Noise Monitoring Program
Monitoring procedures, action level triggers, audiometric testing schedule.
What this document is
This document is a written Noise Monitoring Program based on federal OSHA rules. It outlines procedures for measuring workplace noise levels, determining when hearing conservation programs must begin, and scheduling audiometric testing for affected employees.
The regulation that requires it
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard 29 CFR 1910.95 sets requirements to protect workers from occupational noise exposure. The rule states that when employees are exposed to noise at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, employers must implement a hearing conservation program. This includes noise monitoring, employee notification, audiometric testing, hearing protectors, training, and recordkeeping. California contractors must also comply with the equivalent Title 8 CCR 5095-5100 requirements enforced by Cal/OSHA.
Who needs it
General contractors, subcontractors, and trades that operate powered equipment, heavy machinery, or work in high-noise environments need this program. Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, welders, and concrete crews commonly exceed the action level on job sites. All California employers must follow Title 8 CCR when Cal/OSHA adopts or references the federal 29 CFR 1910.95 standard.
What happens without it
OSHA and Cal/OSHA can issue citations during inspections when employers lack required noise monitoring or hearing conservation programs. Serious violations typically carry penalties in the range of several thousand dollars, while willful or repeated violations can reach significantly higher amounts under the current OSHA penalty schedule. Multi-employer work sites increase the chance of citations because controlling and exposing employers may both be held responsible. The absence of documentation also raises the risk of employee complaints and follow-up inspections.
What's included in the generated document
- Scope and purpose statement
- Definitions of key terms including action level and permissible exposure limit
- Noise monitoring procedures and equipment requirements
- Schedule for audiometric testing and employee notification
- Recordkeeping and program review requirements
How to implement it at your company
- Talk to Guy first. Describe your operation, trade, and location — Guy draws from 300,000+ verified OSHA and state regulatory citations to build a compliance plan specific to your company. Your answers shape every section of the document you receive. Takes about 10 minutes.
- Download the completed PDF and review all sections against your current job site activities.
- Assign a competent person to conduct or oversee noise monitoring with calibrated equipment.
- Identify employees who must receive baseline and annual audiometric testing.
- Update your safety manual and train supervisors on the monitoring and notification procedures.
- Keep monitoring records and test results for the required retention period.