What is the OSHA noise exposure limit for an 8-hour workday?

The OSHA noise exposure limit for an 8-hour workday is set at 90 dBA. This threshold is established to protect workers from hearing loss and other adverse health effects that can result from prolonged exposure to high noise levels. The limit reflects a balance between allowing a reasonable level of noise in the workplace while ensuring that employees are not subjected to harmful conditions.

OSHA utilizes a 90 dBA limit based on the understanding that sustained exposure to noise levels above this limit can lead to permanent hearing damage. Additionally, OSHA has implemented a 5 dB exchange rate, which means that for every increase of 5 dBA in noise level, the permissible exposure time is halved. Hence, if a worker is exposed to noise levels of 95 dBA, they would need to limit their exposure to just 4 hours in comparison to 8 hours at 90 dBA to maintain safe working conditions.

Understanding this limit is crucial for employers in designing workplace strategies that promote hearing conservation, including engineering controls, administrative measures, and the availability of personal protective equipment.