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OSHA 1926.52 — Occupational Noise Exposure

Updated Mar 25, 2026
Noise exposure limits: 90 dBA TWA for 8 hours. Engineering controls, hearing conservation program, audiometric testing.

1926.52: Occupational noise exposure. PEL: 90 dBA TWA (8-hr). Halving rate: 5 dB (every 5 dB increase halves allowed time). 95 dBA = 4 hrs, 100 dBA = 2 hrs, 105 dBA = 1 hr, 110 dBA = 0.5 hr, 115 dBA = 0.25 hr. Construction noise levels: jackhammer 100-110 dBA, concrete saw 100-110, pile driver 95-105, circular saw 90-100, backhoe 80-95, hammer drill 95-105. Engineering controls preferred: enclose equipment, distance, barriers, mufflers. When engineering controls insufficient: hearing protection required. Hearing conservation program at 85 dBA (action level per 1910.95 applied to construction). Includes: noise monitoring, audiometric testing (baseline + annual), hearing protector selection (NRR minus 7, divide by 2 for estimated attenuation). Types: foam plugs (NRR 29-33), earmuffs (NRR 22-30), canal caps (NRR 17-24).

TAGS
OSHAnoisehearingdBAsafety
DETAILS
pel
90 dBA TWA
regulation
29 CFR 1926.52
action level
85 dBA
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