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

PDFWAC 296-817-100

Scope.