Ammunition manufacturing and defense contractor operations generate occupational noise from ballistic test firing, metal forming, loading operations, and general manufacturing that requires OSHA 1910.95 hearing conservation programs at most facilities. Ballistic testing generates extreme impulse noise. According to CDC/NIOSH, 22 million U.S. workers face hazardous occupational noise annually.
Soundtrace delivers in-house audiometric testing and noise monitoring for ammunition & defense operations — ANSI S3.1-compliant with licensed audiologist review.
Noise Sources and TWA Ranges
| Equipment / Process | Typical Level | Typical 8-hr TWA | OSHA Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballistic test firing (indoor range) | 140–165 dB peak | Extreme impulse | OSHA 140 dB peak limit applies; hearing protection mandatory |
| Metal stamping / case forming | 95–115 dBA | 92–105 dBA | Significantly exceeds PEL |
| Bullet casting / swaging | 85–100 dBA | 85–96 dBA | At or above action level |
| Primer / powder loading | 80–92 dBA | 82–90 dBA | Monitor before assuming below AL |
| CNC machining (components) | 85–100 dBA | 85–95 dBA | At or above action level |
| Final assembly and packaging | 80–90 dBA | 80–88 dBA | Monitor by station |
| Administrative / engineering | 60–75 dBA | <75 dBA | Below action level |
OSHA 1910.95 Requirements
All ammunition & defense workers at or above the 85 dBA action level must be enrolled in the full six-element OSHA 1910.95 hearing conservation program. Workers above the 90 dBA PEL require documented engineering controls assessment. See: audiometric testing for employers: complete guide.
Ballistic testing and impulse noise
Test firing operations generate impulse noise far exceeding OSHA's 140 dB peak limit for instantaneous exposure. Workers in or adjacent to test ranges require hearing protection with confirmed attenuation for impulse noise characteristics, not just continuous noise levels. NIOSH recommends impulse noise be assessed using different metrics than continuous noise TWA. The employer's HCP must specifically address impulse noise sources with appropriate HPD and exclusion protocols.
DoD contractor requirements
Defense contractors may face both OSHA 1910.95 requirements and DoD-specific hearing conservation requirements under DoDI 6055.12 for operations on military installations or under contracts with specific safety requirements. Where both apply, the more protective standard governs. See: DoDI 6055.12 vs OSHA 1910.95 comparison.
Workers’ Compensation Defense
Occupational hearing loss WC claims require complete audiometric records from hire to claim date. A pre-employment baseline audiogram is the most critical document. See: workers’ compensation for occupational hearing loss.
In-house audiometric testing for ammunition & defense operations
Soundtrace delivers OSHA-compliant audiometric testing and noise monitoring — automated STS detection, 30-year cloud retention, and licensed audiologist supervision.
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