In shops, exposure levels of noise should be assessed and monitored. Arrangements can be made with the Department of Risk Management & Safety to do an initial assessment, an annual survey, and a repeat assessment whenever new equipment that generates noise is installed or added to a shop area. 

The Levels of Noise table below serves as a quick guide to permissible noise exposure levels. This helpful chart shows exposure levels of common equipment and activities. The OSHA table for permissible noise exposures is also shown below.  Protection against the effects of noise exposures must be provided when the sound levels exceed the levels shown in the chart.

OSHA TABLE G-16 - PERMISSIBLE NOISE EXPOSURES (1)

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Duration per day, hours | Sound level dBA slow response

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8...........................| 90

6...........................| 92

4...........................| 95

3...........................| 97

2...........................| 100

1 1/2 ......................| 102

1...........................| 105

1/2 ........................| 110

1/4 or less................| 115

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