1910.95(g)(5): Baseline Audiogram
Employers must get a valid baseline audiogram within 6 months of a worker's first exposure at or above the action level, or within 1 year if mobile test vans are used, with hearing protectors required after six months until it is done. The test must follow at least 14 hours without workplace noise, or hearing protectors may substitute, and workers must be told to avoid high off-work noise beforehand.
Key takeaways
- 1910.95(g)(5) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart G).
- OSHA cited it 80 times in the last 3 years, in 80 inspections, with $194,102 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NJ (11), PA (8), CT (7).
- Related part: 1910.95(g) Audiometric testing program (437 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.95(g)(5) ("Baseline audiogram") is one requirement inside 1910.95 Occupational noise exposure, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart G). It includes 4 sub-paragraphs. 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
(5) Baseline audiogram. 80 citations
(i) Within 6 months of an employee's first exposure at or above the action level, the employer shall establish a valid baseline audiogram against which subsequent audiograms can be compared. Open (g)(5)(i) 72 citations
(ii) Mobile test van exception. Where mobile test vans are used to meet the audiometric testing obligation, the employer shall obtain a valid baseline audiogram within 1 year of an employee's first exposure at or above the action level. Where baseline audiograms are obtained more than 6 months after the employee's first exposure at or above the action level, employees shall wearing hearing protectors for any period exceeding six months after first exposure until the baseline audiogram is obtained. 7 citations
(iii) Testing to establish a baseline audiogram shall be preceded by at least 14 hours without exposure to workplace noise. Hearing protectors may be used as a substitute for the requirement that baseline audiograms be preceded by 14 hours without exposure to workplace noise. Open (g)(5)(iii)
(iv) The employer shall notify employees of the need to avoid high levels of non-occupational noise exposure during the 14-hour period immediately preceding the audiometric examination.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.95.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 13 |
Top states: NJ (11), PA (8), CT (7), TN (6), OR (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PLASTIC USA, LLC. | IRVINGTON, NJ | $20,000 |
| MODWASH LLC | SICKLERVILLE, NJ | $16,550 |
| EAST BAKING CO | SYRACUSE, NY | $14,188 |
| JINDAL TUBULAR USA LLC | BAY SAINT LOUIS, MS | $12,676 |
| AUNT KITTY'S FOODS INC. | VINELAND, NJ | $10,500 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Successor Employer (2017-01-11)
- Whether employers have the option to establish new baseline audiograms when business ownership changes, but medical records are maintained for 30 years. (2008-12-05)
- Clarification of OSHA's requirement for 'quiet time' before audiometric testing. (2007-12-21)
- Administering the baseline audiogram either before or after an employee's first exposure. (2007-03-07)
- Baseline audiogram revision due to persistent STS or improved thresholds; revision must be made for each ear separately. (2003-05-08)
- Baseline audiogram requirements for re-hire of past employee. (2000-02-15)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.95(g) Audiometric testing program 437 citations
- 1910.95(g)(1) 227 citations
- 1910.95(g)(6) Annual audiogram 99 citations
- 1910.95(g)(5)(i) 72 citations
- 1910.95(g)(8) Follow-up procedures 25 citations
- 1910.95(g)(8)(ii) 15 citations
- 1910.95(g)(8)(i) 10 citations
- 1910.95(g)(7) Evaluation of audiogram 5 citations
- 1910.95(g)(7)(ii) 2 citations
- 1910.95(g)(3) 1 citations
- 1910.95(g)(7)(iii) 1 citations
- 1910.95(g)(5)(iii)
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Frequently asked questions
When must a baseline audiogram be done?
Within 6 months of an employee's first exposure at or above the action level, or within 1 year if mobile test vans are used.
What quiet period comes before the test?
At least 14 hours without exposure to workplace noise; hearing protectors may be used as a substitute.
What must workers be told before the test?
To avoid high levels of non-occupational noise during the 14-hour period before the exam.
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 2026-10-20
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.