Noise legal requirements

The focus of todays R D projects in the automotive industry lies in the improvement of lightweight design, product quality impression, comfort and life cycle cost as well as noise emission, pollution and safety, whereas the latter are especially driven by legal requirements. 

OSHAhas estimated a safe maximum noise level of 85 dB. The time-weighted average (TWA) is an exposure for an 8-h to a noise level not exceeding 90 dB. If this level exceeds 85 dB, OSHA requires the employer to institute a hearing conservation program (HCP). Therefore, if a company wants to avoid loss claims under worker compensation laws, it must not only meet the prescribed legal standards, but also attempt to reduce noise to the lowest possible level (< 80 dB). 

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