Economic impact analysis of proposed noise control regulation. Final report

Technical Report · Wed Apr 21 04:00:00 EST 1976

OSTI ID:7120418

The report analyzes those aspects of the proposed noise regulation of October 24, 1974 (and alternative regulations) which are not part of the present OSHA noise regulation (29CFR1910.95). The proposed regulation maintains the 90 dBA level but adds provisions for audiometric testing and noise monitoring when workers are exposed to noise levels greater than 85 dBA. Though the exact magnitude of the benefits depends on the working definition of material impairment, the incremental benefit of an 85 dBA standard could protect 30 to 293 thousand workers from incurring a substantial hearing impairment. The proposed regulation(90 dBA) would cost $241 million annually ($155 million for noise monitoring, $86 million for audiometric testing). An 85 dBA regulation achieved solely by use of hearing protection would cost an additional $43 million annually; an 85 dBA regulation achieved through engineering controls would require an initial investment of $8 billion, but would eliminate the need and annual cost of audiometric testing($86 million) upon compliance. (GRA)

• Research Organization: Bolt, Beranek, and Newman, Inc., Cambridge, MA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7120418
• Report Number(s): PB-258841; BBN-3246
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560400* -- Other Environmental Pollutant Effects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
CONTROL
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
INDUSTRY
NOISE POLLUTION
POLLUTION