OSHA's Hearing Conservation Standard requires employers to measure noise levels in the workplace and if the levels are above the standard of the level of 85dB(A) time weighted average exposure. Operations where noise levels are less than the 85 dB(A) are exempt from the standard. And, the only way to prove your facility is exempt is by performing noise measurement testing. While this may seem to be an extreme measure, in the long run it can prove beneficial to your operation as you will not be required to implement a hearing conservation program.
A hearing conservation program consists of the following:
- Designation of personnel responsible for developing and overseeing the program
- Develop a facility wide noise level map
- Identify employees covered by the standard and classify them according to their noise level exposure
- Develop a written hearing conservation program
- Purchase necessary hearing protectoin
- Assign storage location
- Train employees covered by the hearing conservation program
- Perioidically review the program and employee compliance.