How many hours per day can you be exposed to a noise level of 95 dB?

How many hours per day can you be exposed to a noise level of 95 dB?

• A. 4 hours
• B. 8 hours
• C. 2 hours
• D. 1 hour

Answer: (A)

Noise exposure limits are set as a time-weighted average, using a baseline where 90 dB can be endured for 8 hours in one day. With each 5-dB increase in noise, the permissible exposure time halves. So at 95 dB, the allowed exposure is 8 hours divided by 2, which is 4 hours per day. If the noise were louder—say 100 dB—the limit would drop to 2 hours, and so on. This is why 4 hours is the correct daily exposure limit at 95 dB under the standard.

Noise exposure limits are set as a time-weighted average, using a baseline where 90 dB can be endured for 8 hours in one day. With each 5-dB increase in noise, the permissible exposure time halves. So at 95 dB, the allowed exposure is 8 hours divided by 2, which is 4 hours per day. If the noise were louder—say 100 dB—the limit would drop to 2 hours, and so on. This is why 4 hours is the correct daily exposure limit at 95 dB under the standard.