At Best in The West Safety, Inc., our mission is to protect workers from hazardous noise exposure by providing accurate, reliable, and compliant noise monitoring and assessment services. Hearing loss is permanent and can be 100% prevented.  We are committed to helping businesses create safer work environments through precise noise evaluations, regulatory compliance, and effective hearing conservation strategies. By utilizing calibrated sound level meters, personal noise dosimeters and other advanced measurement technology for our expert analyses, we ensure that every workplace identifies hazardous noise levels and implements corrective measures to safeguard workers.  Businesses that identify hazardous noise levels above 85 decibels during an 8-hour work day, require a hearing conservation program and noise reduction controls to reduce the risk of hearing loss, and promote long-term employee health and well-being.

Key OSHA Noise requirements:

• All businesses must protect workers from harmful levels of workplace noise, with an action level starting at 85 decibels for a time weighted average over 8 hours.
• Identifying hazardous noise levels in the workplace and measuring and monitoring the noise levels of equipment that generate noise in excess of 85 decibels.
• OSHA’s noise standard 1910.95 has an action level where workers must be  TWA over 8 hours of 85 decibels.
• Ensure all employees exposed to dangerous noise levels are enrolled in a hearing conservation program with training of employees when exposed to noise over 85 decibels for TWA of 8 hours or at a dose rate of 50%.
• Workers enrolled in a hearing conservation program must receive annual audiometric testing and training.
• Noise exposures exceeding 90 decibels over a TWA of 8 hours must be mitigated through engineering controls, administrative methods and as a last resort, workers are to use hearing protectors (ear plugs and/or ear muffs).
• OSHA prefers that workers that wear ear plugs are trained on how to properly use and insert ear protectors and receive ear plug fit testing to determine if the ear protectors are properly fitted into the ears and attenuate the noise.
• All noise dosimeters and sound level metering instruments used to measure employee noise exposure shall be calibrated annually and before and after each test to ensure measurement accuracy.
• Addressing noise hazards in OSHA standards for recordkeeping and general industry.

Noise Exposure Monitoring & Assessments Summary

Noise exposure monitoring and assessments are essential for identifying hazardous noise levels in the workplace and ensuring compliance with occupational safety regulations. These assessments help determine if workers are at risk of hearing damage and guide the implementation of noise control measures.

Purpose of Noise Monitoring & Assessments

• • Identify areas and tasks with high noise exposure.
  • Determine if noise levels exceed permissible exposure limits (PEL).
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 and other regulatory standards.
  • Implement appropriate hearing conservation programs.

Noise Measurement Methods

• • Sound Level Meter (SLM): Measures noise levels at a specific location.
  • Dosimeter: Worn by workers to measure personal noise exposure over a work shift.
  • Octave Band Analyzer: Identifies noise frequencies to aid in engineering control selection.

OSHA Noise Exposure Limits

For every 5 dB increase in noise exposure the worker, exposure time must reduced by 50% or cut in half to remain compliant with the OSHA PEL. 

Noise Assessment Process

Every business with high noise generating equipment must perform an initial noise survey.  To do this a calibrated sound level meter must be used to support the measurement and documentation of the frequencies and noise levels (dBA) generated at specific distances until the action level is reached.  A map of the noise levels and distances in the hazardous areas is required.  Any areas within the danger zone where noise levels is above 85 decibels should be posted Danger, hazardous noise, hearing protection is required.  These are the 5 steps of a noise assessment survey.

1. 1. Preliminary Survey: Identify high-noise areas and equipment.
   2. Personal Noise Monitoring: Use dosimeters for individual exposure data.
   3. Area Noise Monitoring: Use SLMs to measure noise levels in different locations.
   4. Data Analysis & Compliance Check: Compare results with OSHA/NIOSH guidelines.
   5. Recommendations: Implement engineering controls, administrative controls, or hearing protection programs as needed.

 Required Actions if Noise Exceeds Limits

• • Implement a Hearing Conservation Program (if ≥85 dB over 8 hours).
  • Provide hearing protection devices (HPDs) such as earplugs or earmuffs.
  • Conduct annual audiometric testing for exposed workers.
  • Provide each worker exposed to noise levels above 85 dBA (TWA 8 hour) training and education on noise hazards and hearing protection measures.
  • The first requirement to reduce noise is through engineering or administrative controls that are feasible before placing workers in Personal Protective equipment such as, ear protectors / ear plugs and earmuffs.

Key Takeaways

• • Occupational hearing loss at work is 100% preventable.  The employer is responsible to ensure they have identified all hazardous noise areas, educated workers on noise hazards, enrolled workers exposed to loud dangerous noise levels in a hearing conservation program and finally have implemented engineering or administrative controls prior to providing PPE to their workers.
  • Regular noise assessments help protect worker hearing and ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Personal dosimetry provides the most accurate exposure data for workers.
  • Engineering and administrative controls should be prioritized over personal protective equipment (PPE).

MSHA Hearing Conservation Program Requirements

Why you should contact us today

Noise exposure monitoring and assessments are essential for protecting workers, ensuring compliance, and promoting a safer and more productive work environment. Regular evaluations help businesses identify risks, implement controls, and maintain long-term hearing health for employees.

Additional Resources for Safety Managers

• NIOSH Noise Policy Update
• NIOSH Noise Mobile App
• OSHA Protect Yourself from Noise in Construction Pocket Guide
• NIH How does noise damage your hearing?
• NIOSH Science Policy Update

Important Noise YouTube Videos

OHD webinar noise monitoring basics 2024     

Noise conduction through the ear to brain