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A policy with the goal of minimizing the potential for occupational noise induced hearing loss.
Introduction:
Noise induced hearing loss in the workplace is a preventable occupational injury. For this reason, Dartmouth College requires and promotes the use of hearing protection whenever moderate to significant noise exposure may be present. Additionally, Dartmouth provides medical surveillance, training and information to its employees as required by 29 CFR 1910.95.
Purpose:
To minimize the potential for occupational noise induced hearing loss.
Scope:
This policy applies to all Dartmouth College employees. A copy of this policy must be readily available at all times.
Responsibilities:
Supervisors
Employees
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)
Program Elements:
(1) Noise Exposure
Protection against the effects of occupational noise exposure must be provided when the sound levels exceed those shown in Table 1. Feasible engineering and/or administrative controls must be used to keep exposure below the allowable limit.
When engineering or administrative controls fail to reduce the noise level to within the levels of Table 1, personal protective equipment must be provided and used to reduce the noise to an acceptable level.
Where the sound levels equal or exceed an 8-hour TWA of 85 decibels measured on the A scale, all elements of the Dartmouth hearing conservation program apply. Exposure to impulsive or impact noise should not exceed 140 decibels peak sound pressure level (Table 1).
Table 1: Noise Duration per day in hours / Sound Level in DBA (Slow Response)
(2) Medical Surveillance
Dartmouth College makes arrangements for a professional audiometric testing service to provide annual hearing tests at no charge to its employees. Additional follow-up testing and special medical circumstances are provided for on a case-by-case basis through EHS.
(3) Training and Information
EHS provides training and information on hearing conservation on a periodic basis. Annually, the audiometric testing service provides a brief in-service on hearing protection as part of their annual program.
(4) Special Program Requirements
Radios, CD, Tape and other similar devices are not to be worn when operating equipment or while in posted areas. Such devices are not hearing protection and their use may exacerbate the potential for harm and pose other safety risks.
Radio-style ear muffs must meet applicable ANSI standards and not exceed 82 dB. Dartmouth College will not provide radio style earmuffs unless in conjunction with radio communication system. Any use of such devices must be preapproved by the employee's supervisor and EHS.
ANSI S12.6-1997 is the most recent ANSI standard for radio style ear muff hearing protection. ANSI S3. 19-1974 is the previous standard. Either designation will be acceptable.
Program Evaluation:
This program will be formally audited once every four years. On an on-going basis, EHS will provide periodic training and awareness information on the importance of hearing conservation.