12/11/2024

HSSE WORLD

Health, Safety, Security and Environment

Templates:Hearing Conservation Program

3 min read

HSSE World’sHearing Conservation Program is designed to protect employees from hearing loss caused by uncontrolled exposure to hazardous noise by reducing employee noise exposures and providing appropriate hearing protection where this noise cannot be controlled.

The program includes the identification and control of hazardous noise within HSSE World’s work areas through the use of engineering and administrative controls combined with the selection and use of hearing protection. It also details the areas of responsibility for managers/department heads, supervisors and employees within the company. Additionally, the program includes requirements for noise exposure surveys, audiometric testing, training in the selection and use of hearing protection, recordkeeping and program evaluation.

 

This program applies to all employees whose noise exposure levels equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) noise level of 85 dBA. All employees are required to follow the minimum procedures outlined in this program. Any deviations from this program must be immediately brought to the attention of the Program Administrator.

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  • Do you need a hearing conservation program? Do you have to raise your voice to make yourself heard while at a conversational distance (2-3 feet)? If so, then the answer is probably “yes.” If your employees are exposed to 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) noise levels of 85 dBA or more, OSHA requires that you have a hearing conservation program. If your employees work more than 8 hours per day, OSHA lowers the action level using a formula.
    • For 9 -hour days the action level is 84 dBA
    • For 10-hour days the action level is 83 dBA
    • For 12-hour days the action level is 82 dBA

    Most damage done to the ear is permanent and will not be repaired by the body. For more hearing conservation information, visit OSHA’s occupational noise exposure standard 1910.95.

The following template can be used to help your organization develop a written Hearing Conservation Program. This template cannot be used as is – you must customize the template to meet the needs of your organization. We have made this template easier for you to customize by adding visual prompts that identify some areas where your input is needed. These are identified by yellow highlighted, red text in the template. You may also change any of the text in the template to meet your organization’s needs – for example, department names, job titles, listed responsibilities and audiologist. Your employee noise exposures and supplied hearing protection will need to be added to the appendices where appropriate.

Disclaimer. This sample safety program template cannot be used as is. You must customize the template to meet the needs of your organization. HSSE WORLD does not guarantee that this template is or can be relied on for compliance with any law or regulation, assurance against preventable losses, or freedom from legal liability. We make no representations or warranties of any kind whatsoever, either express or implied, in connection with the use of this template. HSSE WORLD will not be liable for your use of the template as customized by you. All safety programs and policies, including this template and the information you supply to complete it, should be reviewed by your legal counsel and/or risk management staff.



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