OSHA Decibel Standards

The Occupational Safety and Heath Administration, or OSHA, protects employees from possible permanent hearing loss by setting workplace standards for maximum decibel exposure, according to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.

Terminology

• OSHA uses decibels, the standard sound measurement unit, to determine the safety of workplace noise. A standard conversation, for instance, averages 60 decibels.

Workplace Noise

• OSHA considers 85 decibels the point where workplace noise exceeds its standards. Eight hours of sustained exposure at this level can eventually cause permanent hearing damage.

Assessment Standards

• OSHA standards require workplaces to monitor noise levels to see if they consistently meet or exceed 85 decibels. The agency also requires workplaces to check their employees’ hearing regularly for any signs of noise-related damage.

Employee Protection

• OSHA requires employees to wear hearing protection if they work a full shift around noise levels of 90 decibels. Employees who experience reduced hearing sensitivity at the 85-decibel level must also wear ear protection.

Accountability

• OSHA requires workplaces to keep records of hearing test results and decibel assessments. It also insists on the supervision of trained specialists in administering these tests and assessments.