WAC 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 TWA 8 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 TWA 8 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 Criteria Description Requirements 85 dBA TWA 8 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 TWA 8 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