hearing

9 Hearing Conservation Manual C. Program Elements The program elements of the Hearing Conservation Program include exposure monitoring, medical surveillance, employee training, and recordkeeping. Specific details about each program element follows. Exposure Monitoring Monitoring employee exposure to potential noise hazards is conducted by Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). Employee noise exposure monitoring will be initiated: • through routine noise hazard awareness (general surveys, inquiries, etc.) • when a change in an activity or process occurs that potentially increases the noise hazard to a level of 85 dBA or above • when a potential “noise” source is indicated on a Hazard Inventory A calibrated sound level meter or noise dosimeter will be used to measure noise levels. Noise levels are measured using anA-weighted scale and include levels from 80 dB to 130 dB. If a potential noise hazard is identified in the initial monitoring using a sound level meter, a more detailed investigation may follow, using a noise dosimeter. A noise dosimeter will monitor an employee’s noise exposure for an entire shift. Changes in a noise exposure time or noise producing equipment may require additional noise evaluation. Employees are allowed to observe noise monitoring performed and will be notified of the results of the monitoring. All employees who are exposed to an action level of 85 dBA TWA or higher will be notified of the noise hazard and included in the Hearing Conservation Program. Hearing protection is required if the TWA noise level exceeds 90 dBA. Noise exposure limits, as specified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), are shown on the next page. The table shows the maximum time period allowable for the noise exposure level listed and when hearing protection is required. The acceptable sound level (limit) is a TWA value. Impulsive or impact noise exposures above 140 dBA are not permissible by OSHA and hearing protection must be worn when exposed to these levels. Hearing Conservation Program includes 1. Noise monitoring 2. Medical surveillance 3. Training 4. Recordkeeping

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