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Cal OSHA Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) Overview <br />Noise Assessment - Section 5097, (b) <br />An initial noise survey must be performed to document exposures for the various jobs and departments. This <br />will determine who is exposed to 85 dBA TWA or greater, the CaI OSHA Action Level, as well as which <br />employees are required to wear hearing protection (exposures above the Permissible Exposure Limits —Table <br />N -1). Dosimetry must be used if there are situations of variable noise levels, mobile positions, or a significant <br />component of impulse noise. Noise surveys must be repeated when there are changes to production, process, <br />equipment, or controls where more employees may be exposed or the hearing protectors are no longer <br />adequate. <br />Employer: Perform updated measurements that are triggered by changes in equipment, process, or controls. <br />Recommended to update readings at least every three years. Measurements to be taken by employer safety <br />personnel with Cal OSHA approved equipment. <br />Noise Abatement — Section 5096, (b) <br />When there are exposures above the Permissible Exposure Limits, feasible administrative or engineering <br />controls shall be used_ <br />Employer: Document any efforts to reduce employee noise exposures (eg: preventive maintenance to <br />equipment, purchase of new equipment that produces lower noise then previous / alternative equipment, <br />engineering controls). <br />Audiometric Testing — Section 5097. (c) <br />Baseline testing shall be performed on any employees exposed at or above 85 dBA TWA. It is strongly <br />recommended to baseline all employees, from a Worker's Compensation standpoint. Annual audiometric <br />testing must be performed on all employees exposed to 85 dBA TWA or greater. The annual testing must be <br />compared to the baseline (there are mathematical calculations for age- adjusted Standard Threshold Shifts <br />(STS's) and OSHA Log 300 recordability, so having a software program to track the data is very important). <br />An audiologist or physician must review "problem" audiograms and determine is further testing and /or <br />evaluation is warranted. These review reports need to be generated for documented follow -up with the <br />affected employees. �. <br />Emptoyer: Ensure annual audiometric testing is conducted on all required employees. Review report and <br />perform any required /recommended follow -up, as indicated. For employees who miss annual testing, ensure <br />that testing is performed either by CHH or a clinic_ If testing is performed at a clinic, forward results to CHH for <br />data processing ,and. audiologist. review_ <br />- - : r-'-� _ -�-- <br />„/ _ � <br />Em lo� ee education./ Trainin — Section 5099 <br />Annual training must be provided to a ,employees exposed to 85 dBA TWA or greater. The training must <br />include :a. effects of noise on hearing; purpose and procedure of annual audiometric testing; and instruction in <br />the proper fit�use,iand care of hearing protection devices. The Cal OSHA Standard must be available to all <br />employees -and permanently posted in a central work location. <br />Employer: Ensure annual employee education on hearing conservation to include the required topics_ <br />Document the training in terms of: date, presenter, employees in attendance, information reviewed. <br />