Workplace Noise Limits: 85 dB vs 90 dB Explained — OSHA, NIOSH and the EU

The main limits

Source	Limit	Exchange rate
US OSHA (legal limit)	90 dBA averaged over 8 hours; hearing conservation program required from 85 dBA	5 dB
US NIOSH (recommendation)	85 dBA over 8 hours	3 dB
EU Directive 2003/10/EC	Lower action value 80 dB(A), upper 85 dB(A), limit 87 dB(A), daily exposure	3 dB basis

South Korea uses 85 dB over 8 hours to define noise work and 90 dB for 8 hours (95 dB for 4, up to 115 dB for 15 minutes) for intense noise work. Your employer’s duties depend on where you work, so check your national safety agency.

Rules and services change and differ by country, city and building. This guide reflects what we could confirm as of October 2026; check your local government, landlord or building rules before acting.

Time halves as level rises

Level	OSHA (5 dB rule)	NIOSH (3 dB rule)
85 dBA	16 hours	8 hours
90 dBA	8 hours	2.5 hours
95 dBA	4 hours	About 47 minutes
100 dBA	2 hours	15 minutes

The two approaches diverge fast: at 100 dBA the NIOSH recommendation allows an eighth of OSHA’s time.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. If your ears keep ringing or feel blocked, or hearing in one ear suddenly drops, see a doctor or hearing specialist.

Everyday workplaces

A common rule of thumb: if you have to raise your voice to talk to someone at arm’s length, the level may be around 85 dB or more.
Ringing or muffled ears after a shift are a sign of a big dose.
Note the loudest periods (rush hour, machines running) and how long they last; that is what drives exposure.

A rough check with the app

Meter screen with dB reading, focus suitability and Min Avg Max — Meter screen

Measure at your work position

Place Focus Noise Meter near where you work. 75 dB and above shows as Very noisy. The display goes up to 130 dB, but phone mics are less accurate at high levels.

Records screen with average dB and range per session — Records tab

Split sessions by time of day

Measuring busy and quiet periods separately lets you compare averages and peaks in Records. If readings often sit near 85 dB, that is a reason to ask your employer for a proper noise assessment.

For reference only, not a legal measurement. Phone readings can be off by several dB depending on the microphone and calibration. Official noise assessments are made with a calibrated sound level meter following a standard method. Use phone readings as a personal log of when, how often and roughly how loud.

FAQ

My phone shows 85 dB. Am I over the limit?

You cannot tell from a phone. Exposure is assessed with a sound level meter or noise dosimeter over the shift. Use the phone reading as a reason to ask.

Do the same limits apply to headphones?

Personal listening has separate WHO guidance. See safe earphone volume.

Focus Noise Meter - dB Sound Level

It never records audio, only calculates dB levels, and your history stays on your phone. Free on Android.

Get it on Google Play