Noise isn’t a new hazard in the workplace, but it’s one that sometimes doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Repeated, unprotected exposure to loud noise can lead to permanent hearing loss.
OSHA requires you to implement a hearing conservation program when information (such as noise monitoring) indicates that any employee’s exposure may equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 decibels (dB).
According to BLR’s Easy Workplace Safety Program, a hearing conservation program should be written and concentrate on five key areas:
- Noise monitoring
- Engineering and administrative controls
- PPE
- Audiometric testing
- Employee training
1. Noise Monitoring
OSHA requires you to monitor noise in work areas to identify employees who are exposed to noise at or above 85 dB TWA. The instruments used to monitor employee exposure must be carefully checked and calibrated before each survey. Records of noise monitoring should be maintained for 2 years.
2. Engineering and Administrative Controls
If monitoring identifies work areas with exposure levels of 100 dB TWA, you must determine what engineering or environmental changes can be made to reduce noise levels. You should also consult with the safety committee to determine appropriate administrative controls, such as rotating employees in and out of high-noise areas.
From emergency action to infection control, the Easy Workplace Safety Program has detailed plans for 20 specific safety procedures. Find out more.
3. PPE
Employees who work in areas identified by noise surveys as having levels of 85 dB TWA or higher must be provided with appropriate hearing protectors at no cost to them. You must select the type of hearing protection that will afford the best protection based on a PPE hazard assessment.
4. Audiometric Testing
All employees who are exposed to noise levels of 85 dB TWA or greater must have a baseline audiogram within 6 months of the first exposure and annually thereafter. If an audiogram indicates that hearing loss has occurred compared with the baseline, you must inform the employee, reevaluate hearing protection, retrain the employee if necessary, and refer the employee for clinical audiological evaluation. Any threshold shift (hearing loss) of 10 dB or more when it also results in an overall hearing level of 25 dB should be recorded on the OSHA Form 300 under "Hearing Loss."
5. Employee Training
Supervisors must conduct annual training sessions for affected employees on the elements of your hearing conservation program. These sessions must be documented. The following topics should be covered:
- Effects of noise on hearing
- Purpose of hearing protectors, and how to use and maintain them
- Purpose of audiometric testing and an explanation of test procedures
Developing a formal, written safety plan doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Easy Workplace Safety Program makes it easy as 1, 2, 3! Get the details.
Instant Safety Programs Just for You
Developing your written safety programs is as easy as 1, 2, 3 with BLR’s Easy Workplace Safety Program. This exceptional product makes it easy to develop customized written safety plans that meet your organization’s particular needs for workplace safety and OSHA compliance.
All you need to do is insert the CD, add your specific company information, and your safety program is essentially complete. This carefully developed tool comes complete with a step-by-step manual and has detailed plans for 20 safety procedures, including:
- Hearing conservation
- Emergency action plan
- Hazard communication
- Lockout/tagout
- PPE
- Material handling and storage
- Forklift operations
- Confined spaces
- Electrical safety
- Ergonomics
- Fire prevention
… and many more essential safety procedures. You also get special forms, such as the OSHA 300, 301, and 300A forms, as well as forms for state workers’ compensation programs. And state-specific workplace safety, loss prevention program, and safety committee requirements are also provided.
Everything you need to implement an award-winning safety program is right at your fingertips in one package, including complete instructions on how to use this exciting safety management product.
Find out more about how BLR’s Easy Workplace Safety Program can help you manage safety in your workplace.
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