA over eight hours, known as the action level.

How often is audiometric testing required under OSHA?

Employees in a hearing conservation program need a baseline audiogram within six months of first exposure at or above the action level, and then an annual audiogram each year after that.

Does OSHA's noise standard apply to construction?

Construction noise is covered by a separate standard, 29 CFR 1926.52, which uses the same 90 dBA permissible exposure limit. The detailed hearing conservation program requirements in 1910.95 apply to general industry.