Noise control is difficult in refining and chemical plant environments. To mitigate hazardous noise, personal protective equipment (PPE), i.e. hearing protection, is often required.
A common misconception is that OSHA Noise regulations do not apply to the oil and gas industry. The exemption in CFR 1910.95, “Occupational noise exposure,” states, “Paragraphs (c) through (n) of this section shall not apply to employers engaged in oil and gas well drilling and servicing operations.” Of course, other parts of the oil and gas industry (i.e. hydrocarbon processing) do fall under “General Industry” and are subject to the full regulation.