The purpose of this part 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:

(a) 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;

(b) Protecting employees from noise exposure by using feasible noise controls;

(d) Training employees about hearing loss prevention;

(e) Evaluating the employer's hearing loss prevention efforts by tracking employee hearing or periodically reviewing controls and protection;

(f) Making appropriate corrections to the employer's program.

Reference:

Table 1 will help the employer determine the hearing loss prevention requirements for the workplace. For the specific requirements associated with Noise Evaluation Criteria, see WAC 296-307-63410 of this part.

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 and – 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

PDFWAC 296-307-630

Scope.