The information collection requirements specified in the Noise Standard protect employees from suffering material hearing impairment. The information collection requirements of the Noise Standard include:
- Conducting noise monitoring;
- Notifying employees when they are exposed at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels;
- Providing employees with initial and annual audiograms;
- Notifying employees of a loss in hearing based on comparing audiograms;
- Training employees on the effects of noise, hearing protectors, and audiometric examinations;
- Maintaining records of workplace noise exposure and employee audiograms; and
- Allowing employees, OSHA, and NIOSH access to materials and records required by the Standard