QEHSHealth
Noise Exposure / Hearing Conservation
Occupational noise management to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 requires a Hearing Conservation Programme when noise exposure reaches 85 dBA TWA (Action Level). Components: noise monitoring, audiometric testing, hearing protector provision, training, and recordkeeping. Engineering controls (enclosures, vibration damping) are preferred over PPE. NIOSH recommends 85 dBA as the REL; OSHA's PEL is 90 dBA.