Hearing Conservation Program Template
Hearing Conservation Program
Table of Contents
I. OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE
II. DEFINITIONS
III RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Hearing Protection Program Manager
B. Management
C. Supervisors
D. Employees
IV. PROCEDURE
A. Noise Monitoring
B. Hearing Protection
C. Audiograms/Hearing Tests
D. U.S. Facilities Only
V. TRAINING
A. Employee Training
B. Employee Testing
C. Training Records
VI. REFERENCES
A. Regulatory Reference
B. NCH Policy Reference
C. Site Policy Reference
VII. APPENDICES
A. Hearing Protection Needs List
B. Hearing Conservation Training Log
C. Hearing Conservation Test
VIII. DOCUMENT CONTROL
Hearing Conservation Program
for
[Company Name/Location]
I. OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE
The objective of the [Company Name/Location] Hearing Conservation Program is to prevent or minimize occupational hearing loss by providing hearing protection, training, and annual hearing tests to all persons working in areas with or near equipment with noise levels equal to or exceeding an eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA) sound pressure level of [85 dBA].
This Program applies to any workplace, area or operation that may reasonably be expected to have the potential for levels of noise that may be harmful at [Company Name/Location].
II. DEFINITIONS
Audiogram. A graphic record of hearing ability for various sound frequencies that is used to measure hearing loss, based on an audiometric hearing test.
dB. Abbreviation for the decibel, a unit of measure for the intensity (sound pressure level) of a noise or sound.
dBA. Abbreviation for a decibel measured on the “A Scale” (A-weighting scale) of a sound level meter. The A Scale is commonly used for measurement of industrial noise.
Hertz (Hz). A unit for measuring frequency, equal to one cycle per second.
Noise Dosimeter. An instrument used to measure the time-weighted average noise level, or noise “dose”, to which a person is exposed.
Sound Level Meter. An instrument that measures instantaneous noise intensity (sound pressure level).
Standard Threshold Shift (STS). A change in hearing threshold relative to the baseline audiogram of an average of 10 dB or more, at 2000 Hz, 3000 Hz and 4000 Hz in either ear.
III. RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Hearing Protection Program Manager
[Responsible Person] shall Manage the Hearing Protection Program for [Company Name/Location]. The Hearing Protection Program Manager is responsible for ensuring that any required noise measurements, personal noise dosimeter studies and audiometric testing is scheduled, implemented and documented.
The Hearing Protection Program Manager shall ensure that:
1. Engineering and administrative controls are utilized to limit employee exposure.
2. Adequate hearing protection is provided for employees.
3. Informational and warning signs are posted in all high noise areas.
4. Noise surveys are conducted as required and repeated when a change in production, process, equipment or controls increases noise exposure.
5. Annual audiometric hearing tests are conducted for all employees covered under the Program.
The Program Manager shall ensure that appropriate employee training is conducted, including hearing conservation training for all new employees and annual refresher training for all employees covered under the Program. The Program Manager shall ensure that copies of all training records pertaining to this Program are retained. The Program Manager shall also ensure that other related documentation, such as records of noise measurements, noise dosimeter measurements and personal audiometric hearing test results, such as audiograms, are kept on file. In addition, the Program Manager shall ensure that all third party contractors are informed of requirements of this Program.
B. Management
[Company Name] will provide adequate controls and equipment that, when used properly, will minimize or eliminate the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, in accordance with NCH guidelines.
[Facility Manager Name], as Facility Manager, will ensure proper adherence to this Program through regular review.
C. Supervisors
Supervisors shall themselves follow this Program and ensure that their employees adhere to the requirements of the Program. It is also the supervisor’s responsibility to ensure that employees are trained in the procedures described in the Program.
D. Employees
Employees are responsible for following the procedures described in this Program.
IV. PROCEDURE
A. Noise Monitoring
Monitoring for noise exposure levels will be conducted by [Responsible Person] or a designee. It is the responsibility of the individual departments to notify [Responsible Person] when there is a possible need for monitoring. Monitoring will be performed with the use of sound level meters and noise dosimeters at the discretion of [Responsible Person].
Monitoring will also be conducted whenever there is a change in equipment, process or controls that affect the noise levels. This includes the addition or removal of machinery, alteration in building structure, or substitution of new equipment in place of that previously used. The area supervisor must inform [Responsible Person] when these types of changes are instituted.
B. Hearing Protection
1. Management, supervisors, and employees shall properly wear the prescribed hearing protection while working or traveling through any area that is designated as a high noise area.
2. Employees shall be required to wear hearing protection when noise levels reach or exceed [90 dBA 8-Hour Time Weighted Average (TWA)]. Those employees will have the opportunity to choose from at least two different types of hearing protection. Hearing protection will be provided at no cost to employees who perform tasks designated as having a high noise exposure and replaced as necessary. Only properly rated hearing protection will be used.
3. Cautionary signs are required to be posted in areas that necessitate hearing protection. It is the responsibility of the area supervisor to provide signage in the appropriate areas.
4. Earmuffs and non-disposable earplugs should be washed periodically and stored in a clean area. Foam inserts should be discarded after each use. Hands should be washed before handling preformed earplugs and foam inserts to prevent contaminants from being placed in the ear.
5. [Responsible Person] will keep a list of the areas or job tasks designated as requiring hearing protection, as well as the employee affected by this Hearing Conservation Program. An example of a form for recording such hearing protection needs is included in Appendix A.
C. Audiometric Hearing Tests and Audiograms
1. Employees subject to the Hearing Conservation Program who have time-weighted average (TWA) noise exposures of [85 dBA] or greater for an eight (8) hour work shift will be required to have both a baseline and annual audiogram. The audiograms will be provided by [Company Name] at no cost to the employee.
2. The baseline audiogram will be provided to employees assigned to hearing conservation areas before any exposure to high noise levels. Annual audiograms will be performed within one year from the date of the previous audiogram. It is the responsibility of the employee, supervisor and [Responsible Person] to schedule the annual audiogram.
3. If an annual audiogram shows that an employee has suffered a Standard Threshold Shift (STS), the employee will be retested within thirty (30) days of the annual audiogram. If the retest confirms the occurrence of a standard threshold shift, the employee will be notified in writing within twenty-one (21) days of the confirmation. Employees who do experience a standard threshold shift will be refitted with hearing protection and provided more training on the effects of noise.
D. U.S. Facilities Only
A copy of OSHA’s Occupational Noise Exposure Standard, 29 CFR 1910.95, can be obtained from [Responsible Person]. A copy of OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.95 will also be posted in areas with affected employees.
V. TRAINING
A. Employee Training
Affected employees will complete training on proper use of hearing protection. The training will be conducted by [Responsible Person], or a designated representative, prior to exposure, and annually thereafter.
Training shall consist of the following components:
1. How noise affects hearing and hearing loss.
2. Review of the applicable hearing protection standard(s).
3. Explanation of audiometric testing of hearing.
4. Rules and procedures.
5. Locations within company property where hearing protection is required.
6. How to use and care for hearing protectors.
B. Employee Testing
Affected employees will be required to complete a written test as a part of the training. An example of a written Hearing Conservation Test is included in Appendix C.
C. Training Records
Training records, including a log of hearing conservation training, will be maintained by [Responsible Person]. An example of a Hearing Conservation Training Log is included in Appendix B.
VI. REFERENCES
A. Regulatory Reference
U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), 29 CFR 1910.95, Occupational Noise Exposure Standard.
B. NCH Policy Reference
Corporate Global Guidelines for Workplace Noise.
C. Site Policy Reference
Personal Protective Equipment Assessment Form (See PPE Program).
VII. APPENDICES
A. Hearing Protection Needs List
B. Hearing Conservation Training Log
C. Hearing Conservation Test
VIII. DOCUMENT CONTROL
This Hearing Conservation Program shall be reviewed annually, or as needed if changes to the worksite are made, by [Responsible Person].
Document History:
Procedure version / Date Approved / Approved by / Reason for Change
NCH Policy Reference
November 29, 2006
Corporate Global Guidelines for Workplace Noise
1 Purpose
The purpose of this document is to detail the minimum NCH requirements for controlling noise exposures in the workplace.
2 Policy
Each facility shall control exposure to excessive levels of noise.
3 Standard
Country legislation / regulations / codes of practice shall be identified and used as the foundation for workplace noise exposure control.
Where applicable country standards have not been established or where country standards are less stringent, facilities shall meet the following requirements for employees potentially exposed to excessive noise levels.
3.1 Engineering control is the desirable solution for controlling workplace noise exposure. When that is not practical, or during the time it takes to implement engineering controls, facilities may choose to implement a workplace noise exposure program as described below.
3.2 Workplace noise exposures shall be assessed using a 90 dBA 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) criterion (100% noise dose) with all noise above 80 dBA integrated into the calculations. All assessments (subjective and instrumented) will be documented and retained in site files.
3.3 When full shift exposures are below 50% noise dose (85 dBA) no action is required.
3.4 When full shift exposures are between 50% and 100% (85 dBA and 90 dBA) noise dose:
3.4.a Appropriate hearing protection and training will be made available to employees; and
3.4.b noise exposure monitoring should be conducted within 30 days of process changes that may impact noise dose and at least every two years.
3.5 When full shift exposures are at or above 100% (90 dBA) noise dose:
3.5.a A list of employees who have noise exposures at or above a 100% full shift noise dose will be created and maintained in site files;
3.5.b annual audiometric testing will be provided to all exposed employees;
3.5.c appropriate hearing protection and training will be required for all exposed employees; and
3.5.d all locations where full shift exposures are at or above 100% noise dose shall be marked as a “Noise Area – Hearing Protection Required” or a similar phrase.
Date: March 30, 2009Version: Final bc / Authorized by: Regulatory Affairs Counsel
Next Review: / Uncontrolled when printed
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Appendix A
Hearing Protection Needs List
[Company Name]Personnel in Hearing Conservation Program
Revised [Date]
Hearing protection is required for and has been issued to the following personnel:
Employee Name / Department / Job Description/ Equipment Being Used / Type of Hearing Protection Issued / Date Hearing Protection First Issued
Appendix B
Hearing Conservation Training Log
Training Date:______
Topic:______
Training Conducted by:______
Employee Name (printed) / Employee Signature / Job Title
Appendix C
Hearing Conservation Test (Sample)
1. / Effective hearing protectors are:a. Formable plugs, earmuffs, and canal caps.
b. Molded earplug inserts, earmuffs, canal caps, and wadded cotton.
c. Earmuffs, earplugs, and wadded cotton.
d. Wadded cotton, custom-molded earplugs, and canal caps.
Answer:a. Formable plugs, earmuffs, and canal caps.
2. / Factors which affect your hearing are:
a. Your age, your health, your sex, and loudness of a sound.
b. Your age, the length of exposure to a sound, and the loudness of a sound.
c. Your sex and the length of exposure to a sound.
d. Only the loudness of a sound.
Answer:b. Your age, the length of exposure to a sound, and the loudness of a sound.
3. / Jackhammers and punch presses cause:
a. Narrow band noise.
b. Impulse noise.
c. Wide band noise.
d. Neither a, b, or c.
Answer:b. Impulse noise.
4. / Noise averaging 85 decibels in intensity over a time period of eight-hours:
a. Can cause hearing loss.
b. Requires no hearing protection.
c. Requires hearing protection.
d. Both a and c.
Answer:d. Both a and c.
5. / Excessive exposure to noise can cause:
a. High blood pressure, ulcers, and headaches.
b. High blood pressure, ulcers, and sleeping disorders.
c. Tiredness, irritability, and sleeping disorders.
d. All of the above.
Answer:d. All of the above.
6. / Separating noisy machinery from as many workers as possible using sound absorbing materials, or placing machinery on rubber mountings to reduce vibration are engineering controls which can:
a. Reduce noise exposure.
b. Increase noise exposure.
c. Not change noise exposure.
d. None of the above.
Answer:a. Reduce noise exposure.
7. / Wearing hearing protection is:
a. Less important to effective protection than appearance is.
b. Important to the effectiveness of it.
c. Not important to effective protection.
d. None of the above.
Answer:b. Important to the effectiveness of it.
8. / Having a periodic hearing test is:
a. The best way to detect hearing loss.
b. As good as turning the TV or radio louder in determining hearing loss.
c. Required by OSHA for workers exposed to excessive noise.
d. a and c.
Answer:d. a and c.
9. / Hearing protection is important to wear when working in noisy situations:
a. Only on the job.
b. Only at home.
c. On the job and at home.
d. None of the above.
Answer:c. On the job and at home.
10. / High frequency noise is generally accepted as causing ______damage to a person's sense of hearing.
a. The least.
b. Medium.
c. The most.
d. All frequencies affect it the same.
Answer:c. The most.
11. / Three general types of noise are:
a. Broad band, focused, and intensive.
b. Wide band, narrow band, and impulse.
c. Wide spectrum, intermittent, and repetitive.
d. Broad band, pulse, and loud band.
Answer:b. Wide band, narrow band, and impulse.
12. / Noise-induced hearing loss usually starts with hearing threshold shifts in:
a. The lower frequencies.
b. The middle frequencies.
c. The higher frequencies.
d. None of the above.
Answer:c. The higher frequencies.
13. / Another name for temporary hearing loss is:
a. Short-term exposure.
b. Temporary total disability.
c. Short-term exposure limit.
d. Temporary threshold shift.
Answer:d. Temporary threshold shift.
14. / The extent of damage caused by exposure to noise mostly depends on:
a. The intensity of the noise and the duration of exposure.
b. The pitch and frequency of the noise.
c. Loudness alone.
d. The source of the noise.
Answer:a. The intensity of the noise and the duration of exposure.
15. / Audiometric testing is usually conducted by:
a. An OSHA compliance officer.
b. Your department supervisor.
c. A trained technician.
d. A member of your safety committee.
Answer:c. A trained technician.
16. / An audiometric exam:
a. Can only measure hearing loss that you are already aware of.
b. Can only measure hearing loss in the lower frequency range.
c. Can measure hearing loss before you are aware of a hearing problem.
d. Is not very reliable to trace and document hearing loss.
Answer:c. Can measure hearing loss before you are aware of a hearing problem.
17. / When hearing protective devices are needed, they must be provided by:
a. The employer.
b. The employee.
c. Union representatives.
d. OSHA.
Answer:a. The employer.
18. / All of the following are factors to consider when selecting hearing protection, except:
a. Fit and comfort.
b. Appearance.
c. Noise hazard.
d. Noise reduction rating.
Answer:b. Appearance.
19. / Arranging work schedules to cut down on the time each worker spends in a noisy area:
a. Is not allowed.
b. Is an administrative measure to reduce worker exposure to noise.
c. Is not effective in reducing worker exposure to noise.
d. Is always more effective than reducing the noise levels at their source.
Answer:b. Is an administrative measure to reduce worker exposure to noise.
20. / A copy of OSHA's standard on occupational noise exposure:
a. Must be available to affected employees.
b. Must be posted in the workplace.
c. Both a. and b.
d. None of the above.
Answer:c. Both a. and b.
Date: March 30, 2009
Version: Final bc / Authorized by: Regulatory Affairs Counsel
Next Review: / Uncontrolled when printed
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