Hearing Conservation Program

Tarleton State University
Safety Department
October, 1998

A. INTRODUCTION

Tarleton State University is committed to providing a safe and healthful work environment for all of its employees. A part of this objective logically includes maintaining an acceptable noise environment. To accomplish this, appropriate research has been completed and the following standard operating procedures established.

B. BACKGROUND

Although Tarleton State University, as a state agency, is not required to comply with OSHA regulations, the following OSHA Standard is nationally recognized as the accepted guideline in the area of hearing conservation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Noise Standard, 29 CFR 1910.95 (a) and (b), established permissible employee noise exposures in terms of duration in hours per day at various sound levels. The standard defines the permissible exposure level (PEL) as that noise dose that would result from a continuous 8-hour exposure to a sound level of 90 dBA. This is a dose of 100%.

Since employees are not normally exposed to excessive noise levels for an 8-hour duration, TSU does not meet or exceed the limitations established as recognized guidelines. However, since some readings do exceed the 90 dBA standard and individual sensitivity thresholds may vary substantially, TSU will implement a Hearing Conservation Program.

C. SCOPE

The development of a Hearing Conservation Program first requires a noise survey. The survey was conducted during September and October, 1998. The procedures of the survey were:

• Identify work areas where excessive noise levels may exist. (i.e., mechanical rooms, HVAC areas, boiler/generator areas, etc.)
• Obtain sound level readings using a Realistic Category 42-3019 Sound Level Meter.
• Determine the areas where hearing protection will be required.

(The attached survey describes the areas where noise problems might occur and lists the subsequent readings obtained at those sites.)

Departmental procedures are in place to identify the appropriate employee responses when hearing risk areas are encountered. These procedures are located in section D. Hearing Conservation Program.

- 1 -

D. HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM

The TSU program will consist of

• Departmental procedures,
• Provision of hearing protection,
• Initial training,
• Required recordkeeping,
• Appropriate signage for designated areas, and
• Annual training of its affected employees.

1. Departmental procedures Table 1 indicates exposure rates which determine hearing protection requirements. The levels below 90 dBA do not require hearing protection of any kind as indicated by OSHA 1910.95(a). However, for example, if an employee encounters an area that has a survey reading of 95 dBA, then that worker may enter and be exposed for 1 hour twice a day. If survey readings exceed 110 dBA, then hearing protection is mandatory. Few areas on the Tarleton campus have readings of this magnitude. However it is the intent of the Safety office to ensure that employees are not exposed to noise levels of this intensity which may damage employees’ hearing.

Table 1 Maximum Daily Exposures

Sound level Maximum time per exposure Maximum daily exposures Below 90 No protection required. 90 – 100 *1 hour 2 per day 101 – 110 *½ hour 2 per day Above 110 Hearing protection required at all times.

*Hearing protection optional.

2. Provision of hearing protection TSU will provide, at no cost to its employees, hearing protection in the form of earplugs or earmuffs. Employees must take responsibility for their hearing health by acting in accordance with the TSU Hearing Conservation Program and contributing to their own education about hearing hazards.

3. Training Training will consist of an explanation of employee benefits of the program, purpose of hearing protectors, their advantages and disadvantages, and instructions on their selection, fit, use, and care.

- 2 -

Although noise may not seem to be excessive, after a period of time the cumulative effect can be insidious and permanent. Hearing aids only magnify sound; they cannot correct damage to the ear.

4. Recordkeeping The TSU Safety office will maintain any records pertaining to medical hearing problems.

5. Signage Warning signs will be placed at the entrances to areas where the noise levels are at or above the 90 dBA guideline. The signage will read:

Warning Hearing Protection Required for Prolonged Exposure!

6. Annual training Refresher training will be conducted annually. Since Maintenance and Control Center personnel are the most familiar with the operations and environment at these locations, these individuals should report any changes in the noise environment to their supervisors so that suggestions and/or reevaluations can be made by the Safety office. In this effort, changes and updates may be made to ensure that the work environment at TSU stays safe and healthful.

- 3 -