Hearing Protection
OSHA 1910.25
Requires that employers implement a Hearing Conservation Program if they have work areas with noise leverls at or above 85 dBA (at an 8-hour Time Weighted Average). Employees exposed to those levels must undergo annual audiograms, have access to hearing protection when noise reaches 85 dBA and must wear hearing protection at 90 dBA
Examples:
- 130 dBA: Jackhammer
- 125 dBA: Oxygen Torch
- 118 dBA: Chainsaw
- 114 dBA: Diesel Truck Accelerating
- 120 dBA: On stage at a rock concert.
- 90 dBA: 7 meters from large diesel truck.
- 85 dBA: Upper limit of comfort.