Printing Industries of New England is the regional affiliate of:

Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation

For no charge, PINE will perform a noise exposure “walkaround survey” of your facility. This consists of taking noise decibel readings with a Sound Level Meter at various locations throughout the facility. A designated company employee should attend the walkaround survey so plant information, such as hours of operation for particular machines or hours employees are in a plant area, can be discussed. A diagram of the facility would also assist PINE with the walkaround survey.

After the on-site visit, PINE will complete a written report with a summary of the noise levels, recommendations for further testing (if applicable), recommendations for personal protective equipment and recommendations for a hearing conservation program.

To take advantage of this PINE service, contact Mark Flannery at or 508-804-4107 or complete the online Noise Survey Request Form.

OSHA requires companies with noise levels at or above 85 decibels over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) to establish a hearing conservation program. OSHA has established a helpful web page that can help you better understand noise and hearing conservation with answers to the following questions:

What is considered “noise” and what are the potential health effects?

What OSHA Standards limit and control noise exposure?

How do you evaluate noise exposure?

What is a Sound Level Meter?

What constitutes an effective hearing conservation program?

When is a hearing loss injury considered OSHA recordable?