Noise Engineering Controls

If the noise survey results are more than in Table 1 below, use administrative or engineering controls to reduce the noise, if feasible. If not feasible or if the engineering or administrative controls fail to reduce the noise to levels within Table 1 limits, provide appropriate training and enforce the use of hearing protection to reduce the noise to levels within the Table
(a) You must provide all hearing protection equipment and devices without cost to the employee. Employees may voluntarily elect to use their own equipment but the employer is responsible to assure that it provides adequate protection.
(b) All hearing protection equipment and devices must be kept serviceable and clean according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or accepted audiological practices.
Table
Permissible Noise Exposures
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