OSHA Noise Exposure Measurements

A discussion is presented on the origins of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910.95 General Industry noise exposure standard and the 29 CFR 1926.52 and 1926.101 Construction Industry noise exposure and hearing protection standards. Differences among the regulations and implications of the 1983 Hearing Conservation Amendment to the General Industry standard are explained. Clarification is made of the OSHA mandate to measure and assess employee exposure to noise versus environmental or area noise due to specific sources.