Under what noise exposure conditions is hearing protection required for employees?

Hearing protection is mandated for employees when they are exposed to noise levels that exceed 85 decibels (dB) over an 8-hour work shift. This standard is based on guidelines intended to prevent hearing loss due to excessive noise exposure, which can cause permanent damage to hearing over time.

The 85 dB threshold is significant because it represents a point at which the risk of hearing impairment increases with prolonged exposure. The 8-hour duration is calculated to reflect a standard work day, emphasizing the need for protective measures when noise levels consistently reach this threshold. As noise levels increase, even shorter exposure durations can warrant the use of hearing protection, which is where the other options differ in terms of acceptable levels and durations.

Options with lower dB levels or shorter exposure times do not align with these recognized safety standards for occupational noise exposure, illustrating why the 85 dB for 8 hours is the correct condition for requiring hearing protection.