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The purpose of this chapter is to:
(1) Prevent employee hearing loss by minimizing employee noise exposures; and
(2) Make sure employees exposed to noise are protected.
These goals are accomplished by:
(1) Measuring and computing the employee noise exposure from all equipment and machinery in the workplace, as well as any other noise sources in the work area;
(2) Protecting employees from noise exposure by using feasible noise controls;
(3) Making sure employees use hearing protection, if you cannot feasibly control the noise;
(4) Training employees about hearing loss prevention;
(5) Evaluating your hearing loss prevention efforts by tracking employee hearing or periodically reviewing controls and protection;
(6) Making appropriate corrections to your program.
Reference: | Table 1 will help you determine the hearing loss prevention requirements for your workplace. For the specific requirements associated with noise evaluation criteria, see WAC 296-817-30010 of this chapter. |
Use Table 1 to help you determine the hearing loss prevention requirements for your workplace:
Table 1
Noise Evaluation Criteria
Criteria | Description | Requirements |
85 dBA TWA8 | Full-day employee noise exposure dose. If you have one or more employees whose exposure equals or exceeds this level, you must have a hearing loss prevention program. | Hearing protection Training Audiometric testing |
90 dBA TWA8 | Full-day employee noise exposure dose. If you have one or more employees whose exposure equals or exceeds this level, you must reduce employee noise exposures in the workplace. | Noise controls Hearing protection Training Audiometric testing |
115 dBA measured using slow response | Extreme noise level (greater than one second in duration). | Hearing protection Signs posted in work areas warning of exposure |
140 dBC measured using fast response | Extreme impulse or impact noise (less than one second in duration). | Hearing protection |