Which regulation addresses occupational noise exposure in the workplace?

• A. AFI 48-127
• B. 29 CFR 1910.95
• C. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120
• D. DoD Instruction 6055.4

Answer: (B)

The regulation that directly governs how noise in the workplace is managed is the OSHA noise standard. It sets the exposure limits and requires a hearing conservation program for workers exposed at or above certain levels. Specifically, it defines an action level at 85 dBA over an 8-hour shift, which triggers a hearing conservation program (monitoring, training, and use of hearing protection), and a permissible exposure limit at 90 dBA over 8 hours. The standard also guides when engineering controls and audiometric testing are needed, along with recordkeeping.

The other options don’t address occupational noise in the same authoritative way: one relates to hazardous waste operations, another to overall DoD safety policy, and the Air Force or DoD instructions cover broader safety requirements rather than the specific noise exposure standard.