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INTRODUCTION <br /> _ The Hearing Conservation Program <br /> The federal Occupational Noise Exposure standard (29 CFR 1910.95) was passed into <br /> law on June 28, 1983 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA). <br /> The purpose of the law is to protect employees from noise-induced hearing loss as a <br /> result of noise hazards in the work place. The complete standard is shown in Appendix <br /> H. <br /> MN OSHA 5206.0500 states that where there is a reasonably foreseeable potential for <br /> exposure at a level which may be expected to approximate or exceed the permissible <br /> exposure limit or the applicable action level the employer must provide training to <br /> employees as required in part 5206.0700. <br /> A noise hazard can be measured by a device called a sound level meter. Generally,a <br /> noise hazard is described as an eight hour time-weighted average sound level of more <br /> than 90 decibels (dBA). <br /> Noise hazards must first be identified by monitoring the work place and then <br /> eliminated if possible. Employees must wear hearing protection devices in those areas <br /> where a noise hazard exists and they must undergo hearing tests to ensure the noise is <br /> not affecting their hearing ability. <br /> A continuing, effective hearing conservation program is required whenever employee <br /> noise exposures exceed the action level. The action level is described as an eight hour <br /> time weighted average of 85 dBA or more. Basic provisions of the program include: <br /> Exposure monitoring of noise hazards in the workplace <br /> Implementation of administrative or engineering controls,where feasible <br /> Employee notification of excessive noise levels and their involvement in <br /> the hearing conservation program <br /> Annual audiometric testing and necessary follow-up procedures <br /> Proper use, care,and availability of hearing protection devices <br /> Employee training regarding the effects of noise on hearing,etc. <br /> Recordkeeping and retention of records <br /> This manual contains a model, overview, forms, and appendices to assist in establishing and <br /> implementing a hearing conservation program. A glossary of terms used in this model is shown <br /> in Appendix IX. <br /> 1 <br />