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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/osha-noise-permissible-limit

What is the OSHA permissible exposure limit for noise?

90 dBA for an 8 hour shift.

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  1. 85 dBA
  2. 100 dBA
  3. 90 dBA ✔

Why: OSHA's permissible exposure limit is 90 dBA averaged over 8 hours. Louder noise is allowed for less time. Employers must try engineering or administrative controls before relying on hearing protectors.

Huh, didn't know that: Every 5 dBA louder halves the allowed time, so 95 dBA is allowed for 4 hours.

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Why do noise meters make good judges? They call it like they hear it.
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References

Answer: 90 dBA. OSHA's permissible exposure limit is 90 dBA averaged over 8 hours. Louder noise is allowed for less time. Employers must try engineering or administrative controls before relying on hearing protectors.

  1. 29 CFR 1910.95 Occupational noise exposure, Table G-16 www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1910/subpart-G/section-1910.95
    Duration per day, hours Sound level dBA slow response 8 90 6 92 4 95
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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