Table of Contents-Listed Numerically Table of Contents-Listed Alphabetically Links to Helpful Websites What's New in the Current Year Search for Policies and Procedures PPM Index by Subject

Section: 516-15
Effective: 5/1/98
Supersedes:
Issuing Office: Environmental Health & Safety
PPM 516-15 Policy [pdf format]


HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM


  1. REFERENCES

    California Code of Regulations, Title 8, General Industry Safety Orders

  2. POLICY

    It is the University's policy to protect employees from hearing loss due to occupational noise exposure by identifying, evaluating, and controlling those areas and jobs where the 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) is above 85 decibels. The Hearing Conservation Program is administered by the Office of Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S).

  3. PROCEDURES

    The Hearing Conservation Program is provided when an employee's noise level is above an 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA and consists of:

    1.  Assessment of employee noise exposure level

    2.  Implementation of engineering, administrative, and/or personal protective equipment controls to reduce noise levels

    3.  Audiometric tests: baseline, annual, and post employment

    4.  Employee training/education

    5.  Record keeping of noise exposure level, training log, and audiometric exam

  4. RESPONSIBILITIES

    1. Supervisor

      1. Contact EH&S if routine tasks require an employee to be exposed to excessive noise.

      2. Maintain noise producing equipment in good repair.

      3. Limit employees scheduled work time in a noisy area.

      4. Provide hearing protection appropriate for the measured noise levels.

      5. Coordinate employee training on hearing conservation and the proper use and care of hearing protectors.

      6. Ensure that audiometric tests are provided to employees exposed to noise levels 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA.

      7. Ensure that employees are in compliance with the Hearing Conservation Program.

    2. Employees

      1. Wear hearing protectors when using equipment exceeding 85 dBA or in designated hearing conservation areas.

      2. Attend hearing conservation classes offered by EH&S.

      3. Comply with the UCSD Hearing Conservation Program.

    3. Environment, Health and Safety

      1. Conduct noise monitoring to identify employees exposed to or areas exceeding the 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA.

      2. Provide hearing conservation training classes.

      3. Coordinate with Occupational/Environmental Medicine Center for audiometric tests.

      4. Inform employees of their noise exposure and audiometric test results.

      5. Maintain records of noise exposure measurements and audiometric tests.

      6. Provide consultation services on the selection of hearing protector and all aspects of the Hearing Conservation Program.