title: Engineering measures can muffle hazards heard in noisy work areas.
abstract: The OSHA noise standard establishes only minimum levels of protection and exposure. Legally acceptable noise levels may result in a hearing loss among some employees. Noise hazards are best controlled through engineering methods such as enclosures, air exhaust mufflers and vibration damping. If engineering controls do not reduce noise to allowable levels, employee exposure must be controlled via a hearing conservation program that includes provisions for audiometric testing, protective equipment and employee training.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Rekus
mesh_terms: D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D004430:Ear Protective Devices; D004738:Engineering; D004867:Equipment Design; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D008452:Maximum Allowable Concentration; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States; D014489:United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration