1926.52 - Occupational Noise Exposure
(a) Protection against the effects of noise exposure shall
be provided when the sound levels exceed those shown in Table
D-2 of this section when measured on the A-scale of a standard
sound level meter at slow response.
(b) When employees are subjected to sound levels exceeding
those listed in Table D-2 of this section, feasible administrative
or engineering controls shall be utilized. If such controls
fail to reduce sound levels within the levels of the table,
personal protective equipment as required in Subpart E, shall
be provided and used to reduce sound levels within the levels
of the table.
(c) If the variations in noise level involve maxima at intervals
of 1 second or less, it is to be considered continuous.
(d)(1) In all cases where the sound levels exceed the values
shown herein, a continuing, effective hearing conservation
program shall be administered.
| Table D-2 - Permissible
Noise Exposure |
| Duration per day, hours |
Sound level, dBA slow
response |
| 8 |
90 |
| 6 |
92 |
| 4 |
95 |
| 3 |
97 |
| 2 |
100 |
| 1 1/2 |
102 |
| 1 |
105 |
| 1/2 |
110 |
| 1/4 or less |
115 |
(2)(i) When the daily noise exposure is composed of two or
more periods of noise exposure of different levels, their
combined effect should be considered, rather than the individual
effect of each. Exposure to different levels for various periods
of time shall be computed according to the formula set forth
in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section.
(ii) F(e)=(T(1)/ L(1))+(T(2)/ L(2))+ ... + (T(n)/(n))
where:
F(e) = The equivalent noise exposure factor.
T = The period of noise exposure at any essentially constant
level.
L = The duration of the permissible noise exposure at
the constant level (from Table D-2).
If the value of F(e) exceeds unity (1) the exposure exceeds
permissible levels.
(iii) A sample computation showing an application of the
formula in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section is as follows.
An employee is exposed at these levels for these periods:
110 dBA: 0.25 hour.
100 dBA: 0.5 hour.
090 dBA: 1.5 hours.
- F(e)=(0.25/0.5)+(0.5/2)+(1.5/8)
-
- F(e)=0.500+0.25+0.188
-
- F(e)=0.938
-
Since the value of F(e) does not exceed unity, the exposure
is within permissible limits.
e. Exposure to impulsive or impact noise should not exceed
140 dB peak sound pressure level.
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1926.101 - Hearing Protection
(a) Wherever it is not feasible to reduce the noise levels
or duration of exposure to those specified in Table D-2, Permissible
Noise Exposures, in 1926.52, ear protective devices shall
be provided and used.
(b) Ear protective devices inserted in the ear shall be fitted
or determined individually by competent persons.
(c) Plain cotton is not an acceptable protective device.
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1926.21 - Safety Training and Education
(a) General Requirements.
The Secretary shall, pursuant to section 107(f) of the Act,
establish and supervise programs for the education and training
of employers and employees in the recognition, avoidance and
prevention of unsafe conditions in employments covered by
the act.
(b) Employer Responsibility
(1) The employer shall avail himself of the safety and
health training programs the Secretary provides.
(2) The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition
and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable
to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards
or other exposure to illness or injury.
(3) Employees required to handle or use poisons, caustics,
and other harmful substances shall be instructed regarding
the safe handling and use, and be made aware of the potential
hazards, personal hygiene, and personal protective measures
required.
(4) In job site areas where harmful plants or animals are
present, employees who may be exposed shall be instructed
regarding the potential hazards, and how to avoid injury,
and the first aid procedures to be used in the event of
injury.
(5) Employees required to handle or use flammable liquids,
gases, or toxic materials shall be instructed in the safe
handling and use of these materials and made aware of the
specific requirements contained in Subparts D, F, and other
applicable subparts of this part.
(6) (i) All employees required to enter into confined or
enclosed spaces shall be instructed as to the nature of
the hazards involved, the necessary precautions to be taken,
and in the use of protective and emergency equipment required.
The employer shall comply with any specific regulations
that apply to work in dangerous or potentially dangerous
areas.
(ii) For purposes of paragraph (b)(6)(i) of this section,
"confined or enclosed space" means any space having
a limited means of egress, which is subject to the accumulation
of toxic or flammable contaminants or has an oxygen deficient
atmosphere. Confined or enclosed spaces include, but
are not limited to, storage tanks, process vessels, bins,
boilers, ventilation or exhaust ducts, sewers, underground
utility vaults, tunnels, pipelines, and open top spaces
more than 4 feet in depth such as pits, tubs, vaults, and
vessels.
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