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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/osha-noise-action-level

At what 8-hour average noise level must a hearing conservation program start?

85 dBA requires a hearing conservation program.

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  1. 90 dBA
  2. 85 dBA ✔
  3. 95 dBA

Why: At an 8-hour average of 85 dBA, employers must run a hearing conservation program with monitoring, hearing tests and training. The permissible limit is higher, at 90 dBA.

Huh, didn't know that: An 8-hour average of 85 dBA equals a noise dose of 50 percent.

The dad joke
Why did the earplug go to the party? To reduce the noise level.
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References

Answer: 85 dBA. At an 8-hour average of 85 dBA, employers must run a hearing conservation program with monitoring, hearing tests and training. The permissible limit is higher, at 90 dBA.

  1. 29 CFR 1910.95 Occupational noise exposure www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1910/subpart-G/section-1910.95
    whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level (TWA) of 85 decibels
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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