29 Cfr 1910.95

29 CFR 1910.95 (Noise) eCFR - Code of Federal Regulations.pdf

Occupational Noise Exposure Standard

29 CFR 1910.95

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Title 29 → Subtitle B → Chapter XVII → Part 1910 → Subpart G → §1910.95

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Title 29: Labor
PART 1910—OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS
Subpart G—Occupational Health and Environmental Control

§1910.95 Occupational noise exposure.
(a) Protection against the effects of noise exposure shall be provided when the sound levels
exceed those shown in Table G-16 when measured on the A scale of a standard sound level
meter at slow response. When noise levels are determined by octave band analysis, the
equivalent A-weighted sound level may be determined as follows:

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FIGURE G-9
Equivalent sound level contours. Octave band sound pressure levels may be converted to the
equivalent A-weighted sound level by plotting them on this graph and noting the A-weighted
sound level corresponding to the point of highest penetration into the sound level contours. This
equivalent A-weighted sound level, which may differ from the actual A-weighted sound level of
the noise, is used to determine exposure limits from Table 1.G-16.
(b)(1) When employees are subjected to sound exceeding those listed in Table G-16,
feasible administrative or engineering controls shall be utilized. If such controls fail to reduce
sound levels within the levels of Table G-16, personal protective equipment shall be provided
and used to reduce sound levels within the levels of the table.

(2) If the variations in noise level involve maxima at intervals of 1 second or less, it is to be
considered continuous.
TABLE G-16—PERMISSIBLE NOISE EXPOSURES1
Duration per day, hours

Sound level dBA slow response

100

11⁄2

102

105

⁄2

110

⁄4 or less

115

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. If the sum of the following fractions: C1/T1 + C2/T2Cn/Tn exceeds unity, then, the mixed
exposure should be considered to exceed the limit value. Cn indicates the total time of exposure
at a specified noise level, and Tn indicates the total time of exposure permitted at that level.
Exposure to impulsive or impact noise should not exceed 140 dB peak sound pressure level.
(c) Hearing conservation program. (1) The employer shall administer a continuing,
effective hearing conservation program, as described in paragraphs (c) through (o) of this
section, whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average
sound level (TWA) of 85 decibels measured on the A scale (slow response) or, equivalently, a
dose of fifty percent. For purposes of the hearing conservation program, employee noise
exposures shall be computed in accordance with appendix A and Table G-16a, and without
regard to any attenuation provided by the use of personal protective equipment.
(2) For purposes of paragraphs (c) through (n) of this section, an 8-hour time-weighted
average of 85 decibels or a dose of fifty percent shall also be referred to as the action level.
(d) Monitoring. (1) When information indicates that any employee's exposure may equal or
exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, the employer shall develop and
implement a monitoring program.
(i) The sampling strategy shall be designed to identify employees for inclusion in the
hearing conservation program and to enable the proper selection of hearing protectors.

(ii) Where circumstances such as high worker mobility, significant variations in sound level,
or a significant component of impulse noise make area monitoring generally inappropriate, the
employer shall use representative personal sampling to comply with the monitoring requirements
of this paragraph unless the employer can show that area sampling produces equivalent results.
(2)(i) All continuous, intermittent and impulsive sound levels from 80 decibels to 130
decibels shall be integrated into the noise measurements.
(ii) Instruments used to measure employee noise exposure shall be calibrated to ensure
measurement accuracy.
(3) Monitoring shall be repeated whenever a change in production, process, equipment or
controls increases noise exposures to the extent that:
(i) Additional employees may be exposed at or above the action level; or
(ii) The attenuation provided by hearing protectors being used by employees may be
rendered inadequate to meet the requirements of paragraph (j) of this section.
(e) Employee notification. The employer shall notify each employee exposed at or above an
8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels of the results of the monitoring.
(f) Observation of monitoring. The employer shall provide affected employees or their
representatives with an opportunity to observe any noise measurements conducted pursuant to
this section.
(g) Audiometric testing program. (1) The employer shall establish and maintain an
audiometric testing program as provided in this paragraph by making audiometric testing
available to all employees whose exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of
85 decibels.
(2) The program shall be provided at no cost to employees.
(3) Audiometric tests shall be performed by a licensed or certified audiologist,
otolaryngologist, or other physician, or by a technician who is certified by the Council of
Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation, or who has satisfactorily demonstrated
competence in administering audiometric examinations, obtaining valid audiograms, and
properly using, maintaining and checking calibration and proper functioning of the audiometers
being used. A technician who operates microprocessor audiometers does not need to be certified.
A technician who performs audiometric tests must be responsible to an audiologist,
otolaryngologist or physician.
(4) All audiograms obtained pursuant to this section shall meet the requirements of
appendix C: Audiometric Measuring Instruments.

(5) Baseline audiogram. (i) Within 6 months of an employee's first exposure at or above the
action level, the employer shall establish a valid baseline audiogram against which subsequent
audiograms can be compared.
(ii) Mobile test van exception. Where mobile test vans are used to meet the audiometric
testing obligation, the employer shall obtain a valid baseline audiogram within 1 year of an
employee's first exposure at or above the action level. Where baseline audiograms are obtained
more than 6 months after the employee's first exposure at or above the action level, employees
shall wearing hearing protectors for any period exceeding six months after first exposure until
the baseline audiogram is obtained.
(iii) Testing to establish a baseline audiogram shall be preceded by at least 14 hours without
exposure to workplace noise. Hearing protectors may be used as a substitute for the requirement
that baseline audiograms be preceded by 14 hours without exposure to workplace noise.
(iv) The employer shall notify employees of the need to avoid high levels of nonoccupational noise exposure during the 14-hour period immediately preceding the audiometric
examination.
(6) Annual audiogram. At least annually after obtaining the baseline audiogram, the
employer shall obtain a new audiogram for each employee exposed at or above an 8-hour timeweighted average of 85 decibels.
(7) Evaluation of audiogram. (i) Each employee's annual audiogram shall be compared to
that employee's baseline audiogram to determine if the audiogram is valid and if a standard
threshold shift as defined in paragraph (g)(10) of this section has occurred. This comparison may
be done by a technician.
(ii) If the annual audiogram shows that an employee has suffered a standard threshold shift,
the employer may obtain a retest within 30 days and consider the results of the retest as the
annual audiogram.
(iii) The audiologist, otolaryngologist, or physician shall review problem audiograms and
shall determine whether there is a need for further evaluation. The employer shall provide to the
person performing this evaluation the following information:
(A) A copy of the requirements for hearing conservation as set forth in paragraphs (c)
through (n) of this section;
(B) The baseline audiogram and most recent audiogram of the employee to be evaluated;
(C) Measurements of background sound pressure levels in the audiometric test room as
required in appendix D: Audiometric Test Rooms.
(D) Records of audiometer calibrations required by paragraph (h)(5) of this section.

(8) Follow-up procedures. (i) If a comparison of the annual audiogram to the baseline
audiogram indicates a standard threshold shift as defined in paragraph (g)(10) of this section has
occurred, the employee shall be informed of this fact in writing, within 21 days of the
determination.
(ii) Unless a physician determines that the standard threshold shift is not work related or
aggravated by occupational noise exposure, the employer shall ensure that the following steps
are taken when a standard threshold shift occurs:
(A) Employees not using hearing protectors shall be fitted with hearing protectors, trained
in their use and care, and required to use them.
(B) Employees already using hearing protectors shall be refitted and retrained in the use of
hearing protectors and provided with hearing protectors offering greater attenuation if necessary.
(C) The employee shall be referred for a clinical audiological evaluation or an otological
examination, as appropriate, if additional testing is necessary or if the employer suspects that a
medical pathology of the ear is caused or aggravated by the wearing of hearing protectors.
(D) The employee is informed of the need for an otological examination if a medical
pathology of the ear that is unrelated to the use of hearing protectors is suspected.
(iii) If subsequent audiometric testing of an employee whose exposure to noise is less than
an 8-hour TWA of 90 decibels indicates that a standard threshold shift is not persistent, the
employer:
(A) Shall inform the employee of the new audiometric interpretation; and
(B) May discontinue the required use of hearing protectors for that employee.
(9) Revised baseline. An annual audiogram may be substituted for the baseline audiogram
when, in the judgment of the audiologist, otolaryngologist or physician who is evaluating the
audiogram:
(i) The standard threshold shift revealed by the audiogram is persistent; or
(ii) The hearing threshold shown in the annual audiogram indicates significant improvement
over the baseline audiogram.
(10) Standard threshold shift. (i) As used in this section, a standard threshold shift is a
change in hearing threshold relative to the baseline audiogram of an average of 10 dB or more at
2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear.
(ii) In determining whether a standard threshold shift has occurred, allowance may be made
for the contribution of aging (presbycusis) to the change in hearing level by correcting the annual

audiogram according to the procedure described in appendix F: Calculation and Application of
Age Correction to Audiograms.
(h) Audiometric test requirements. (1) Audiometric tests shall be pure tone, air conduction,
hearing threshold examinations, with test frequencies including as a minimum 500, 1000, 2000,
3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz. Tests at each frequency shall be taken separately for each ear.
(2) Audiometric tests shall be conducted with audiometers (including microprocessor
audiometers) that meet the specifications of, and are maintained and used in accordance with,
American National Standard Specification for Audiometers, S3.6-1969, which is incorporated by
reference as specified in §1910.6.
(3) Pulsed-tone and self-recording audiometers, if used, shall meet the requirements
specified in appendix C: Audiometric Measuring Instruments.
(4) Audiometric examinations shall be administered in a room meeting the requirements
listed in appendix D: Audiometric Test Rooms.
(5) Audiometer calibration. (i) The functional operation of the audiometer shall be checked
before each day's use by testing a person with known, stable hearing thresholds, and by listening
to the audiometer's output to make sure that the output is free from distorted or unwanted sounds.
Deviations of 10 decibels or greater require an acoustic calibration.
(ii) Audiometer calibration shall be checked acoustically at least annually in accordance
with appendix E: Acoustic Calibration of Audiometers. Test frequencies below 500 Hz and
above 6000 Hz may be omitted from this check. Deviations of 15 decibels or greater require an
exhaustive calibration.
(iii) An exhaustive calibration shall be performed at least every two years in accordance
with sections 4.1.2; 4.1.3.; 4.1.4.3; 4.2; 4.4.1; 4.4.2; 4.4.3; and 4.5 of the American National
Standard Specification for Audiometers, S3.6-1969. Test frequencies below 500 Hz and above
6000 Hz may be omitted from this calibration.
(i) Hearing protectors. (1) Employers shall make hearing protectors available to all
employees exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or greater at no cost to the
employees. Hearing protectors shall be replaced as necessary.
(2) Employers shall ensure that hearing protectors are worn:
(i) By an employee who is required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section to wear personal
protective equipment; and
(ii) By any employee who is exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or
greater, and who:
(A) Has not yet had a baseline audiogram established pursuant to paragraph (g)(5)(ii); or

(B) Has experienced a standard threshold shift.
(3) Employees shall be given the opportunity to select their hearing protectors from a
variety of suitable hearing protectors provided by the employer.
(4) The employer shall provide training in the use and care of all hearing protectors
provided to employees.
(5) The employer shall ensure proper initial fitting and supervise the correct use of all
hearing protectors.
(j) Hearing protector attenuation. (1) The employer shall evaluate hearing protector
attenuation for the specific noise environments in which the protector will be used. The employer
shall use one of the evaluation methods described in appendix B: Methods for Estimating the
Adequacy of Hearing Protection Attenuation.
(2) Hearing protectors must attenuate employee exposure at least to an 8-hour timeweighted average of 90 decibels as required by paragraph (b) of this section.
(3) For employees who have experienced a standard threshold shift, hearing protectors must
attenuate employee exposure to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or below.
(4) The adequacy of hearing protector attenuation shall be re-evaluated whenever employee
noise exposures increase to the extent that the hearing protectors provided may no longer provide
adequate attenuation. The employer shall provide more effective hearing protectors where
necessary.
(k) Training program. (1) The employer shall train each employee who is exposed to noise
at or above an 8-hour time weighted average of 85 decibels in accordance with the requirements
of this section. The employer shall institute a training program and ensure employee participation
in the program.
(2) The training program shall be repeated annually for each employee included in the
hearing conservation program. Information provided in the training program shall be updated to
be consistent with changes in protective equipment and work processes.
(3) The employer shall ensure that each employee is informed of the following:
(i) The effects of noise on hearing;
(ii) The purpose of hearing protectors, the advantages, disadvantages, and attenuation of
various types, and instructions on selection, fitting, use, and care; and
(iii) The purpose of audiometric testing, and an explanation of the test procedures.

(l) Access to information and training materials. (1) The employer shall make available to
affected employees or their representatives copies of this standard and shall also post a copy in
the workplace.
(2) The employer shall provide to affected employees any informational materials
pertaining to the standard that are supplied to the employer by the Assistant Secretary.
(3) The employer shall provide, upon request, all materials related to the employer's training
and education program pertaining to this standard to the Assistant Secretary and the Director.
(m) Recordkeeping—(1) Exposure measurements. The employer shall maintain an accurate
record of all employee exposure measurements required by paragraph (d) of this section.
(2) Audiometric tests. (i) The employer shall retain all employee audiometric test records
obtained pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section:
(ii) This record shall include:
(A) Name and job classification of the employee;
(B) Date of the audiogram;
(C) The examiner's name;
(D) Date of the last acoustic or exhaustive calibration of the audiometer; and
(E) Employee's most recent noise exposure assessment.
(F) The employer shall maintain accurate records of the measurements of the background
sound pressure levels in audiometric test rooms.
(3) Record retention. The employer shall retain records required in this paragraph (m) for at
least the following periods.
(i) Noise exposure measurement records shall be retained for two years.
(ii) Audiometric test records shall be retained for the duration of the affected employee's
employment.
(4) Access to records. All records required by this section shall be provided upon request to
employees, former employees, representatives designated by the individual employee, and the
Assistant Secretary. The provisions of 29 CFR 1910.1020 (a)-(e) and (g)-(i) apply to access to
records under this section.
(5) Transfer of records. If the employer ceases to do business, the employer shall transfer to
the successor employer all records required to be maintained by this section, and the successor

employer shall retain them for the remainder of the period prescribed in paragraph (m)(3) of this
section.
(n) Appendices. (1) Appendices A, B, C, D, and E to this section are incorporated as part of
this section and the contents of these appendices are mandatory.
(2) Appendices F and G to this section are informational and are not intended to create any
additional obligations not otherwise imposed or to detract from any existing obligations.
(o) Exemptions. Paragraphs (c) through (n) of this section shall not apply to employers
engaged in oil and gas well drilling and servicing operations.
APPENDIX A TO §1910.95—NOISE EXPOSURE COMPUTATION
This appendix is Mandatory
I. COMPUTATION OF EMPLOYEE NOISE EXPOSURE
(1) Noise dose is computed using Table G-16a as follows:
(i) When the sound level, L, is constant over the entire work shift, the noise dose, D, in
percent, is given by: D = 100 C/T where C is the total length of the work day, in hours, and T is
the reference duration corresponding to the measured sound level, L, as given in Table G-16a or
by the formula shown as a footnote to that table.
(ii) When the workshift noise exposure is composed of two or more periods of noise at
different levels, the total noise dose over the work day is given by:
D = 100(C1 / T1 + C2 / T2 + Cn / Tn),
where Cn indicates the total time of exposure at a specific noise level, and Tn indicates the
reference duration for that level as given by Table G-16a.
(2) The eight-hour time-weighted average sound level (TWA), in decibels, may be
computed from the dose, in percent, by means of the formula: TWA = 16.61 log10 (D/100) + 90.
For an eight-hour workshift with the noise level constant over the entire shift, the TWA is equal
to the measured sound level.
(3) A table relating dose and TWA is given in Section II.
TABLE G-16A
A-weighted sound level, L (decibel)

Reference duration, T (hour)

27.9

24.3

21.1

18.4

13.9

12.1

10.6

9.2

7.0

6.1

5.3

4.6

3.5

3.0

2.6

2.3

100

101

1.7

102

1.5

103

1.3

104

1.1

105

106

0.87

107

0.76

108

0.66

109

0.57

110

0.5

111

0.44

112

0.38

113

0.33

114

0.29

115

0.25

116

0.22

117

0.19

118

0.16

119

0.14

120

0.125

121

0.11

122

0.095

123

0.082

124

0.072

125

0.063

126

0.054

127

0.047

128

0.041

129

0.036

130

0.031
In the above table the reference duration, T, is computed by

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where L is the measured A-weighted sound level.
II. CONVERSION BETWEEN “DOSE” AND “8-HOUR TIME-WEIGHTED AVERAGE” SOUND LEVEL
Compliance with paragraphs (c)-(r) of this regulation is determined by the amount of
exposure to noise in the workplace. The amount of such exposure is usually measured with an
audiodosimeter which gives a readout in terms of “dose.” In order to better understand the
requirements of the amendment, dosimeter readings can be converted to an “8-hour timeweighted average sound level.” (TWA).

In order to convert the reading of a dosimeter into TWA, see Table A-1, below. This table
applies to dosimeters that are set by the manufacturer to calculate dose or percent exposure
according to the relationships in Table G-16a. So, for example, a dose of 91 percent over an eight
hour day results in a TWA of 89.3 dB, and, a dose of 50 percent corresponds to a TWA of 85 dB.
If the dose as read on the dosimeter is less than or greater than the values found in Table A1, the TWA may be calculated by using the formula: TWA 6.61 log10 (D/100) + 90 where TWA
= 8-hour time-weighted average sound level and D = accumulated dose in percent exposure.
TABLE A-1—CONVERSION FROM “PERCENT NOISE EXPOSURE” OR “DOSE” TO “8-HOUR
TIME-WEIGHTED AVERAGE SOUND LEVEL” (TWA)
Dose or percent noise exposure

TWA

73.4

76.3

78.4

80.0

81.3

82.4

83.4

84.2

85.0

85.7

86.3

86.9

87.4

87.9

88.4

88.5

88.6

88.7

88.8

88.9

89.0

89.1

89.2

89.3

89.4

89.5

89.6

89.7

89.8

89.9

100

90.0

101

90.1

102

90.1

103

90.2

104

90.3

105

90.4

106

90.4

107

90.5

108

90.6

109

90.6

110

90.7

111

90.8

112

90.8

113

90.9

114

90.9

115

91.1

116

91.1

117

91.1

118

91.2

119

91.3

120

91.3

125

91.6

130

91.9

135

92.2

140

92.4

145

92.7

150

92.9

155

93.2

160

93.4

165

93.6

170

93.8

175

94.0

180

94.2

185

94.4

190

94.6

195

94.8

200

95.0

210

95.4

220

95.7

230

96.0

240

96.3

250

96.6

260

96.9

270

97.2

280

97.4

290

97.7

300

97.9

310

98.2

320

98.4

330

98.6

340

98.8

350

99.0

360

99.2

370

99.4

380

99.6

390

99.8

400

100.0

410

100.2

420

100.4

430

100.5

440

100.7

450

100.8

460

101.0

470

101.2

480

101.3

490

101.5

500

101.6

510

101.8

520

101.9

530

102.0

540

102.2

550

102.3

560

102.4

570

102.6

580

102.7

590

102.8

600

102.9

610

103.0

620

103.2

630

103.3

640

103.4

650

103.5

660

103.6

670

103.7

680

103.8

690

103.9

700

104.0

710

104.1

720

104.2

730

104.3

740

104.4

750

104.5

760

104.6

770

104.7

780

104.8

790

104.9

800

105.0

810

105.1

820

105.2

830

105.3

840

105.4

850

105.4

860

105.5

870

105.6

880

105.7

890

105.8

900

105.8

910

105.9

920

106.0

930

106.1

940

106.2

950

106.2

960

106.3

970

106.4

980

106.5

990

106.5

999

106.6

APPENDIX B TO §1910.95—METHODS FOR ESTIMATING THE ADEQUACY OF HEARING PROTECTOR
ATTENUATION
This appendix is Mandatory
For employees who have experienced a significant threshold shift, hearing protector
attenuation must be sufficient to reduce employee exposure to a TWA of 85 dB. Employers must
select one of the following methods by which to estimate the adequacy of hearing protector
attenuation.
The most convenient method is the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) developed by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to EPA regulation, the NRR must be shown
on the hearing protector package. The NRR is then related to an individual worker's noise
environment in order to assess the adequacy of the attenuation of a given hearing protector. This
appendix describes four methods of using the NRR to determine whether a particular hearing
protector provides adequate protection within a given exposure environment. Selection among
the four procedures is dependent upon the employer's noise measuring instruments.
Instead of using the NRR, employers may evaluate the adequacy of hearing protector
attenuation by using one of the three methods developed by the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which are described in the “List of Personal Hearing
Protectors and Attenuation Data,” HEW Publication No. 76-120, 1975, pages 21-37. These
methods are known as NIOSH methods #1B1, #1B2 and #1B3. The NRR described below is a
simplification of NIOSH method #1B2. The most complex method is NIOSH method #1B1,
which is probably the most accurate method since it uses the largest amount of spectral
information from the individual employee's noise environment. As in the case of the NRR
method described below, if one of the NIOSH methods is used, the selected method must be
applied to an individual's noise environment to assess the adequacy of the attenuation.
Employers should be careful to take a sufficient number of measurements in order to achieve a
representative sample for each time segment.

NOTE: The employer must remember that calculated attenuation values reflect realistic
values only to the extent that the protectors are properly fitted and worn.
When using the NRR to assess hearing protector adequacy, one of the following methods
must be used:
(i) When using a dosimeter that is capable of C-weighted measurements:
(A) Obtain the employee's C-weighted dose for the entire workshift, and convert to TWA
(see appendix A, II).
(B) Subtract the NRR from the C-weighted TWA to obtain the estimated A-weighted TWA
under the ear protector.
(ii) When using a dosimeter that is not capable of C-weighted measurements, the following
method may be used:
(A) Convert the A-weighted dose to TWA (see appendix A).
(B) Subtract 7 dB from the NRR.
(C) Subtract the remainder from the A-weighted TWA to obtain the estimated A-weighted
TWA under the ear protector.
(iii) When using a sound level meter set to the A-weighting network:
(A) Obtain the employee's A-weighted TWA.
(B) Subtract 7 dB from the NRR, and subtract the remainder from the A-weighted TWA to
obtain the estimated A-weighted TWA under the ear protector.
(iv) When using a sound level meter set on the C-weighting network:
(A) Obtain a representative sample of the C-weighted sound levels in the employee's
environment.
(B) Subtract the NRR from the C-weighted average sound level to obtain the estimated Aweighted TWA under the ear protector.
(v) When using area monitoring procedures and a sound level meter set to the A-weighing
network.
(A) Obtain a representative sound level for the area in question.
(B) Subtract 7 dB from the NRR and subtract the remainder from the A-weighted sound
level for that area.

(vi) When using area monitoring procedures and a sound level meter set to the C-weighting
network:
(A) Obtain a representative sound level for the area in question.
(B) Subtract the NRR from the C-weighted sound level for that area.
APPENDIX C TO §1910.95—AUDIOMETRIC MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
This appendix is Mandatory
1. In the event that pulsed-tone audiometers are used, they shall have a tone on-time of at
least 200 milliseconds.
2. Self-recording audiometers shall comply with the following requirements:
(A) The chart upon which the audiogram is traced shall have lines at positions
corresponding to all multiples of 10 dB hearing level within the intensity range spanned by the
audiometer. The lines shall be equally spaced and shall be separated by at least 1⁄4 inch.
Additional increments are optional. The audiogram pen tracings shall not exceed 2 dB in width.
(B) It shall be possible to set the stylus manually at the 10-dB increment lines for calibration
purposes.
(C) The slewing rate for the audiometer attenuator shall not be more than 6 dB/sec except
that an initial slewing rate greater than 6 dB/sec is permitted at the beginning of each new test
frequency, but only until the second subject response.
(D) The audiometer shall remain at each required test frequency for 30 seconds (±3
seconds). The audiogram shall be clearly marked at each change of frequency and the actual
frequency change of the audiometer shall not deviate from the frequency boundaries marked on
the audiogram by more than ±3 seconds.
(E) It must be possible at each test frequency to place a horizontal line segment parallel to
the time axis on the audiogram, such that the audiometric tracing crosses the line segment at least
six times at that test frequency. At each test frequency the threshold shall be the average of the
midpoints of the tracing excursions.
APPENDIX D TO §1910.95—AUDIOMETRIC TEST ROOMS
This appendix is Mandatory
Rooms used for audiometric testing shall not have background sound pressure levels
exceeding those in Table D-1 when measured by equipment conforming at least to the Type 2
requirements of American National Standard Specification for Sound Level Meters, S1.4-1971
(R1976), and to the Class II requirements of American National Standard Specification for
Octave, Half-Octave, and Third-Octave Band Filter Sets, S1.11-1971 (R1976).

TABLE D-1—MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE OCTAVE-BAND SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS FOR
AUDIOMETRIC TEST ROOMS
Octave-band center frequency (Hz)
Sound pressure level (dB)

500

1000

2000

4000

8000

APPENDIX E TO §1910.95—ACOUSTIC CALIBRATION OF AUDIOMETERS
This appendix is Mandatory
Audiometer calibration shall be checked acoustically, at least annually, according to the
procedures described in this appendix. The equipment necessary to perform these measurements
is a sound level meter, octave-band filter set, and a National Bureau of Standards 9A coupler. In
making these measurements, the accuracy of the calibrating equipment shall be sufficient to
determine that the audiometer is within the tolerances permitted by American Standard
Specification for Audiometers, S3.6-1969.
(1) Sound Pressure Output Check
A. Place the earphone coupler over the microphone of the sound level meter and place the
earphone on the coupler.
B. Set the audiometer's hearing threshold level (HTL) dial to 70 dB.
C. Measure the sound pressure level of the tones at each test frequency from 500 Hz
through 6000 Hz for each earphone.
D. At each frequency the readout on the sound level meter should correspond to the levels
in Table E-1 or Table E-2, as appropriate, for the type of earphone, in the column entitled “sound
level meter reading.”
(2) Linearity Check
A. With the earphone in place, set the frequency to 1000 Hz and the HTL dial on the
audiometer to 70 dB.
B. Measure the sound levels in the coupler at each 10-dB decrement from 70 dB to 10 dB,
noting the sound level meter reading at each setting.
C. For each 10-dB decrement on the audiometer the sound level meter should indicate a
corresponding 10 dB decrease.
D. This measurement may be made electrically with a voltmeter connected to the earphone
terminals.
(3) Tolerances

When any of the measured sound levels deviate from the levels in Table E-1 or Table E-2
by ±3 dB at any test frequency between 500 and 3000 Hz, 4 dB at 4000 Hz, or 5 dB at 6000 Hz,
an exhaustive calibration is advised. An exhaustive calibration is required if the deviations are
greater than 15 dB or greater at any test frequency.
TABLE E-1—REFERENCE THRESHOLD LEVELS FOR TELEPHONICS—TDH-39
EARPHONES
Frequency,
Hz

Reference threshold level for TDH-39
earphones, dB

500

Sound level meter reading,
dB
11.5

81.5

1000

2000

3000

4000

9.5

79.5

6000

15.5

85.5

TABLE E-2—REFERENCE THRESHOLD LEVELS FOR TELEPHONICS—TDH-49
EARPHONES
Frequency,
Hz

Reference threshold level for TDH-49
earphones, dB

Sound level meter reading,
dB

500

13.5

83.5

1000

7.5

77.5

2000

81.0

3000

9.5

79.5

4000

10.5

80.5

6000

13.5

83.5

APPENDIX F TO §1910.95—CALCULATIONS AND APPLICATION OF AGE CORRECTIONS TO
AUDIOGRAMS
This appendix Is Non-Mandatory
In determining whether a standard threshold shift has occurred, allowance may be made for
the contribution of aging to the change in hearing level by adjusting the most recent audiogram.
If the employer chooses to adjust the audiogram, the employer shall follow the procedure
described below. This procedure and the age correction tables were developed by the National

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the criteria document entitled “Criteria for a
Recommended Standard . . . Occupational Exposure to Noise,” ((HSM)-11001).
For each audiometric test frequency;
(i) Determine from Tables F-1 or F-2 the age correction values for the employee by:
(A) Finding the age at which the most recent audiogram was taken and recording the
corresponding values of age corrections at 1000 Hz through 6000 Hz;
(B) Finding the age at which the baseline audiogram was taken and recording the
corresponding values of age corrections at 1000 Hz through 6000 Hz.
(ii) Subtract the values found in step (i)(B) from the value found in step (i)(A).
(iii) The differences calculated in step (ii) represented that portion of the change in hearing
that may be due to aging.
Example: Employee is a 32-year-old male. The audiometric history for his right ear is
shown in decibels below.
Audiometric test frequency (Hz)
Employee's age

1000

2000

3000

4000

6000

*27

*32

The audiogram at age 27 is considered the baseline since it shows the best hearing threshold
levels. Asterisks have been used to identify the baseline and most recent audiogram. A threshold
shift of 20 dB exists at 4000 Hz between the audiograms taken at ages 27 and 32.
(The threshold shift is computed by subtracting the hearing threshold at age 27, which was
5, from the hearing threshold at age 32, which is 25). A retest audiogram has confirmed this
shift. The contribution of aging to this change in hearing may be estimated in the following
manner:
Go to Table F-1 and find the age correction values (in dB) for 4000 Hz at age 27 and age
32.

Frequency (Hz)
1000

2000

3000

4000

6000

Age 32

Age 27

Difference

The difference represents the amount of hearing loss that may be attributed to aging in the
time period between the baseline audiogram and the most recent audiogram. In this example, the
difference at 4000 Hz is 3 dB. This value is subtracted from the hearing level at 4000 Hz, which
in the most recent audiogram is 25, yielding 22 after adjustment. Then the hearing threshold in
the baseline audiogram at 4000 Hz (5) is subtracted from the adjusted annual audiogram hearing
threshold at 4000 Hz (22). Thus the age-corrected threshold shift would be 17 dB (as opposed to
a threshold shift of 20 dB without age correction).
TABLE F-1—AGE CORRECTION VALUES IN DECIBELS FOR MALES
Audiometric Test Frequencies (Hz)
Years

1000

2000

3000

4000

6000

20 or younger

60 or older

TABLE F-2—AGE CORRECTION VALUES IN DECIBELS FOR FEMALES
Audiometric Test Frequencies (Hz)
Years
20 or younger

1000

2000
7

3000
4

4000
3

6000
3

60 or older

APPENDIX G TO §1910.95—MONITORING NOISE LEVELS NON-MANDATORY INFORMATIONAL
APPENDIX
This appendix provides information to help employers comply with the noise monitoring
obligations that are part of the hearing conservation amendment.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF NOISE MONITORING?
This revised amendment requires that employees be placed in a hearing conservation
program if they are exposed to average noise levels of 85 dB or greater during an 8 hour
workday. In order to determine if exposures are at or above this level, it may be necessary to
measure or monitor the actual noise levels in the workplace and to estimate the noise exposure or
“dose” received by employees during the workday.
WHEN IS IT NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT A NOISE MONITORING PROGRAM?
It is not necessary for every employer to measure workplace noise. Noise monitoring or
measuring must be conducted only when exposures are at or above 85 dB. Factors which suggest
that noise exposures in the workplace may be at this level include employee complaints about the
loudness of noise, indications that employees are losing their hearing, or noisy conditions which
make normal conversation difficult. The employer should also consider any information
available regarding noise emitted from specific machines. In addition, actual workplace noise
measurements can suggest whether or not a monitoring program should be initiated.
HOW IS NOISE MEASURED?
Basically, there are two different instruments to measure noise exposures: the sound level
meter and the dosimeter. A sound level meter is a device that measures the intensity of sound at a
given moment. Since sound level meters provide a measure of sound intensity at only one point
in time, it is generally necessary to take a number of measurements at different times during the

day to estimate noise exposure over a workday. If noise levels fluctuate, the amount of time
noise remains at each of the various measured levels must be determined.
To estimate employee noise exposures with a sound level meter it is also generally
necessary to take several measurements at different locations within the workplace. After
appropriate sound level meter readings are obtained, people sometimes draw “maps” of the
sound levels within different areas of the workplace. By using a sound level “map” and
information on employee locations throughout the day, estimates of individual exposure levels
can be developed. This measurement method is generally referred to as area noise monitoring.
A dosimeter is like a sound level meter except that it stores sound level measurements and
integrates these measurements over time, providing an average noise exposure reading for a
given period of time, such as an 8-hour workday. With a dosimeter, a microphone is attached to
the employee's clothing and the exposure measurement is simply read at the end of the desired
time period. A reader may be used to read-out the dosimeter's measurements. Since the
dosimeter is worn by the employee, it measures noise levels in those locations in which the
employee travels. A sound level meter can also be positioned within the immediate vicinity of
the exposed worker to obtain an individual exposure estimate. Such procedures are generally
referred to as personal noise monitoring.
Area monitoring can be used to estimate noise exposure when the noise levels are relatively
constant and employees are not mobile. In workplaces where employees move about in different
areas or where the noise intensity tends to fluctuate over time, noise exposure is generally more
accurately estimated by the personal monitoring approach.
In situations where personal monitoring is appropriate, proper positioning of the
microphone is necessary to obtain accurate measurements. With a dosimeter, the microphone is
generally located on the shoulder and remains in that position for the entire workday. With a
sound level meter, the microphone is stationed near the employee's head, and the instrument is
usually held by an individual who follows the employee as he or she moves about.
Manufacturer's instructions, contained in dosimeter and sound level meter operating
manuals, should be followed for calibration and maintenance. To ensure accurate results, it is
considered good professional practice to calibrate instruments before and after each use.
HOW OFTEN IS IT NECESSARY TO MONITOR NOISE LEVELS?
The amendment requires that when there are significant changes in machinery or production
processes that may result in increased noise levels, remonitoring must be conducted to determine
whether additional employees need to be included in the hearing conservation program. Many
companies choose to remonitor periodically (once every year or two) to ensure that all exposed
employees are included in their hearing conservation programs.
WHERE CAN EQUIPMENT AND TECHNICAL ADVICE BE OBTAINED?

Noise monitoring equipment may be either purchased or rented. Sound level meters cost
about $500 to $1,000, while dosimeters range in price from about $750 to $1,500. Smaller
companies may find it more economical to rent equipment rather than to purchase it. Names of
equipment suppliers may be found in the telephone book (Yellow Pages) under headings such as:
“Safety Equipment,” “Industrial Hygiene,” or “Engineers-Acoustical.” In addition to providing
information on obtaining noise monitoring equipment, many companies and individuals included
under such listings can provide professional advice on how to conduct a valid noise monitoring
program. Some audiological testing firms and industrial hygiene firms also provide noise
monitoring services. Universities with audiology, industrial hygiene, or acoustical engineering
departments may also provide information or may be able to help employers meet their
obligations under this amendment.
Free, on-site assistance may be obtained from OSHA-supported state and private
consultation organizations. These safety and health consultative entities generally give priority to
the needs of small businesses.
APPENDIX H TO §1910.95—AVAILABILITY OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
Paragraphs (c) through (o) of 29 CFR 1910.95 and the accompanying appendices contain
provisions which incorporate publications by reference. Generally, the publications provide
criteria for instruments to be used in monitoring and audiometric testing. These criteria are
intended to be mandatory when so indicated in the applicable paragraphs of §1910.95 and
appendices.
It should be noted that OSHA does not require that employers purchase a copy of the
referenced publications. Employers, however, may desire to obtain a copy of the referenced
publications for their own information.
The designation of the paragraph of the standard in which the referenced publications
appear, the titles of the publications, and the availability of the publications are as follows:
Paragraph
designation

Referenced publication

Available from—

Appendix B

“List of Personal Hearing
National Technical Information Service, Port
Protectors and Attenuation
Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161.
Data,” HEW Pub. No. 76-120,
1975. NTIS-PB267461

Appendix D

“Specification for Sound Level American National Standards Institute, Inc.,
Meters,” S1.4-1971 (R1976)
1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018.

§1910.95(k)(2),
appendix E

“Specifications for
Audiometers,” S3.6-1969

Appendix D

“Specification for Octave, Half- Back Numbers Department, Dept. STD,
Octave and Third-Octave Band American Institute of Physics, 333 E. 45th
St., New York, NY 10017; American

American National Standards Institute, Inc.,
1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018.

Filter Sets,” S1.11-1971
(R1976)

National Standards Institute, Inc., 1430
Broadway, New York, NY 10018.

The referenced publications (or a microfiche of the publications) are available for review at
many universities and public libraries throughout the country. These publications may also be
examined at the OSHA Technical Data Center, Room N2439, United States Department of
Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210, (202) 219-7500 or at any OSHA
Regional Office (see telephone directories under United States Government—Labor
Department).
APPENDIX I TO §1910.95—DEFINITIONS
These definitions apply to the following terms as used in paragraphs (c) through (n) of 29
CFR 1910.95.
Action level—An 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels measured on the A-scale, slow
response, or equivalently, a dose of fifty percent.
Audiogram—A chart, graph, or table resulting from an audiometric test showing an individual's
hearing threshold levels as a function of frequency.
Audiologist—A professional, specializing in the study and rehabilitation of hearing, who is
certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or licensed by a state
board of examiners.
Baseline audiogram—The audiogram against which future audiograms are compared.
Criterion sound level—A sound level of 90 decibels.
Decibel (dB)—Unit of measurement of sound level.
Hertz (Hz)—Unit of measurement of frequency, numerically equal to cycles per second.
Medical pathology—A disorder or disease. For purposes of this regulation, a condition or disease
affecting the ear, which should be treated by a physician specialist.
Noise dose—The ratio, expressed as a percentage, of (1) the time integral, over a stated time or
event, of the 0.6 power of the measured SLOW exponential time-averaged, squared Aweighted sound pressure and (2) the product of the criterion duration (8 hours) and the 0.6
power of the squared sound pressure corresponding to the criterion sound level (90 dB).
Noise dosimeter—An instrument that integrates a function of sound pressure over a period of
time in such a manner that it directly indicates a noise dose.
Otolaryngologist—A physician specializing in diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ear,
nose and throat.

Representative exposure—Measurements of an employee's noise dose or 8-hour time-weighted
average sound level that the employers deem to be representative of the exposures of other
employees in the workplace.
Sound level—Ten times the common logarithm of the ratio of the square of the measured Aweighted sound pressure to the square of the standard reference pressure of 20
micropascals. Unit: decibels (dB). For use with this regulation, SLOW time response, in
accordance with ANSI S1.4-1971 (R1976), is required.
Sound level meter—An instrument for the measurement of sound level.
Time-weighted average sound level—That sound level, which if constant over an 8-hour
exposure, would result in the same noise dose as is measured.
[39 FR 23502, June 27, 1974, as amended at 46 FR 4161, Jan. 16, 1981; 46 FR 62845, Dec. 29,
1981; 48 FR 9776, Mar. 8, 1983; 48 FR 29687, June 28, 1983; 54 FR 24333, June 7, 1989; 61
FR 9236, Mar. 7, 1996; 71 FR 16672, Apr. 3, 2006; 73 FR 75584, Dec. 12, 2008]

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File Modified	2020-01-16
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