Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) Waterville ME 04901 Page 1 of 8
This written program and attached procedures will be reviewed annually per policy or as required under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Occupational Noise Exposure Standard (29 CFR 1910.95). The program and procedures are amended as necessary to address workplace changes which affect noise levels procedures, including but not limited to the following: Machine, equipment or process changes; Identified program or procedure deviations or inadequacies. REVISION DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE REVISION EFFECTIVE DATE A Initial program 06/2014 B Add Section 6.5.9 Removed Appendix C due to use of Safety Talk As of 10/1/2015 no updated equipment surveys from PPD supervision 10/2015 REVISION COMPLETED BY: NAME / COMPANY Wade Behnke, Wade Behnke, MANAGER APPROVAL / DATE Mark Crosby, Mark Crosby, Waterville ME 04901 Page 2 of 8
TABLE OF CONTENTS: 1.0 PURPOSE 2.0 SCOPE 3.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS 4.0 DEFINITIONS 5.0 RESPONSIBILITIES 6.0 PROGRAM COMPONENTS 7.0 TRAINING 8.0 RECORDS 9.0 ENFORCEMENT APPENDICES: Appendix A: Equipment/Area Noise Surveys Results Appendix B: Employee Noise Surveys Results Waterville ME 04901 Page 3 of 8
1.0 PURPOSE 1.1 The purpose of this HCP (Program) is to establish safe work procedures to protect Colby College employees from hearing loss injuries related to hazardous noise exposure. The Program complies with the requirements of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulation 29 CFR 1910.95, Occupational Noise Exposure. 2.0 SCOPE 2.1 The Program applies to all employees whose typical noise exposure exceeds the OSHA action level (85 dba), and to all employees who work on or around the equipment identified in the HCP. Only select PPD employees are exposed to hazardous noise above the OSHA action level. 3.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS 3.1 OSHA, Occupation Noise Exposure 29 CFR 1910.95 3.2 Equipment/Area Noise Surveys Results (Appendix A) 3.3 Employee Noise Surveys Results (Appendix B) 4.0 DEFINITIONS 4.1 Action Level: An 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels A-weighted (85 dba 8-hr TWA) established by OSHA. Personnel monitoring indicated that only Groundskeepers are exposed to noise levels above the action level. 4.2 Administrative Controls: Methods that limit an employee s exposure time to noise. This includes assigning the employee to less noisy areas in the workplace for a certain length of time so the employee shall not exceed the action level. 4.3 Audiogram Testing: Exams that measure the sensitivity of a person's hearing threshold in decibels as a function of frequency. 4.4 Decibels (db): A measure of the sound level (loudness). The decibel scale is a logarithmic scale; as an example, a 90 db noise is ten times louder than 80 db noise. 4.5 Decibels, A-Weighted (dba): The A weighted is the scale used for most occupational noise measurements. The A weighting approximates the range of human hearing by reducing the effects of lower and higher frequency noises with respect to the medium frequencies. 4.6 Hearing Conservation Program (HCP): Program established when employees are exposed to noise exceeding the Action Level. Program must include noise surveys, audiometric testing, hearing protectors, training, and recordkeeping requirements. 4.7 Hearing Protection Devices (HPD's): Personal protective equipment that is designed to be worn in the ear canal or over the ear to reduce the sound level reaching the ear drum. Examples include ear muffs or plugs. 4.8 Noise Dosimeter: An instrument worn by an individual that integrates the sound level exposure over a period of time. Waterville ME 04901 Page 4 of 8
4.9 Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): The Noise Reduction Rating of Hearing Protection Devices (HPD) indicates the theoretical amount of reduction of noise levels that can be achieved if the HPD is worn correctly. This rating is shown on the HPD packaging. 4.10 Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): 90 dba 8-hr TWA. 4.11 Sound: A vibration or pressure oscillation that is detectable by the ear drum. 4.12 Sound Level Meter: An instrument used for the measurement of noise in sound level surveys. 4.13 Standard Threshold Shift (STS): An average shift from the baseline measurement in either ear of 10 db or more at 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hz. These frequencies are the most important frequencies in communication and the most sensitive to damage by industrial noise exposure. See Section 3.5 Stanford Risk Management for a definition of a CAL-OSHA reportable STS. 4.14 Time-Weighted Average Sound Level (8-hr TWA): That sound level, which if constant over an 8-hour exposure, would result in the same noise dose measured in an environment where noise level varies. 5.0 RESPONSIBILITIES 5.1 Responsibilities for oversight and implementation of s HCP are assigned below. Identified personnel may designate tasks assigned to them to a qualified employee or vendor, as appropriate. 5.2 Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Director Provide as-needed assistance to PPD Supervision; Provide classroom training to PPD employees on all elements of the HCP and use of HPDs; Conduct employee noise monitoring using personal dosimeters and determine which job classifications are exposed to noise levels above the OSHA action level of 85 dba for 4 hours or longer; Maintain all employee monitoring records, audiogram results and training records; Communicate the results of the annual audiograms and noise monitoring data to applicable employees; and Administer and maintain the written Program. 5.3 PPD Supervision Verify that supervised employees have received HCP training and provided on the job training as needed; Monitor equipment used by employees and notify the EHS Director of potentially hazardous noise levels or changes; Label equipment or areas where HPDs are required; Maintain an adequate supply of HPD and ensure employees properly use them in required areas or with select equipment; Implement and enforce this Program; and Schedule and verify completion of annual audiograms (Groundskeeper Supervision only). Waterville ME 04901 Page 5 of 8
5.4 Impacted Employees Complete annual HCP and HPD awareness training; Employees potentially exposed above the action level (Groundskeepers) must take an annual audiogram arranged by Supervision; Comply with the requirements of this HCP and wearing HPDs in required areas/equipment; and Report new noise hazards to Supervision. 6.0 PROGRAM COMPONENTS 6.1 Noise Monitoring Procedure 6.1.1 The EHS Director and PPD Supervision will develop a sampling strategy and conduct representative noise monitoring. The intent of the monitoring will be to identify applicable employees for inclusion into the Hearing Conservation Program and to enable the proper selection of hearing protection. 6.1.2 All continuous, intermittent and impulsive sound levels from 80 to 140 dba shall be integrated into the computation of an 8-hr TWA. 6.1.3 Employees exposed at or above the action level shall be notified of the results of the monitoring by the EHS Director or Supervisors. 6.1.4 Employees' noise exposure shall be reassessed periodically as needed (i.e. following changes in processes, job responsibilities, equipment or when a STS is determined). 6.2 Personnel Noise Monitoring Results 6.2.1 To date, monitoring results indicate that Groundskeepers have the potential to be exposed above the action level and must be included in the HCP. 6.2.2 No other job classifications monitored at currently exceed the action level. 6.2.3 Current noise monitoring data is attached as Appendix B. 6.3 Audiometric Testing 6.3.1 Audiometric testing program shall be managed by Workplace Health (WPH), Waterville, Maine. 6.3.2 WPH physicians will review the results of the audiograms and determine, in the event of a standard threshold shift, if it is work related. 6.3.3 Baseline audiograms shall be provided for grounds employees at employment, and annually thereafter. 6.3.4 Ideally, baseline audiograms shall be preceded by at least 14 hours without exposure to workplace noise. This requirement may be met by wearing hearing protectors which will reduce the employee's exposure to a sound level of 80 dba or below. 6.3.5 Employees shall be informed in writing within 21 days by the EHS Director when an audiogram indicates a standard threshold shift which is determined to be work related. Waterville ME 04901 Page 6 of 8
6.4 Equipment 6.4.1 All equipment will be tested for noise levels, unless there is manufacturer s literature that specifically identifies noise levels produced. Where there are multiples pieces of the same equipment, a single sample is acceptable. 6.4.2 Supervisors will complete the surveys annually. Current survey results are included in the HCP as Appendix B. 6.4.3 A common sense approach will be utilized with new equipment until it can be surveyed and listed in Appendix B. 6.4.4 Any equipment with a noise level of 75 db or higher will be maintained on the list of annually Monitored Equipment in each PPD supervisor s office. 6.4.5 Supervisors will maintain the results of the equipment surveys in each shop. 6.4.6 All equipment determined to have a noise level of between 75db and 85db will be tagged with a sticker stating: Hearing Protection Recommended. 6.4.7 All equipment with noise exposure levels greater than 85db will be tagged with a sticker stating: Hearing Protection Required. 6.5 Hearing Protection Devices (HPD) Requirements 6.5.1 Colby PPD employees are exposed to a variety of noise levels through the course of a typical work day. Based on personal monitoring, only Groundskeepers have the potential for an 8-hour TWA of 90 dba or greater. As a protective measure for PPD employees, requires all PPD employees to use HPDs when operating select equipment or in identified high noise areas. Select equipment is identified in Appendix A and labeled Hearing Protection Required. 6.5.2 Hearing protectors shall be available to all Colby employees, at no cost to the employees. 6.5.3 Employees shall be given the opportunity to select their hearing protectors from a variety of suitable types. 6.5.4 Proper initial fitting, supervision and training on the correct use of hearing protectors shall be provided. 6.5.5 The EHS Director will evaluate hearing protector attenuation for the specific noise environments in which the protector will be used. Hearing protectors must attenuate the noise level to an 8-hour TWA of 90 dba or less. 6.5.6 For employees who have experienced a standard threshold shift, the attenuation must reduce the sound level to an 8-hour TWA of 85 dba or less. 6.5.7 Re-evaluation of hearing protectors shall be done whenever a workplace noise level increase renders the hearing protector's attenuation inadequate. Waterville ME 04901 Page 7 of 8
6.5.8 Areas at in which the noise level exceeds 85 dba have signs posted reading "Hearing Protection Required." 6.5.9 Employees may not wear earbuds or any other personal listening device under the HPD. Full time groundskeepers will be provided with hearing protection headsets with built in radios. 7.0 TRAINING 7.1 All PPD Employees will receive annual training through a PPD Safety Talk on the HCP. Specifically the training will cover the following topics. The effects of noise on hearing; The purpose, advantages, disadvantages, and attenuation of various types of hearing protectors; Instruction of proper fitting and care of protectors; and The purpose and procedures of audiometric testing. 8.0 RECORDS 8.1 Noise exposure measurement records shall be retained for at least 2 years by the EHS Director. 8.2 Audiometric test records shall be retained for the duration of the impacted employee's employment by the EHS Director. 8.3 Copies of the HCP will be maintained by the EHS Director, online on the EHS webpage, and in the main PPD office. 9.0 ENFORCEMENT 9.3 employees who fail to follow the responsibilities and procedures described in this Program will be subject to disciplinary action. Waterville ME 04901 Page 8 of 8
APPENDIX A: EQUIPMENT/AREA NOISE SURVEY RESULTS, Waterville ME 04901
COLBY COLLEGE CARPENTER SHOP Area Tested: Various portable and mounted power tools in the shop on 02/11/2014. Equipment: Radio Shack Digital Sound Meter Calibrated 2/11/2014. Set for high range, A weighting, slow response. Methodology: Measurements taken at normal operator s position. Atmosphere: Doors closed, dust collection system off, shop windows open. Equipment Tested dba Reading 10 Chop Saw 100 @ idle 107 @ work Panel Saw 98 @ idle 107 @ work 6 Chop Saw 99 @ idle 103 @ work Router Table Belt Sander Saw Stop Drill Press Planer Jointer Band Saw Grinder 92 @ idle 98 @ work 90 @ idle 93 @ work 84 @ idle 94 @ work 80 @ idle 83 @ work 77 @ idle 93 @ work 77 @ idle 92 @ work 77 @ idle 90 @ work 73 @ idle 97 @ work, Waterville ME 04901
COLBY COLLEGE CENTRAL STEAM PLANT Area Tested: Equipment operated in the steam plant on 11/12/13. Equipment: UEI - DSM100 digital sound meter, Set for high range, A weighting, slow response. Methodology: Measurements taken at normal operator s position. Conditions: Outside - 30 F., cloudy. Overhead door closed, 2 boilers operating, large feed pump and turbine generator in operation.. TEST LOCATION READING (In dba) Operator s Booth 75.0 Control Panel #3 90.0 At Turbine 96.0 Chemical Mix Area 87.0 Compressor (small) 87.0 Oil Pump Set 82.0 BioMass Operating Deck 92.0 Biomass Grinder 96.0 BioMass Control Room 71.0 Hydraulic Alley 87.0 Hand tools Saws All 86.0 Hand drill 87.0, Waterville ME 04901
COLBY COLLEGE GROUNDS CREW Area Tested: Various portable and mobile equipment used by the Grounds Crew Equipment: UEI - DSM100 digital sound meter, A weighting, slow response. Methodology: Measurements taken at normal operator s position. Equipment Tested dba Reading Buggys Toro Workman Mule NA @ idle 77 @ work 63 @ idle 78 @ work Mowers John Deer 1445 4wd Toro 2300-D Toro Z Master 1 Toro Z Master 2 w/leaf vac 79 @ idle 94 @ work 78 @ idle 86 @ work 82 @ idle 98 @ work 82 @ idle 99 @ work Tractors John Deer Loader Kubota M9000 Bobcat Toolcat 4600 Kubota Turf Tractor 69 @ idle 75 @ work 71 @ idle 81 @ work 74 @ idle 79 @ work 78 @ idle 90 @ work Sweepers Tennant 6600 Sweeper Toro Versa Vac Johnson Roadsweeper MX450 75 @ idle 88 @ work NA @ idle 94 @ work 70 @ idle 79 @ work, Waterville ME 04901
Chain Saws, Hedgetrimmers and Chippers Husq Chainsaw (Big) Husq Chainsaw (Small) Power Prune Pole Saw Wood Splitter Olathe Chipper 88 @ idle 108 @ work 89 @ idle 109 @ work 86 @ idle 97 @ work NA @ idle 93 @ work NA @ idle 95 @ work Trimmers, Blowers and Leaf Clean-up Stihl Handblower Stihl Backback Blower Echo Trimmer Billy Goat Leaf Blower Billy Goat Leaf Vac HTR 1600 NA @ idle 97 @ work NA @ idle 99 @ work 86 @ idle 97 @ work NA @ idle 95 @ work NA @ idle 91 @ work Miscellaneous Equipment Zamboni Ice Edger Forklift Ariens Snow Blower Pioneer Field Striper Powerbroom NA @ idle 91 @ work NA @ idle 95 @ work 75 @ idle 91 @ work 84 @ idle 93 @ work 78 @ idle 83 @ work 86 @ idle 96 @ work, Waterville ME 04901
COLBY COLLEGE MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL SHOP Area Tested: Equipment operated in the Electrical & Pipe Shop as well as various hand tools. Equipment: UEI - DSM100 digital sound meter, Set for high range, A weighting, slow response. Methodology: Measurements taken at normal operator s position. Conditions: Ambient noise levels present. TEST LOCATION Core Drill Hand Grinder Hand Drill Pipe Threader Diesel Generator Portable Gas Generator Drill Press READING (In dba) 97.0 @ work 99.0 @ work 94.0 @ work 82.0 @ work 112.0 @ idle 118 @ work 90.0 @ idle 105 @ work 87.0 @ work, Waterville ME 04901
APPENDIX B: EMPLOYEE NOISE SURVEY RESULTS, Waterville ME 04901