If you’re a business owner, you should be aware of OSHA permissible noise exposure limits, or OSHA PEL. OSHA PEL are the limits set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on the amount of noise that people can be exposed to in their work environment, and for how long. These limits are set to protect worker health and safety, and to ensure that workers are not exposed to excessive noise levels that could cause permanent damage to hearing.
It’s important to understand the limits set by OSHA PEL so that you can ensure that your workplace is compliant with these regulations. In this article, we’ll discuss what OSHA PEL are, how they are determined, and how you can make sure your workplace is in compliance.
What is OSHA PEL?
OSHA PEL stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible noise exposure limits. These limits are designed to protect workers from excessive noise levels that could cause hearing loss. The limits are set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). They are based on the length of time a person is exposed to a particular noise level.
OSHA PEL are generally expressed as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) sound level. This means that workers can be exposed to a certain sound level for up to 8 hours per day without exceeding the OSHA PEL. The 8-hour time-weighted average is calculated by taking the average noise level over the course of an 8-hour workday.
How is OSHA PEL Determined?
OSHA PEL are determined by NIOSH and are based on the amount of sound energy (measured in decibels) that a person can safely be exposed to for a certain amount of time. The lower the decibel level, the less sound energy a person can safely be exposed to.
The OSHA PEL are also based on the type of noise and the amount of time a person is exposed to that noise. For example, a person can be exposed to a sound level of 90 dB for 8 hours without exceeding the OSHA PEL, while a person can only be exposed to a sound level of 85 dB for up to 4 hours.
What is the OSHA Permissible Noise Exposure Limits Chart?
The OSHA Permissible Noise Exposure Limits Chart is a chart that lists the maximum permissible noise levels for different types of noise and the amount of time a person can be exposed to that noise without exceeding the OSHA PEL. The chart also includes information on the types of hearing protection that must be worn in areas where the noise levels exceed the OSHA PEL.
The chart is divided into two categories: the Permissible Noise Exposure Limit (PEL) and the Action Level (AL). The PEL is the maximum noise level that a person can be exposed to without exceeding the OSHA PEL, while the AL is the minimum noise level that requires the use of hearing protection.
How to Use the OSHA Permissible Noise Exposure Limits Chart
To use the OSHA Permissible Noise Exposure Limits Chart, first identify the type of noise you are dealing with. The chart is divided into two categories: continuous noise and impulse noise. Once you have identified the type of noise, you can locate the noise level on the chart and determine how long a person can be exposed to that noise without exceeding the OSHA PEL.
The chart also includes information on the types of hearing protection that must be worn in areas where the noise levels exceed the OSHA PEL. Depending on the noise level, the type of hearing protection required may range from disposable ear plugs to custom-fit ear muffs.
Conclusion
OSHA PEL are set to protect worker health and safety, and to ensure that workers are not exposed to excessive noise levels that could cause permanent damage to hearing. The OSHA Permissible Noise Exposure Limits Chart is a useful tool to help you determine the maximum permissible noise levels for different types of noise, and the type of hearing protection that must be worn. By understanding the limits set by OSHA PEL and using the OSHA Permissible Noise Exposure Limits Chart, you can ensure that your workplace is compliant with these regulations and that your employees are not exposed to excessive noise levels.