Criteria for the evaluation of noise exposure: Noise exposure is described in either of these 2 ways:
- An 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) sound level
OR
- A noise dose (in percent at the 8-hour allowable exposure)
Action level: Participation in UCSD's Hearing Conservation Program is required when employee exposure to occupational noise is expected to equal or exceed:
- 85 dB(A) averaged out over an 8-hour workday
OR, equivalently,
- A dose of 50% or greater
Exposure limits: Maintain employee exposure to occupational noise within the limits given in the table below. Contact the Hearing Conservation Program coordinator, (858) 534-1075, for assistance in monitoring and assessing workplace noise.
| Cal/OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits for Occupational Noise |
| Sound Pressure Level
(dB(A)) |
Duration Time (hours) |
| 80 | 32 |
| 81 |
27.9 |
| 82 |
24.3 |
| 83 |
21.1 |
| 84 |
18.4 |
| 85 |
16.0 |
| 86 |
13.9 |
| 87 |
12.1 |
| 88 |
10.6 |
| 89 |
9.2 |
| 90 |
8.0 |
| 91 |
7.0 |
| 92 |
6.2 |
| 93 |
5.3 |
| 94 |
4.3 |
| 95 |
4.0 |
| 96 |
3.5 |
| 97 |
3.0 |
| 98 |
2.6 |
| 99 |
2.3 |
| 100 |
2.0 |
| 101 |
1.7 |
| 102 |
1.5 |
| 103 |
1.4 |
| 104 |
1.3 |
| 105 |
1.0 |
| 106 |
0.87 |
| 107 |
0.76 |
| 108 |
0.66 |
| 109 |
0.57 |
| 110 |
0.5 |
| 111 |
0.44 |
| 112 |
0.38 |
| 113 |
0.33 |
| 114 |
0.29 |
| 115 |
0.25 |
| 116 |
0.22 |
| 117 |
0.19 |
| 118 |
0.16 |
| 119 |
0.14 |
| 120 |
0.125 |
| 121 |
0.11 |
| 122 |
0.095 |
| 123 |
0.082 |
| 124 |
0.072 |
| 125 |
0.063 |
| 126 |
0.054 |
| 127 |
0.047 |
| 128 |
0.041 |
| 129 |
0.036 |
| 130 |
0.031 |
If you're a UC San Diego employee and have questions, contact the Hearing Conservation Program coordinator, (858) 534-1075.
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