Noise Exposure Calculator, US OSHA Standard
Free workplace noise exposure calculator. Enter noise levels in dB(A) and exposure durations to calculate your daily personal noise exposure (LEP,d), percentage of daily dose, and compare against OSHA PEL (90 dB), UK HSE (85 dB), and EU Directive 2003/10/EC (80/85 dB) limits.
Calculate your daily noise dose against OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 90 dB(A) as an 8-hour time-weighted average. OSHA uses a 5 dB exchange rate and requires a Hearing Conservation Program when the action level of 85 dB(A) TWA is reached.
OSHA uses a 5 dB exchange rate, which is less protective than the UK/EU 3 dB rule. The same 8-hour exposure at 90 dB OSHA = 100% dose; but under HSE rules, 90 dB for 8 hours would be over twice the daily exposure limit (LEP,d = 90 dB > 87 dB ELV).
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Frequently Asked Questions, Noise Exposure Calculator in US OSHA Standard
What is OSHA's permissible noise exposure limit?↓
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 sets the PEL at 90 dB(A) as an 8-hour TWA (100% noise dose). The action level is 85 dB(A) (50% dose). At or above the action level, employers must implement a Hearing Conservation Program: audiometric testing, provision of hearing protection devices, employee training, and recordkeeping.
What does a Hearing Conservation Program require?↓
OSHA's Hearing Conservation Program (required at 85 dB(A) TWA) includes: annual audiometric testing for all exposed workers; provision and fitting of hearing protection devices (HPDs); annual training on noise hazards and HPD use; and maintenance of records for the duration of employment plus 30 years. The program must be administered by a qualified audiologist, physician, or technician.
What is the OSHA 5 dB exchange rate?↓
OSHA uses a 5 dB time-intensity trade-off: each 5 dB increase in noise level halves the permissible exposure time. So 90 dB = 8 hours, 95 dB = 4 hours, 100 dB = 2 hours. This is less protective than the 3 dB equal energy rule used in the UK and EU. NIOSH recommends a 3 dB exchange rate as a more health-protective standard.
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