Rule 1.
(1) An
employer shall ensure that protection against the effects of noise exposure is
provided when the sound levels exceed those shown in Table D-2 of this rule
when measured on the A-scale of a standard sound level meter at slow response.
[1926.52(a)]
(2) An employer shall
utilize feasible administrative or engineering controls if employees are
subjected to sound levels exceeding those listed in Table D-2 of this rule. If
the controls fail to reduce sound levels within the levels of the table, then
an employer shall ensure that personal protective equipment is provided and
used to reduce sound levels within the levels of the table. [1926.52(b)]
(a) An employer shall ensure that ear
protective devices inserted in the ear are fitted or determined individually by
competent persons.[1926.101(b)]
(b)
An employer shall ensure that plain cotton is not used as a protective device.
[1926.101(c)]
(3) If the
variations in noise level involve maxima at intervals of 1 second or less, then
it is to be considered continuous. [1926.52(c)]
(4) An employer shall implement a continuous
and effective hearing conservation program if sound levels exceed the values
shown in Table D-2. [1926.52(d)(1)]
TABLE D-2--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 |
(a) If the
daily noise exposure is composed of 2 or more periods of noise exposure of
different levels, then an employer shall consider their combined effect rather
than the individual effect of each. An employer shall compute exposure to
different levels for various periods of time according to the formula set forth
in subdivision (b) of this subrule. [1926.52(d)(2)(i)]
(b)Fe =T1 + T2 + ... +Tn
L1 L2 Ln
where:
Fe = 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 Fe exceeds unity (1),
then the exposure exceeds permissible levels. [1926.52(d)(2)(ii)]
(c) A sample computation showing
an application of the formula in subdivision (b) of this subrule is as follows.
An employee is exposed at these levels for these periods:
110 dBA for 1/4 hour.
100 dBA for 1/2 hour.
90 dBA for 1 1/2 hours.
Fe =1/4 + 1/2 + 1 1/2 1/2 2 8
Fe =0.500 + 0.25 + 0.188
Fe =0.938 Since the value of Fe does not exceed unity,
the exposure is within permissible limits. [1926.52(d)(2)(iii)]
(5) An employer shall
ensure that exposure to impulsive or impact noise is not more than 140 dB peak
sound pressure level. [1926.52(e)]
(6) This rule rescinds and replaces
occupational health construction rule 6501(2)(a) to (c) and rule
6260.
