PDFWAC 296-307-630
Scope.
The purpose of this part 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:
(a) 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;
(b) Protecting employees from noise exposure by using feasible noise controls;
(c) Making sure employees use hearing protection, if the employer cannot feasibly control the noise;
(d) Training employees about hearing loss prevention;
(e) Evaluating the employer's hearing loss prevention efforts by tracking employee hearing or periodically reviewing controls and protection;
(f) Making appropriate corrections to the employer's program.
Reference: | Table 1 will help the employer determine the hearing loss prevention requirements for the workplace. For the specific requirements associated with Noise Evaluation Criteria, see WAC 296-307-63410 of this part. |
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 and – 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 |