OSHA

• Read OSHA's general industry noise standard, an enforceable series of steps employers must follow to prevent employee hearing loss, at OSHA.gov. The standard describes when feasible administrative or engineering controls must be utilized and specifies the steps required if employee noise exposure levels meet or exceed the action level.
  
  

ACGIH

• Because ACGIH is a member-based organization, access to its threshold limit values (TLV) for noise exposure requires purchase of a copyrighted ACGIH publication. TLVs are guidelines developed by a committee of professionals based on the most current research. ACGIH aims to assist industrial hygienists as they evaluate workplace safety in their profession.
  
  

Considerations

• Compare and contrast the noise exposure levels and research justifying these levels, measurement protocols and mitigation steps advocated by each organization. Keep in mind that ACGIH updates its guidelines annually and without regard to economic or technical feasibility.