1910.95(i)(1): OSHA rule
Key takeaways
- 1910.95(i)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart G).
- OSHA cited it 5 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $23,838 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1910.95(i) Hearing protectors (130 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.95(i)(1) is one requirement inside 1910.95 Occupational noise exposure, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart G). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(1) Employers shall make hearing protectors available to all employees exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or greater at no cost to the employees. Hearing protectors shall be replaced as necessary. 5 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.95.
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Hearing protection and the responsibility for paying for the hearing protectors including replacement devices/parts. (2000-10-02)
- OSHA's rationale for the noise exposure PEL. (1999-07-28)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.95(i) Hearing protectors 130 citations
- 1910.95(i)(2) 58 citations
- 1910.95(i)(3) 46 citations
- 1910.95(i)(2)(ii) 31 citations
- 1910.95(i)(2)(i) 19 citations
- 1910.95(i)(2)(ii)(A) 18 citations
- 1910.95(i)(4) 11 citations
- 1910.95(i)(5) 10 citations
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.95 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-21
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.
