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A workplace noise survey is a systematic process of measuring noise levels across a facility to identify which areas and job classifications exceed OSHA's action level and PEL. Under 29 CFR 1910.95(d), employers must conduct noise monitoring whenever exposures may equal or exceed 85 dBA TWA. This step-by-step guide walks through how to plan, execute, document, and follow up on a compliant noise survey—from initial walkthrough to worker notification.
Soundtrace links facility noise survey data directly to individual employee records, automatically flagging which workers require audiometric testing enrollment and hearing protection.
Before entering the facility, collect the following:
Obtain or sketch a floor plan of all work areas. Divide into monitoring zones based on production function, equipment type, and worker proximity to noise sources.
Review published noise emission data for all major equipment to prioritize monitoring zones and identify likely high-noise sources before measurements begin.
Monitor during a representative full production shift, not during startup, shutdown, or maintenance periods unless those are part of the typical work day.
List all job classifications present in potentially noisy areas. Results apply to all workers in a represented classification, not just those individually monitored.
Walk the facility with a sound level meter using A-weighting and slow response. Record readings in each zone at ear height (approximately 1.5 meters) in the breathing zone where workers are positioned during normal operations.
If equipment cycles on and off during the walkthrough, instantaneous SLM readings may understate true exposure. Use an integrating sound level meter or follow up with dosimetry for workers in areas with cyclic high-noise equipment. A single-point reading during a quiet cycle is not representative of shift-long exposure.
For all job classifications where the SLM walkthrough found levels at or above 80 dBA, conduct full-shift dosimetry on a representative sample of workers.
If that worker's dose is below the action level, it is reasonable to conclude the entire classification is below the action level.
Mount microphone at the collar on the dominant-noise side. Brief the worker: do not cover or remove the microphone, and perform normal full-shift tasks.
Do not remove the dosimeter during breaks unless the worker is in a clearly noise-free environment. Noisy break rooms contribute to the dose.
Run post-shift calibration check. If deviation exceeds 0.5 dB, discard the data. Record TWA, dose %, LAVG, peak readings, instrument serial number, calibration values, and worker info.
| Result | OSHA Interpretation | Required Action |
|---|---|---|
| TWA below 80 dBA | Not subject to 1910.95 HCP requirements | Document; no enrollment required |
| TWA 80–84 dBA | Below action level; 2-year record retention required | Document and retain records |
| TWA 85–89 dBA | At or above action level | Enroll in HCP: audiometry, HPD, training, annual testing |
| TWA 90+ dBA | At or above PEL | HCP enrollment + engineering/administrative controls |
Under 1910.95(e), every worker who was monitored must be notified of their results. Workers at or above the action level must be enrolled in the hearing conservation program: audiometric testing within 6 months of exposure, provision of HPDs, and annual training.
If a representative sample in a job classification is found at or above the action level, all workers in that classification must be enrolled—not just those individually monitored. This is one of the most commonly overlooked enrollment obligations.
A compliant noise survey record must include: date of survey; name and qualifications of surveyor; instruments used with serial numbers and calibration data; specific work areas and job classifications monitored; TWA result for each worker or zone; and corrective actions taken. Retain noise exposure records for at least 2 years per 1910.95(m)(3).
Under 1910.95(d)(3), re-monitoring is required whenever a change in production, process, equipment, or controls may have increased noise exposure. This includes adding new equipment, increasing production speed, removing noise barriers, or changing job task assignments.
Soundtrace connects noise exposure data to employee audiometric records and HPD programs, so a positive survey result immediately triggers the right compliance actions.
Book a DemoGet a quote for your facility →A compliant noise survey includes: a preliminary area walkthrough with a sound level meter; full-shift personal dosimetry for representative workers in at-risk job classifications; analysis against the 85 dBA action level and 90 dBA PEL; notification of all monitored workers; enrollment of at-risk classifications in the HCP; and documentation retained for at least 2 years.
OSHA allows monitoring a representative sample in each job classification rather than every individual. The representative workers must be the highest-exposed workers in the classification. If they are at or above the action level, all workers in the classification must be enrolled in the HCP.
Under 1910.95(d)(3), re-monitoring is required whenever a change in production, process, equipment, or controls may have increased noise exposure. OSHA specifies no fixed interval, but best practice is to re-survey every 2 to 3 years and immediately after any significant change.