Reference no: EM132759058

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for the noise of 90 decibels on the A scale (dBA) for an eight-hour work shift with an action level of 85 dBA for an eight-hour shift or an equivalent exposure of 50%. OSHA also uses a 5 dB doubling rate, meaning for every 5 decibels (dB) increase in exposure, the allowable time for the exposure is cut in half. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) both recommend an eight-hour occupational exposure limit (OEL) of 85 dBA for an eight-hour shift and using a 3 dB doubling rate. Discuss what you perceive as the pros and cons of each method and whether you believe companies should use the OSHA PEL or the recommended OEL.