Engineering & Administrative Controls

If such controls fail to reduce sound levels to those set in Table G-16, then Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be provided and used to reduce the sound levels to within the table's levels.

Engineering controls are those that use technological and engineering solutions to reduce or remove a hazard from the workplace.

Administrative controls involve using programs, policies, and procedures to remove or reduce employee exposure to hazards.

For controlling hazardous noise, engineering solutions include using quieter machinery/equipment, installing mufflers, locating noisy machinery/equipment in less-trafficked areas or enclosures, using sound baffling and barriers (acoustic dampening devices), and other similar solutions.

Administrative controls for controlling employee exposure to hazardous noise include training, documentation, medical testing, recordkeeping, and exposure limits (limited shifts or rotating employees to less noisy areas).

To learn more about Hearing Protection visit our Hearing Protection Online Training web page.