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?
Related Manufacturing Checklists
- Manufacturing Quality Control Inspection
- Shift Start Production Readiness Checklist
- End of Shift Shutdown & Handover Checklist - FREE PDF
- In-Process Quality Check Checklist
- Daily Preventive Maintenance Walkthrough
- Packaging Line Compliance Checklist