Noise Exposure

(1) You must have a noise monitoring program when an employee’s exposure equals or is more than an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 decibels (dB).
NOTE: Most large or older farm machines and tractors, especially those without cabs, have the potential to produce more than 85 decibels of noise. Audiologists often say that if you have to shout or significantly raise your voice to talk with somebody 2 feet away, the noise is probably at the action level of 85 decibels.
(2) Noise classified as impulse or impact noise cannot be more than 140 dB peak sound
pressure level.
NOTE: These noises are sudden and sharp and include such things as the firing of a weapon and sudden release of pressurized air.