PDFWAC 296-307-630

Scope.

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;
(c) Making sure employees use hearing protection, if the employer cannot feasibly control the noise;
(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
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. WSR 20-21-091, § 296-307-630, filed 10/20/20, effective 11/20/20; WSR 05-01-166, § 296-307-630, filed 12/21/04, effective 4/2/05.]