OSHA has a requirement for the control of noise in the workplace. (29 CFR 1910.95).  Noise in the workplace can result in hearing loss over time presenting a quality of life issue for employees and a liability for employers.   OSHA requires workplaces with noise exposures exceeding 85 decibels in the "A" scale (dBA) time-weighted-average (TWA) are required to offer employees hearing protection devices, institute an annual audiometric testing program, annual training and other aspects of an effective hearing conservation program.  When noise levels reach 90 dBA TWA, employers must use engineering controls to reduce noise exposure.  Until the noise can be reduced, workers are required to used properly selected hearing protective devices.

High Safety Consulting Services, Ltd. can perform spot-check noise assessments, dosimetric sound level surveys, and octave band analyses of machinery for engineering controls to reduce sound levels.  We recommend that most exposures be acessed using a dosimeter which can integrate various sound pressure levels throughout the day.  For OSHA complliance purposes, it is important that sound dosimeter thresholds be properly set to determine compliance with either the OSHA Action Level (85 dBA) or the OSHA Permissible Exposure Level (PEL).

OSHA also requires that noise exposure surveys be updated when changing conditions could result in higher levels of noise or more individuals being exposed.  High Safety maintains a number of noise dosimeters and has the resources to monitor your worksite.