Washington State University
SAFETY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

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Hearing Conservation

University units are responsible for minimizing employee exposure to hazardous noise levels.

Since exposure to noise which equals or exceeds the threshold of 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 decibels is potentially hazardous to hearing, University units must limit employee noise exposure to levels below this threshold.

Each employee exposed to an 8-hour TWA occupational noise of 85 decibels or greater, without regard to the use of hearing protection, is to be provided a hearing protection device, annual audiometric testing, and annual training. (WAC 296-817-20015)

Occupational noise exposures above 85 decibels 8-hour TWA are to be reduced using engineering and/or administrative controls. Where these controls are not feasible or insufficient, hearing protection is to be supplied to and worn by each affected employee.

Each affected employee must wear hearing protection when:

• Occupational noise exposures exceed 85 decibels 8-hour TWA, or


• Noise exceeds 115 decibels, or


• Impulse or impact noise meets or exceeds 140 decibels.

Supervisors are responsible for the following:

• Ensuring that employees receive and wear appropriate hearing protection when noise exposure exceeds the hearing threshold defined above.


• Requesting noise assessments from EH&S when appropriate.


• Requesting additional noise monitoring when processes or procedures change which affect noise levels.

Employees are responsible for the following:

• Wearing appropriate hearing protection when noise exposure exceeds the hearing threshold defined above.


• Using hearing protection as directed by the supervisor.


• Maintaining hearing protection equipment in good condition.


• Requesting additional noise monitoring when processes or procedures change which affect noise levels.

Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) is responsible for managing the hearing conservation program. EH&S coordinates noise monitoring, audiometric testing and training.

Direct questions regarding the hearing conservation program to EH&S; telephone 335-3041.

A copy of the full written program is available from EH&S.

Contact EH&S for noise exposure assessment if employees must raise their voices to be heard two feet away.

All employees covered by the hearing conservation program are required to have annual audiometric testing. Supervisors are responsible for providing EH&S with a list of affected employees who are eligible. EH&S arranges annual testing.

Employees covered by the hearing conservation program (i.e., those who work in locations where noise exposure exceeds the exposure threshold) receive training.

Each covered employee must receive annual training. Annual training includes the following topics: effects of noise on hearing, use of hearing protection, purpose of audiometric testing, and access to records. EH&S arranges annual training.

During employee orientation, the supervisor is to provide each covered employee with initial training regarding the use of and need for hearing protection.

Each department with employees in the hearing conservation program must post a copy of the hearing regulation (WAC 296-817-20015) on the safety bulletin board. Obtain copies of the hearing regulation from EH&S.