PDFWAC 296-817-20020

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

(1) You must train each employee whose noise exposure equals or exceeds 85 dBA TWA8.
(2) You must 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.
(3) You must update information provided in the training program to be consistent with changes in controls, hearing protectors and work processes.
(4) You must make sure your noise and hearing protection training includes:
(a) The effects of noise on hearing (including both occupational and nonoccupational exposures);
(b) Noise controls used in your workplace;
(c) The purpose of hearing protectors: The advantages, disadvantages, and attenuation of various types;
(d) Instructions about selecting, fitting, using, and caring for hearing protection;
(e) The purpose and procedures for program evaluation including audiometric testing and hearing protection auditing when you choose to rely upon auditing (see WAC 296-817-500);
(f) The employees' right to access records kept by the employer.
(5) You must maintain a written program describing initial and refresher training.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050. WSR 15-23-086, § 296-817-20020, filed 11/17/15, effective 12/18/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 09-15-145, § 296-817-20020, filed 7/21/09, effective 9/1/09; WSR 03-11-060, § 296-817-20020, filed 5/19/03, effective 8/1/03.]