PDFWAC 296-307-63220

Make sure exposed employees receive training about noise and hearing protection.

You must:
• Train all employees whose noise exposure equals or exceeds 85 dBA TWA8
• Provide training when an employee is first assigned to a position involving noise exposure that equals or exceeds 85 dBA TWA8and at least annually after that
• Update information provided in the training program to be consistent with changes in controls, hearing protectors and work processes
• Make sure your noise and hearing protection training includes:
– The effects of noise on hearing (including both occupational and nonoccupational exposures)
– Noise controls used in your workplace
– The purpose of hearing protectors: The advantages, disadvantages, and attenuation of various types
– Instructions about selecting, fitting, using, and caring for hearing protection
– The purpose and procedures for program evaluation including audiometric testing and hearing protection auditing when you choose to rely upon auditing (see WAC 296-307-638)
– The employees' right to access records kept by the employer.
• Maintain a written program describing initial and refresher training.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 05-01-166, § 296-307-63220, filed 12/21/04, effective 4/2/05.]