Occupational Noise Exposure Assessment Checklist

Complete this noise exposure assessment to evaluate hearing conservation program compliance. Occupational hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses, affecting 22 million US workers annually.

  • Industry: Manufacturing
  • Frequency: Annually / When conditions change
  • Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Role: Safety Manager / Industrial Hygienist
  • Total Items: 40
  • Compliance: OSHA 1910.95, NIOSH REL, UK Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, EU 2003/10/EC

Noise Monitoring & Exposure Assessment

Evaluate noise levels and exposure monitoring.

  • Noise monitoring conducted in area?
  • Monitoring data current (within 2 years or after changes)?
  • Any employees exposed at or above 85 dBA TWA (Action Level)?
  • Any employees exposed at or above 90 dBA TWA (PEL)?
  • Personal dosimetry used for mobile workers?
  • Sound level meter/dosimeter calibration current?
  • Employees notified of monitoring results?

Hearing Conservation Program

Written program requirements per OSHA 1910.95.

  • Written hearing conservation program in place?
  • All exposed employees (≥85 dBA) included in program?
  • Program includes all required elements?
  • Program reviewed and updated as needed?

Audiometric Testing

Hearing test requirements.

  • Baseline audiograms established for all exposed?
  • Annual audiograms conducted?
  • 14-hour quiet period before baseline (or HPDs worn)?
  • Audiograms reviewed by audiologist or physician?
  • Standard Threshold Shifts (STS) identified and managed?
  • Employees notified of STS within 21 days?
  • Recordable hearing loss cases logged on OSHA 300?

Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs)

Hearing protector availability and use.

  • HPDs available to all exposed employees at no cost?
  • Variety of HPDs offered (plugs, muffs)?
  • HPD use mandatory above 90 dBA TWA?
  • HPD use mandatory after STS?
  • HPD NRR adequate for noise levels (derated)?
  • Employees trained on proper fit and use?
  • HPD fit testing conducted (if using fit-test system)?
  • HPDs replaced as needed?

Training Requirements

Annual training for exposed employees.

  • Annual training provided to all exposed employees?
  • Training covers effects of noise on hearing?
  • Training covers purpose and use of HPDs?
  • Training covers purpose of audiometric testing?
  • Training attendance documented?

Engineering & Administrative Controls

Noise reduction measures beyond HPDs.

  • Engineering controls feasibility assessed?
  • Engineering controls implemented where feasible?
  • Noise enclosures or barriers in place?
  • Equipment maintained to reduce noise?
  • Administrative controls (job rotation) used?
  • Quiet areas/break rooms available?

Recordkeeping

Required records and retention.

  • Noise monitoring records maintained 2 years?
  • Audiometric records maintained for employment + 30 years?
  • Records accessible to employees upon request?

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Why Use This Occupational Noise Exposure Assessment Checklist?

This occupational noise exposure assessment checklist helps manufacturing teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for safety manager / industrial hygienist professionals, this checklist covers 40 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: annually / when conditions change.

Ensures compliance with OSHA 1910.95, NIOSH REL, UK Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, EU 2003/10/EC. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Occupational Noise Exposure Assessment Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 40 inspection items across 7 sections: Noise Monitoring & Exposure Assessment, Hearing Conservation Program, Audiometric Testing, Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs), Training Requirements, Engineering & Administrative Controls, Recordkeeping. It is designed for manufacturing operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed annually / when conditions change. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Who should use this Occupational Noise Exposure Assessment Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Safety Manager / Industrial Hygienist professionals in the manufacturing industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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