TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT OF UPPER NOISE LIMITS IN THE WORKPLACE Reprinted with permission from Noise /News International 2(4) 227-237 (1994). This document is a draft circulated for approval and comment; it is subject to revision.

It is becoming widely recognized that the economic and social costs of high noise levels in the workplace require significant action to reduce the noise exposure of workers. Such costs include not only the financial compensation or damages that must be paid, and the reduced enjoyment of everyday life for those with a hearing loss, but also less quantifiable factors such as reduced productivity, increased stress and risk of accidents for a much larger number of workers. This technical assessment is presented in the form of a report which briefly reviews the extensive scientific and epidemiological evidence relating noise exposure to risk of hearing damage, and discusses the factors that are relevant to legislation. The basic features of existing legislation from many jurisdictions are tabulated. The report makes specific recommendations for legislation in the areas of 8-hour daily noise exposure level, acceptable level changes for longer or shorter daily exposure periods, limitation of peak sound levels for short-duration (impulsive) noises, audiometric testing on schedules that depend on exposure level, sound absorption treatment in working areas, and the inclusion of noise performance in purchase specifications for new production machinery.