Hearing
Conservation Program
This
is a sample written Hearing Conservation
Program. A written program is not
required by law. This program is provided
only as a guide to assist in compliance.
It is not intended to supersede the
requirements detailed in the standards
but only as an aid in developing your
procedures so they meet the requirements.
You need to review the standard for
particular requirements which are
applicable to your specific situation
and then tailor this program to fit
your facility.
This
material and safety and health consultation
services are provided at no cost to
owners, proprietors, and managers
of small businesses by the Illinois
Onsite Safety & Health Consultation
Program, Industrial Services Division,
Department of Commerce and Community
Affairs under a program funded largely
by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), an agency of
the U.S. Department of Labor.
ONSITE SAFETY & HEALTH CONSULTATION
PROGRAM
Illinois Department of Commerce and
Economic Opportunity
Industrial Services Division
100 West Randolph, Suites 3-400
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Phone: 312-814-2337 Fax: 312-814-7238
TDD: 800-419-0667
A.
POLICY STATEMENT. Our policy is to
protect employee's hearing and effectively
manage or eliminate hazardous noise
exposures. Based upon monitoring results,
a continuing Hearing Conservation
Program (HCP) is established to meet
these objectives.
B.
RESPONSIBILITIES. The enter name or
title has been designated to administer
the overall HCP. Administrative responsibilities
include:
-
Coordination and supervision of
noise exposure monitoring.
- Identification
of employees to be included in
the HCP.
- Coordination
and supervision of audiometric
program.
- Supervision
of hearing protector selection.
- Development
of policies relating to the use
of hearing protectors.
- Supervision
of employee training programs.
- Coordination
and supervision of record keeping.
- Evaluation
of overall program.
All
employees being assigned or working
in designated noise areas, whose noise
exposures equal or exceed the action
level of 85 dBA (8-hour time weighted
average) will be included in the program.
These exposures will be determined
by actual monitoring or with representative
data. Employees are required to fully
participate in the program outlined
in this policy as a condition of employment.
Employees must wear the provided ear
protection devices when working in
posted noise areas. Each employee
exposed to sound levels in excess
of 85, will be:
- Given
a baseline audiogram prior to
assignment and an annual audiogram
there after. The testing is provided
at no cost to the employee.
- Provided
with a choice of suitable ear
protectors, fitted and encouraged
to use them. Wearing of ear protection
is mandatory for employees working
in areas where noise exposure
exceeds 90 dBA (8-hour time-weighted
average).
- Notified
of the results of noise exposure
monitoring when their exposure
is determined to be 85 dBA (8
hour time weighted average) or
greater.
- Notified
of any abnormal audiogram indicating
a standard threshold shift.
- Provided
annual training and information.
C.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
1.
Noise Monitoring. A noise survey indicated
that noise levels exceeding 85 dBA
were measured on specific jobs. The
noise exposure levels and areas/sources
are summarized below.
Additional noise monitoring will be
conducted whenever employee exposures
are expected to change (equipment
changes, plant modifications, engineering
control installations, etc.)
Employees in the following areas will
be included in the Hearing Conservation
Program. Enter
information.
Affected
employees or employee representatives
will be notified of planned monitoring
by the program administrator and permitted
to observe. Employee observation of
monitoring will not disrupt normal
work activities.
2.
Audiometric Testing. Baseline and
annual audiometric testing will be
performed. A copy of the standard
will be provided to the testing center.
The testing center will provide or
make available records regarding the
background sound pressure levels in
their audiometric testing rooms.
New employees in noisy areas positions
listed above will be provided with
appropriate audiometric examinations
(baseline or annual) within ___ days
of employment. Exposure to workplace
noise is not allowed for 14 hours
prior to baseline examinations (ear
protectors ma be used in lieu of 14
hours noise-free). Audiometric testing
results provided by the resting center
will be reviewed to ensure the appropriate
follow-up actions are taken.
If a standard threshold shift (an
average shift in either ear of 10
dB or more at 2,000, 3,000 or 4,000
Hz) is identified, the employee will:
- be
notified of the threshold shift
within 21 days of this determination.
- be
informed of the need for further
evaluation or retesting if a medical
problem is suspected.
- be
required to wear hearing protection.
! be refitted or retrained in
the use of hearing protection.
- be
referred for additional audiological
or medical testing, if appropriate,
and informed of the need for this
testing, the purpose and outcome,
and whether shift may not be related
to use of hearing protectors.
3.
Hearing Protection. Hearing protection
is require to be worn by employees
in the following job positions (exposure
exceeds 90 dBA, 8-hour-time weighted
average):
4.
Noise Signs. Company policy requires
all work areas where noise exposures
may exceed 85dBA to be posted with
noise warning signs at all entrances
to theses areas. All employees in
the HCP will wear ear protection when
working in posted areas.
5.
Employee Training. Participation in
an annual training program is required
for employees exposed to noise at
or above 85 dBA. The training will
include information on:
- The
effects of noise on hearing.
- The
purpose and use of hearing protectors,
the advantages and disadvantages
of the various types.
- Instructions
in selection, fitting, use and
care of hearing protectors.
- The
purpose of audiometric testing
and an explanation of test procedures.
- Contents
of 29 CFR 1910.95, Occupational
Noise Exposure.
- Contents
of 29 CFR 1910.20, Access to Medical
& Exposure Records.
A
copy of the noise standard and the
written training and instructional
materials are attached and are made
available to employees upon request.Records
of training will be maintained.
6. Record keeping. Audiometric program
records are maintained in the employee's
personnel file and will be provided
to employees upon request. Records
applicable to employee monitoring
and exposure records will be retained
as follows:
- Employee
audiometric test records (baseline
and annual audiogram, retests,
test room background levels, and
audiometer calibration records)
are maintained for the duration
of affected employees employment.
- Noise
exposure measurement records are
maintained for 2 years.
|
Noise
Exposure Measurements
|
| Location |
Operation |
Date |
Exposure
Level (dBA) |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Hearing
Conservation Training Record
|
| Date |
Employee |
Topic |
Trainer |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
