OSHA Regulations for Loud Music in Gyms

Wearing your headphones in a noisy environment can help preserve your hearing.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not specifically regulate loud music in gyms. Since the organization regulates occupational safety, it focuses on work environments including facilities that tend to be noisy, such as factories and airports. However, other guidelines do suggest optimum noise levels for gyms.

International Fitness Association

The International Fitness Association (IFA) has determined that music in gyms should not be louder than the decibel (dB) standards set by the Environmental Protection Association (EPA). They state that, "At 85 decibels (dB), the EPA standard for safe sound is 45 minutes. At 88 dB, the EPA standard for safe sound is 23 minutes. EPA regards 91 dB as unsafe for any length of time over 11 minutes."

Decibel Comparisons

The sound of a garbage disposal is about 80 dB. A blender is about 88 dB. A motorcycle 25 feet away is about 90 dB.

OSHA

OSHA does state that when employees are exposed to noise levels at 85 dB for eight hours or longer, in any work environment, employers need to institute a program that monitors the noise levels and devises solutions to protect employees. Headphones or earplugs should be provided and employees should be notified of the results of the continuous monitoring.

References

• IFA: Gym temperature and noise limits
• OSHA: Occupational Noise Exposure
• Industrial Noise Control: Comparative Examples of Noise Levels