Compliance Just Got Easier: Stay ahead of regulatory changes with instant notifications on updates that matter.

LEARN MORE

FREE TRIAL UPGRADE!
Thank you for investing in EnvironmentalHazmatHuman ResourcesHuman Resources, Hazmat & Environmental related content. Click 'UPGRADE' to continue.
CANCEL
YOU'RE ALL SET!
Enjoy your limited-time access to the Compliance Network!
A confirmation welcome email has been sent to your email address from ComplianceNetwork@t.jjkellercompliancenetwork.com. Please check your spam/junk folder if you can't find it in your inbox.
YOU'RE ALL SET!
Thank you for your interest in EnvironmentalHazmatHuman ResourcesHuman Resources, Hazmat & Environmental related content.
WHOOPS!
You've reached your limit of free access, if you'd like more info, please contact us at 800-327-6868.
CLOSE
 
 

§1926.52 Occupational noise exposure.

RegSenseSafety & HealthConstruction SafetyCFR RegulationsHearing Conservation and NoiseIndustrial HygieneOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), DOLCFR SectionEnglishFocus AreaUSA

(a) Protection against the effects of noise exposure shall be provided when the sound levels exceed those shown in Table D-2 of this section when measured on the A-scale of a standard sound level meter at slow response.

(b) When employees are subjected to sound levels exceeding those listed in Table D-2 of this section, feasible administrative or engineering controls shall be utilized. If such controls fail to reduce sound levels within the levels of the table, personal protective equipment as required in Subpart E, shall be provided and used to reduce sound levels within the levels of the table.

(c) If the variations in noise level involve maxima at intervals of 1 second or less, it is to be considered continuous.

(d)(1) In all cases where the sound levels exceed the values shown herein, a continuing, effective hearing conservation program shall be administered.

Table D-2—Permissible noise exposures
Duration per day, hoursSound level dBA slow response
890
692
495
397
2100
1 1/2 102
1105
1/2 110
1/4 or less 115

(2)(i) When the daily noise exposure is composed of two or more periods of noise exposure of different levels, their combined effect should be considered, rather than the individual effect of each. Exposure to different levels for various periods of time shall be computed according to the formula set forth in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section.

(ii)

where: F e =The equivalent noise exposure factor. T =The period of noise exposure at any essentially constant level. L =The duration of the permissible noise exposure at the constant level (from Table D-2).

If the value of F e exceeds unity (1) the exposure exceeds permissible levels.

(iii) A sample computation showing an application of the formula in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section is as follows. An employee is exposed at these levels for these periods:

110 db A 1/4 hour.
100 db A 1/2 hour.
90 db A 1 1/2 hours.

F e =(¼/½) (½/2) (1½/8)
F e =0.500 0.25 0.188
F e = 0.938

Since the value of F e does not exceed unity, the exposure is within permissible limits.

(e) Exposure to impulsive or impact noise should not exceed 140 dB peak sound pressure level.

['Industrial Hygiene']
['Hearing Conservation and Noise']
UPGRADE TO CONTINUE READING
ezExplanations