Occupational noise exposure
For Occupational noise exposure, cfr section is 1910.95; action level is 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; surveillance trigger is 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; exam frequency is 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 time-weighted average of 85 decibels, verified against its source on 2026-09-17.
- Substance
- Occupational noise exposure
- CFR section
- 1910.95
- Action level
- 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 verified
- Surveillance trigger
- 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 verified
- Exam frequency
- 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 time-weighted average of 85 decibels verified
What the source says
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.
— law.cornell.edu, retrieved 2026-08-12
Where each value comes from
This source states these in separate places, so each value is shown with the passage that states it.
Action level and Surveillance trigger
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.
Exam frequency
(iv) The employer shall notify employees of the need to avoid high levels of non-occupational 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 time-weighted average of 85 decibels.
— all from law.cornell.edu, retrieved 2026-08-12
Source
- law.cornell.eduhttps://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/29/1910.95