Important:
A noise dosimeter is the basis for determining total daily noise exposure for employees. However, where you have constant noise levels, you may estimate employee noise exposure using measurements from a sound level meter. Calculation of the employee noise exposure must be consistent with WAC
296-817-30015.
(1) You must include all:
(a) Workplace noise from equipment and machinery in use;
(b) Other noise from sources necessary to perform the work;
(c) Noise outside the control of the exposed employees.
(2) You must use a noise dosimeter when necessary to measure employee noise dose.
(3) You must use a sound level meter to evaluate continuous and impulse noise levels.
(4) You must identify all employees whose exposures equal or exceed the Noise Evaluation Criteria in Table 1:
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 (in addition to the requirements for 85 dBA TWA8) |
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. WSR 15-23-086, § 296-817-30010, filed 11/17/15, effective 12/18/15. Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.010,
49.17.040,
49.17.050, and
49.17.060. WSR 03-11-060, § 296-817-30010, filed 5/19/03, effective 8/1/03.]