SAINT MARY S COLLEGE OF CALIFORNIA STANDARD HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM. Prepared by SAINT MARY S COLLEGE OF CA MORAGA, CA KAREN LAURICELLA

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1 SAINT MARY S COLLEGE OF CALIFORNIA STANDARD HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM Prepared by SAINT MARY S COLLEGE OF CA MORAGA, CA KAREN LAURICELLA Original Date: 3 June 2003 Effectivity: Revision: NC Approval Reference: 1.1.2(NC) (kal) UPON RELEASE Release Date: Released By: JULY K. Lauricella Approval Date: N/A N/A

2 APPROVAL SIGNATURE PAGE HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM Joe Kehoe Executive Director, Physical Plant Charles Nikkel Superintendent Karen Lauricella Manager, Environmental Health and Safety Ann Kelly Director,Employee Benefits Michael Ferrigno Vice President, Planning and Facilities i

3 REVISIONS REV DATE PARAGRAPH CHANGE DESCRIPTION 07/28/04 Annual Review and Revisions: ii

4 CONTENTS 1. SCOPE AUTHORITY AND REFERENCE APPLICATION DEFINITIONS BACKGROUND ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMPLIANCE NOISE MONITORING AUDIOMETRIC TESTING EVALUATION PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT EMPLOYEE EDUCATION RECORDKEEPING PROGRAM EVALUATION NUISANE NOISE...13 TABLES Table I. Permissible Noise Exposures...7 ATTACHMENTS Attachment I. Attachment II. Attachment III. Hearing Protection Equipment Summary Sample Standard Threshold Shift (STS) Letter Noise Exposure Areas iii

5 HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM 1. SCOPE The purpose of this Hearing Conservation Program is to prevent occupational hearing loss and comply with the Cal-OSHA Standard (Title 8, section 5097) Hearing Conservation Program. It specifies roles and responsibilities of Saint Mary s College (SMC) and its employees. It applies to the management of all employees occupationally exposed and/or potentially exposed to harmful noise. 2. AUTHORITY AND REFERENCE (a) General Industry Safety Orders, Section 5097, of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR); Group 15, Article 105, Sections 5095 thru (b) Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR),Subpart-G, Section (29 CFR ). 3. APPLICATION Cal-OSHA, Title 8, section 5097 has established a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for occupational noise exposure, and requirements for audiometric testing, hearing protection, and employee training if the sound levels are exceeded. This regulation defines an "action level" (AL) as a "dose" of 50%, which is equivalent to an eight-hour time weighted average of 85 dba. When noise levels exceed this amount, an effective hearing conservation program is required, which includes as a minimum: (a) (b) (c) Noise monitoring Audiometric testing Hearing protectors (d) Education and training (e) Recordkeeping 1

6 NOTE: The Cal-OSHA regulation only indicates a minimum level of hearing protection and focuses on permanent hearing loss. Short duration of noise, especially sharp bursts of noise at these levels can not only induce hearing loss but can also affect an employee's health and safety in other ways. (See Table I). 4. DEFINITIONS (a) Action Level (Hearing): An 8-hour time weighted average of 85 decibels measured on the A-scale, slow response, or equivalently, a dose of fifty percent. (b) Annual Audiogram: Given at least annually to all employees who are exposed at or above an 8 hour time weighted average of 85 decibels (c) Audiogram: A chart, graph, or table resulting from an audiometric test showing an individual s hearing threshold levels as a function of frequency. (d) Audiologist: A professional, specializing in the study and rehabilitation of hearing, which is certified by the American Speech, Hearing and Language Association or licensed by a state board of examiners. (e) Audiometer (Audiometric Booth): The purpose of an audiometric testing booth is to provide an environment in which accurate audiograms may be obtained. (f) Baseline Audiogram: The audiogram against which future audiograms are compared. Usually accomplished within the first six months of an employee s first exposure at or above the action level. (g) Continuous Noise: When the variation in noise levels involve maximal at intervals of 1 second or less, the noise is to be considered continuous. Noise with negligibly small fluctuations of level within the period of observation (ANSI S : stationary noise; steady noise) (h) Criterion Sound Level A sound level of 90 decibels 2

7 (i) dba (Decibels A weighted): A unit of measurement of sound level corrected to the A-weighted scale reference level 20 micropascals. This is the scale that approximates the ear s response to moderate-level sounds, is commonly used in measuring noise to evaluate its effect on humans and has been incorporated in many occupational noise standards. (j) dbc (Decibels C weighted): A unit representing the sound level measured with the C weighting network on a sound level meter. (k) Decibel (db): Unit of measurement of sound level (l) Facility Hearing Conservation Program Manager (HCPM): The responsible individual will be the Manager of EH&S or their designee. See 29 CFR (m) Frequency: For a function periodic in time, the reciprocal of the period. Unit, hertz (Hz) (ANSI S : frequency) (n) Hazardous Noise: Noise levels exceeding 85 decibels A weighted. (o) Hearing Protector: Defined by NIOSH as any thing that can be worn to reduce the level of sound entering the ear. Any device designed to reduce the level of sound reaching the eardrum. (Ear muffs, ear canal caps, and earplugs) (p) Hertz: Unit of measurement of frequency, numerically equal to cycles per second (q) Impulsive Noise: Is characterized by a sharp rise and rapid decay in sound levels and is less tan 1 sec in duration. For the purpose of this standard, it refers to impact or impulse noise. Typically 140 decibels (r) Medical Pathology: A disorder or disease. For the purpose of this regulation/standard, a condition or disease affecting the ear which could be treated by a physician specialist. (s) Noise: Unwanted sound, whether hazardous or not. (t) Noise Dosimeter: An instrument that integrates a function of sound pressure over a period of time in such a manner that it directly indicates a noise dose. 3

8 (u) Noise Reduction Rating: was designed to function as a simplified descriptor of the amount of protection provided by a given device. It was intended to be used to calculate exposure under the hearing protector by subtracting the NRR from the C weighted unprotected sound level. 29 CFR , Appendix B describes the methods in which the NRR can be used. (v) Otolaryngologist: a physician specializing in diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ear, nose, and throat. (w) Permanent Threshold Shift: Permanent increase in the threshold of audibility for an ear. (x) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is defined as the maximum permitted eight (8) hour work day and 40 hour work week which is believed that nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed to without adverse health effects. Limits established by OSHA. (y) Representative Exposure: Measurements of an employee s noise dose or 8 hour time weighted average sound level that the employer deems to be representative of exposures of other employees in the workplace. Usually 7 hours out of 8-hour workday or 9 hours out of 10 hour work day. (z) Sound: A transfer of energy through air molecules causes by a vibrating source. The vibration is nothing more than a disturbance of normal atmospheric pressure. (aa) Sound Level: Ten time the common logarithm of the ratio of the square of the measurements of A weighted sound pressure to the square of the standard reference pressure of 20 micropascals. For the purpose of this standard SLOW time response will be used in accordance with ANSI S (R1976), is required. (bb) Sound Level Meter: An instrument for the measurements of sound level. (cc) Speech Range: The "speech range" is defined as the average of the frequencies at 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 Hz. It is what can be heard at approximately 3 feet without raising your voice. 4

9 (dd) Standard Threshold Shift (STS): is a change in hearing threshold relative to the baseline audiogram of an average of 10 db or more at 2000, 3000, or 4000 Hz in either ear. NIOSH indicates that the threshold shift will warrant follow-up action to prevent further or permanent hearing loss. The purpose of the Standard Threshold Shift calculation is for the STS that may be occupationally related. However, STS s may also be the results of head colds, earwax, off-job exposure and other medical problems. Method of early detection of hearing loss. 5

10 5. BACKGROUND (a) Occupational noise can cause hearing loss, and increase the worker's susceptibility to other workplace health concerns. Workplace exposure to noise may produce hearing loss of a neural type involving injury to the inner ear hair cells. The loss of hearing may be temporary or permanent. Brief exposure may cause a temporary loss. Repeated exposure to high noise levels may cause a permanent loss. (b) Permanent hearing loss is preventable with the continued use of proper hearing protection and reduction of workplace noise levels to below 85 decibels where feasible. 6. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMPLIANCE The administration of this program will be the responsibility of the EH&S Department. Administrative responsibilities include: (a) Coordination and supervision of noise exposure monitoring. (b) Identification of employees to be included in the Hearing Conservation Program. (c) Coordination and supervision of audiometric testing program. (d) Supervision of hearing protector selection. (e) Development of policies relating to the use of hearing protectors. (f) Supervision of employee training programs. (g) Coordination and supervision of required recordkeeping. 6

11 Table I. Permissible Noise Exposures T-8, section 5097, appendix A, table A-1 DURATION (HOURS) SOUND LEVEL SLOW RESPONSE

12 (h) Annual evaluation of overall program. (i) Coordination of required changes/improvements in the program. (j) Identification and labeling of work areas requiring the use of hearing protection. 7. NOISE MONITORING (a) Noise exposure measurements will be conducted whenever exposures are expected or indicated to be greater than 80 dba. (b) The Manager of the EH&S Department will coordinate noise monitoring activities with assistance from staff and any outside contractor deemed necessary. Employees will be informed of their right to observe any measurements and monitor activities of potential noise exposures conducted under this program. (c) The list of areas that are either required to, or recommended to, wear hearing protection and results of the noise exposure measurements (that are available) will be recorded on Attachment 3 and will be communicated in writing to those affected, monitored, employees. 8. AUDIOMETRIC TESTING (a) Audiometric testing will be performed on all employees whose exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour TWA of 85 decibels (action level). (b) Audiometric testing will be provided at no cost to employees. (c) Audiometric testing will be performed by a licensed or certified audiologist, otolaryngologist, or other physician, or by a technician who is certified by the Council of Accreditation satisfactorily in Occupational Hearing Conservation, or who has demonstrated competence in administering audiometric examinations. A technician who performs audiometric tests must be responsible to an audiologist, otolaryngologist or physician. 8

13 (d) (e) Baseline Audiogram. A baseline audiogram will be conducted as soon as possible, but no later than 6 months, after an employee's first exposure above the action level, in order to establish a valid baseline audiogram against which subsequent audiograms can be compared. Mobile test van exception. Where mobile test vans are used to meet the audiometric testing obligation, the Occupational Health Coordinator will obtain a valid baseline audiogram within 1 year of an employee's first exposure at or above the action level. Where baseline audiograms are obtained more than 6 months after the employee's first exposure at or above the action level, employees will wear hearing protectors for any period exceeding six months after first exposure until the baseline audiogram is obtained. (f) Testing to establish a baseline audiogram will be preceded by at least 14 hours without exposure to workplace noise. Hearing protectors may be used as a substitute for the requirement that baseline audiograms be preceded by 14 hours without exposure to workplace noise. (g) The EH&S Manager will notify employees of the need to avoid high levels of non-occupational noise exposure during the 14-hour period immediately preceding the audiometric examination. (h) Audiograms will be conducted at least annually after obtaining the baseline audiogram for each employee exposed at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels. (i) The EH&S Manager will maintain a record of all employee audiometric test records. This record will include: (1) Name and job classification of the employee. (2) Date of the audiogram. (3) The examiner's name. (4) Date of the last acoustic or exhaustive calibration of the audiometer. 9

14 9. EVALUATION Employee's most recent noise exposure assessment: (a) Each employee's annual audiogram will be compared to his/her baseline audiogram, by a qualified evaluator, to determine if a Standard Threshold Shift (STS) has occurred. (b) Cal-OSHA defines a Standard Threshold Shift as a change in hearing threshold relative to the baseline of an average of 10dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear. (c) In determining if a Standard Threshold Shift has occurred, an allowance can be made for the contribution of aging (presbycusis). The age correction values to be used are found in Appendix F of T-8, Section (d) If an annual audiogram indicates that an employee has incurred a Standard Threshold Shift, the person will be scheduled for a retest within 30 days to determine if the threshold shift is persistent. (e) The following procedures will be implemented if a comparison of the baseline audiogram indicates a persistent Standard Threshold Shift: (1) Employees not using hearing protectors will be trained, fitted, and required to use hearing protectors if they are exposed to an 8 hour TWA average sound level of 85 decibels or greater. (2) Employees already using hearing protectors will be retrained, refitted, and required to use hearing protectors. Additional hearing protective devices may be required to increase the noise reduction rating. (3) The EH&S Manager will inform the employee, in writing, within 21 days of this determination, of the existence of a permanent Standard Threshold Shift (See Attachment 2). A copy of the STS letter will also be sent to the employee's supervisor, and a copy placed in the employee's file. (4) The EH&S Manager will counsel the employee on the importance of using hearing protectors and refer the employee for further clinical evaluation if necessary. 10

15 (f) Persistent significant threshold shifts, that are a work-related hearing loss averaging 25 db or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 hertz in either ear, must be entered on the OSHA 300 Log, (Form 300 starting on January 15, 2002) within 2 days of determining the existence of a permanent STS. NOTE: Beginning January 1, 2004, the STS will be 10 db or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 hertz in one or both ears. (g) If a subsequent audiometric testing of an employee whose exposure to noise is less than an 8-hour TWA of 90 decibels indicates that a Standard Threshold Shift is not persistent, then the EH&S Manager shall: (1) Inform the employee in writing of the new audiometric interpretation within 21 days of receiving the results, and place a copy in the employee's file. (2) Discontinue the required use of hearing protectors for that employee. 10. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (a) The EH&S Department and all supervisors shall ensure the hearing protectors are worn: (1) By any employee who is subjected to sound levels equal to or exceeding an 8-hour TWA of 90 decibels. (2) By any employee who has experienced a persistent Standard Threshold Shift and who is exposed to an 8-hour TWA of 85 decibels or greater. (3) By any employee who has not had an initial baseline audiogram and who is exposed to an 8-hour TWA of 85 decibels or greater. (b) Employees will be given the opportunity to select their hearing protectors from a variety of suitable hearing protectors at no cost to the employee. (c) The EH&S Manager or Training Coordinator will provide training in the use and care of all hearing protectors. 11

16 (d) The EH&S Manager will ensure proper initial fitting and initially implement the correct use of all hearing protectors. (e) Employees will be held accountable for properly using, storing and maintaining the hearing protection equipment provided to them. (f) The EH&S Department will evaluate the attenuation characteristics of the hearing protectors to ensure that a given protector will reduce the individual's exposure to the required decibels (T-8, section 5097, appendix E). (1) If the 8-hour TWA is over 90 decibels, then the protector must attenuate the exposure to at most an 8-hour TWA of 90 decibels or below. (2) If the protector is being worn because the employee experienced a Standard Threshold Shift, then the protector must attenuate the exposure to an 8-hour TWA of 85 decibels or below. (3) If employee noise exposures increase to the extent that the hearing protectors provided may no longer provide adequate attenuation, the employee will be provided more effective hearing protectors, or other means of reducing noise exposure. (g) It is the responsibility of the supervisor to ensure that hearing protectors are worn by all employees who are exposed to noise levels at or above an eight hour TWA of 90 decibels or if the employee experienced a permanent STS or has not yet had a baseline audiogram. 11. EMPLOYEE EDUCATION An annual training program for affected employees will be conducted by the mobile audiogram testing company or the EH&S Manager and will include information on: The effects of noise on hearing. (a) The purpose and proper use of hearing protectors. (b) The advantages and disadvantages of various types of hearing protection. (c) Instructions in the selection, fitting, use and care of hearing protectors. (d) The purpose of audiometric testing and an explanation of the test procedures. 12

17 12. RECORDKEEPING (a) Noise exposure measurement records will be retained for a minimum of three years. Audiometric test records will be retained for the duration of the affected workers employment plus ten years. (b) All records required by this program shall be provided upon request to employees, former employees, official representatives designated in writing by the individual employee, the Assistant Secretary of the Chief, (of Cal-OSHA), and the Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (c) If the employer ceases to do business, the employer shall transfer to the successor employer all records required to be maintained by this program, and the successor employer shall retain them for the remainder of the period prescribed by this program. (d) The EH&S Manager shall make available to affected employees or their official representatives copies of Article 105, (of Cal- OSHA) Control of Occupational Noise, and shall post a copy in the workplace. Also, the EH&S Manager or Human Resources Director shall provide to affected employees any informational materials that are supplied to SMC by U.S. Dept. of Labor, OSHA. 13. PROGRAM EVALUATION At least annually, the Hearing Protection Program will be evaluated by the EH&S Department. After the evaluation, any necessary program changes/revisions will be made as soon as possible. 14. NUISANCE NOISE Although not a regulatory requirement under Article 105.Control of Noise Exposure, the general noise level of the work environment at SMC shall stay below 40 decibels. A level greater than this is considered nuisance noise and, upon discovery, steps will be taken to engineer out any nuisance noise contributor(s). Any employee can request, in writing to the EH&S Manager, a survey of their work area. No immediate corrective action will be taken if the level is below 40 decibels. 13

18 ATTACHMENT I Hearing Protection Equipment Summary EQUIPMENT NRR RATING Ear Muff i.e., Howard Leight (Lighting or similar type) Foam Various Types - Disposable I-1

19 ATTACHMENT II Sample Standard Threshold Shift (STS) Letter June 4, 2003 Employee Name Employees Home Address Dear (Employee Name), SUBJECT: AUDIOGRAM RESULTS The results of your recent Audiogram demonstrates a change to your hearing in (which ear or both ears ). This is labeled a "Standard Threshold Shift." Various reasons can cause a change in the audiogram such as age, ear infection at time of testing, and excessive noise at the time of testing either at work or home. Since the annual audiogram indicates that you have incurred a Standard Threshold Shift, we will schedule you for a retest within 30 days to verify if the threshold shift is present. Your re-test will be conducted at (Name of Occ. Health Clinic), (Address of Clinic), (City), California. Please see me or call me at (925) for your appointment day and time. The results of the re-test will be discussed with you at the time of your appointment, and a copy of the results and any recommendation by the doctor will be mailed to the College to my attention. We will discuss these recommendations upon your return to work. Sincerely, Karen Lauricella EH&S Manager Saint Mary s College of Calif. cc: Employee's File, Employee s Supervisor II-1

20 ATTACHMENT III Noise Exposure Areas Potential Noise Hazards Areas That Either Require or are Recommended to Wear Hearing Protection MACHINE OR PROCESS Mowers Mowers Blowers Blowers Weed Eaters Weed Eaters BUILDING NAME or AREA Interior Campus Outside Perimeter Interior Campus Outside Perimeter Interior Campus Outside Campus Sub-AREA OR Room Number NOISE MEASUREMENT (IF AVAILABLE) HEARING PROTECTION REQUIRED X X X X HEARING PROTECTION RECOMMENDED Circular Saw Lathe Planar Milling Compressor * Engineering Evaluation Needed for possible Sound Suppression. ** Wearing Hearing protection when working on operating equipment. *** Noise Level testing needed. III-1

21 MACHINE OR PROCESS BUILDING NAME Or AREA SUB-AREA OR ROOM NUMBER NOISE MEASUREMENT (IF AVAILABLE) HEARING PROTECTION REQUIRED HEARING PROTECTION RECOMMENDED Compressor Compressor Compressor Compressor Drill Press Jack Hammer Nail Gun ConcreteSaw Work Areas around Welders Table Saw Metal Cut Saw Sawall Tractor Tractor Tractor Backhoe Riding Mower Roto Hammer Grinder Grinder * Engineering Evaluation Needed for possible Sound Suppression. ** Wearing Hearing protection when working on operating equipment. *** Noise Level testing needed. III-2

22 MACHINE OR PROCESS BUILDING NAME or AREA SUB-AREA OR ROOM NUMBER NOISE MEASUREMENT (IF AVAILABLE) HEARING PROTECTION REQUIRED HEARING PROTECTION RECOMMENDED * Engineering Evaluation Needed for possible Sound Suppression. ** Wearing Hearing protection when working on operating equipment. *** Noise Level testing needed. III-3

23 MACHINE OR PROCESS BUILDING NAME or AREA SUB-AREA OR ROOM NUMBER NOISE MEASUREMENT (IF AVAILABLE) HEARING PROTECTION REQUIRED HEARING PROTECTION RECOMMENDED * Engineering Evaluation Needed for possible Sound Suppression. ** Wearing Hearing protection when working on operating equipment. *** Noise Level testing needed. III-4