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INTRODUCTION

Summary of Hearing Conservation Program Requirements

 

The Cornell University Hearing Conservation Program has been established to meet the requirements of The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) General Industry Standard "Occupational Exposure to Noise" Part 1910.95 and The Hearing Conservation Amendment as published in the Federal Register on March 8, 1983. The criteria is designed for those University personnel who, during their normal duties, experience an Occupational Noise Exposure as follows: A. The highest average sound level a worker can be exposed to is 90 decibels (dBA) averaged over an 8 hour work day. When this is identified, employee exposure will be reduced through the use of:

  1. Administrative controls: (i.e. rotating workers duties to decrease exposure time, posting signs in high noise areas and requiring the use of hearing protectors).
  2. Engineering controls: (i.e. install noise mufflers, increase maintenance and repair, use of quieter machines, enclose noisy areas, change the equipment or process).
  3. Personal protective equipment (PPE) (ear muffs and plugs). PPE will be used only when administrative or engineering controls fail to effectively reduce noise exposures, during implementation of engineering controls, or when engineering controls are not feasible.

B. If a worker is exposed to an average sound level of 85 dBA over an 8 hour day, then a Hearing Conservation Program will be implemented. Under the Hearing Conservation Program, the employer must:

  1. Develop and implement a noise exposure monitoring program.
  2. Notify employees of any noise exposure above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels.
  3. Provide employees with the opportunity to observe noise measurements.
  4. Establish an audiometric testing program.
  5. Provide employees with appropriate hearing protection.
  6. Institute an annual noise training program that discusses:
  7. a. The effects of noise on hearing.
  8. b. The purpose of hearing protectors.
  9. c. The purpose of audiometric testing.
  10. Provide access to noise information and training materials.
  11. Maintain records of employee exposure measurements.

DEFINITIONS

Action Level- An 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels measured on the A-scale, slow response, or equivalently, a dose of fifty percent.
Audiogram - A chart, table, or graph showing hearing threshold level as a function of frequency.
Audiologist - A professional, specializing in the study of hearing, who is certified by the American Speech, Hearing, and Language Association of licensed by a state board of examiners.
Audiometer - An instrument for measuring the threshold or sensitivity of hearing.
Audiometry - The measurement of hearing.
Background Noise - The total of all noise in a system of situation, independent of the presence of the desired signal.
Baseline Audiogram - An audiogram obtained on testing after a prescribed period of quiet (at least 14 hours). The audiogram against which future audiograms are compared.
Bone Conduction (BC) - The process by which sound is transmitted to the inner ear through the bones of the skull.
Cochlea - A spirally wound tube, resembling a snail shell, which forms part of the inner ear and contains the end organ of hearing.
Criterion Sound Level - A sound level of 90 decibels.
Decibel - A unit for measuring the loudness of sound. One-tenth of a bel.
Dosimeter (Noise Dosimeter) - An instrument which registers the occurrence and cumulative duration of noise exceeding a predetermined level at a chosen point in the environment or on a person.
Ear Protection - A device inserted into or placed over the ear in order to weaken air-conducted sounds.
Earmuff - A type of ear protector that encloses the entire outer ear.
Earplug - A type of ear protector that is inserted into the ear.
Frequency- The number of times per second that a sine-wave repeats itself. It is expressed in Hertz (Hz).
Hair Cell - Sensory cells in the cochlea which transform the sound wave into a nerve impulse.
Hearing Conservation - Those measures which are taken to reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
Hearing Loss -Impairment of auditory sensitivity.
Hearing Threshold Level- The amount by which the threshold of hearing for an ear exceeds a standard audiometric reference zero.
Hertz- Unit of measurement of frequency.
Middle Ear - A small cavity next to the ear drum.
Noise - Disturbing, harmful, or unwanted sound.
Occupational Hearing Loss - A permanent hearing loss sustained in the course of following an occupation or employment.
Organ of Corti - The end organ of hearing.
Otolaryngologist - A physician specializing in diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ear, nose and throat.
Permanent Hearing Loss- Hearing loss deemed to be irrecoverable.
Permanent Threshold Shift- That component of threshold shift which shows no progressive reduction with the passage of time when the supposed cause has been removed.
Permissible Exposure Level (PEL)- A noise exposure equivalent to an 8-hour time weighted average of 90 dBA; this represents a dose of 100 percent.
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 the exposures of other employees in that workplace.
Temporary Threshold Shift- That component of threshold shift which shows a progressive reduction with the passage of time after the apparent cause has been removed.
Threshold Shift- An elevation of the threshold of hearing of an ear.
Time-Weighted Average Sound Level- That sound level, which if constant over an 8-hour exposure, would result in the same noise dose as is measured.
Tinnitus- Ringing in the ear or noise sensed in the head.

HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM

1.1 General Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) develops, implements and manages safety and health programs for Cornell University faculty, staff and students. The control of safety and health hazards at the University is primarily through the implementation of engineering, work practice and administrative controls. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used to supplement these controls or whenever the controls are not feasible or are in the process of being implemented. PPE is also recommended whenever exposures to chemical, physical or biological agents can be prevented or reduced by its use. This Hearing Conservation Program is established to minimize employee exposure to the hazards of high noise levels. The program includes provisions for conducting noise level surveys, employee exposure monitoring, employee training & education, audiometric testing & evaluation, proper fitting and use of hearing protective devices, and recordkeeping. This written program establishes the procedures and requirements necessary to meet established standards and federal regulations for exposures to high noise levels and to provide the necessary health and safety protection to those falling within the jurisdiction of the program. Requirements outlined in this manual are mandatory in nature where the word "SHALL" is used and are advisory in nature where the word "SHOULD" is used.

SUMMARY OF PROGRAM EXECUTION

1.2 Hearing Conservation Program Execution The Hearing Conservation Program is administered by the Department of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) with audiometric and recordkeeping support from the Department of Health Services at the Gannett Health Center. An Industrial Hygienist and an Environmental Safety Technician provide all support services, noise exposure monitoring, evaluation, training and recordkeeping for the Hearing Conservation Program. EH&S provides a centralized facility for purchasing, fitting, and evaluating all on-site hearing protection devices.

1.3 Engineering and Administrative Controls

  The use of feasible engineering and administrative controls to reduce employee exposure to high noise levels is considered very important and will be given a high priority status.
  EH&S will identify areas that may require engineering controls to reduce high noise levels. The department will be responsible for the feasibility studies and/or design/construction costs associated with the appropriate engineering control selected. Engineers or representatives from acoustic manufacturers/distributors may be utilized to help identify and select engineering options available. Engineering controls used to reduce actual noise levels at the source will be given higher priority than the use of administrative controls.
  Administrative controls may be utilized if engineering controls are not feasible.

 

1.4 Hearing Protective Devices "Who Must Wear Hearing Protection Devices?"

  Hearing protection devices shall be made available to all employees that fall under the Hearing Conservation Program defined as the following:
  Employees who are exposed to noise levels at or above 85 dBA for an eight hour time weighted average (TWA).

 

How to Obtain Hearing Protection Devices

  EH&S maintains a supply of multiple types/styles of hearing protection devices. Employees or department representatives can purchase hearing protection devices with a department account number at EH&S.
  Individual departments may also maintain a supply of hearing protection devices.

RESPONSIBILITIES

2.0 Department Chairperson or Director The department chairperson or unit director is responsible for:

  Assuring the health and safety of employees, students and visitors in the Cornell University facilities under his/her control.
  Being kept informed of all areas under his or her jurisdiction where potential noise exposures exist and initiating protection programs that adhere to the hearing conservation requirements of this manual.
  Assuring that applicable hearing conservation program requirements for principal investigators, supervisors, or division heads, and University personnel under their supervision are adhered to.
  Ensuring that all employees within the hearing conservation program attend the required audiometric testing and follow-up exams as necessary.
  Ensuring mandatory employee participation in annual hearing conservation training.
  Provide and post warning labels/signage where required.

 

2.1 Principal Investigator or Supervisor Each person in charge of a research project, maintenance, service or renovation, or other activity where hearing protective devices may be or is required is responsible for:

  Identifying, with the assistance of personnel from EH&S, those employees who may need hearing protective devices and scheduling them for required training under the hearing conservation program.
  Requesting assistance from EH&S in evaluating new operations that may introduce new or additional noise exposures.
  Enforcing the use of hearing protective devices and other requirements when applicable.
  Keeping the department chairperson or director informed of any actions proposed or taken regarding the Hearing Conservation Program.

 

2.2 Employee Any Cornell University employee or person, who is required under the Hearing Conservation Program to wear hearing protection or who participates in the Hearing Conservation Program, is responsible for:

Maintenance and care of hearing protective devices shall include the following:

a) Inspection for defects. Discard and replace defective protective devices.
b) Cleaning and disinfecting for non-disposable protective devices.
c) Proper storage.

  Utilizing the issued hearing protective devices in accordance with instruction and training provided by EH&S personnel. This includes maintaining the hearing protection in a clean condition and ready to use at all times.
  Informing his/her supervisor of any personal health problems that could be aggravated by the use of hearing protective devices.
  Using only those brands and types of hearing protection for which they have been trained and fitted.
  Maintenance and care of their hearing protective devices.
  Attending annual hearing conservation training program.
  Participation in audiometric testing program.

 

2.3 Department of Environmental Health & Safety EH&S is responsible for performing the following functions:

a) Ensuring appropriate and periodic noise exposure monitoring to identify employees who fall under the Hearing Conservation Program.

 

This is accomplished by performing initial area noise monitoring in areas where high noise levels are anticipated and then conducting personal noise exposure monitoring in areas where noise levels may exceed the action limit of 85 dBA and where employees spend a substantial amount of time during their work day.

b) Providing instruction on the need for hearing protection, criteria for selecting hearing protection devices, and fitting, use, and maintenance.
  Issuing the approved hearing protective devices and providing the following additional services:
  Coordinating with University Health services an audiometric testing program for hearing conservation.
  Acting on a consulting basis for hearing conservation implementation and improvements.

c) Conducting required annual training of the Hearing Conservation Program and working jointly with departments to schedule training. d) Identify high noise areas where labeling/signage is required. e) Noise exposure recordkeeping.

2.4 University Health Services University Health Services is responsible for providing required audiometric testing, recordkeeping, and meeting requirements of the audiometric testing program as per OSHA 1910.95 University Health Services may also refer employees to specialists such as the Ithaca College Ewing Speech and Hearing Clinic for further consultation.

REQUIREMENTS

3.0 Employee Noise Exposure Monitoring Initial "area noise monitoring" is conducted utilizing either a sound level meter or a noise dosimeter. A space inventory plan (floor plan) is used for recording noise levels throughout the facility in areas where elevated noise levels are anticipated. Sources which produce high noise levels are identified and demarcated on the floor plan. Noise level measurements are taken and recorded at various locations and distances from the source. Typically a north-south-east-west, 2' - 4' - 8' - 16' measurement interval strategy is used. When information indicates that any employee's exposure may equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA, EH&S shall develop and implement a noise exposure monitoring program. The sampling strategy shall be designed to identify employees by work task (job classification) who are exposed to noise levels that meet or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels. Personal exposure monitoring is conducted utilizing a noise dosimeter worn by the employee throughout his/her workshift. The noise exposure data is then downloaded by computer and results are reviewed and evaluated by an Industrial Hygienist. All noise exposure data (both area and personal monitoring results) are entered into a Filemaker Pro program. This program will then be used to identify facilities, departments, and employees by job classification that fall within the requirements of the Hearing Conservation Program. Monitoring shall be repeated whenever a change in production process, equipment or controls increases noise exposures to the extent that:

  Additional employees may be exposed at or above the action level.
  The attenuation provided by hearing protectors being used by employees may be rendered inadequate to meet the requirements of this program.

 

3.1 Employee Notification The Department shall notify in writing, each employee exposed at or above an 8-hour time weighted average of 85 decibels of the results of the monitoring. EH&S shall provide copies of results for all employees exposed at or above the 85 dBA TWA to the Department.

3.2 Observation of Monitoring EH&S shall provide affected employees or their representatives with an opportunity to observe any noise measurements conducted. This should be arranged through the department supervisor.

3.3 Audiometric Testing Program University Health Services shall establish and maintain an audiometric testing program as required by making audiometric testing available to all employees whose exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels. The program shall be provided at no cost to employees. Each employee's annual audiogram shall be compared to that employee's baseline audiogram to determine if the audiogram is valid and if a standard threshold shift has occurred. If the annual audiogram shows that an employee has suffered a standard threshold shift, University Health Services may obtain a retest within 30 days and consider the results of the retest as the annual audiogram. If a standard threshold shift is indicated, the employee shall be informed of this fact in writing within 21 days of the determination. Unless a physician determines that the standard threshold shift is not work related or aggravated by occupational noise exposure, the employer shall ensure that the following steps are taken when a standard threshold shift occurs:

  Employees not using hearing protectors shall be fitted with hearing protectors, trained in their use and care, and required to use them.
  Employees already using hearing protectors shall be refitted and retrained in the use of hearing protectors and provided with hearing protectors offering greater attenuation if necessary.
  The employee shall be referred for a clinical audiological evaluation or an otological examination, as appropriate, if additional testing is necessary or if the employer suspects that a medical pathology of the ear is caused or aggravated by the wearing of hearing protectors.

If 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, the employer:

  Shall inform the employee of the new audiometric interpretation; and
  May discontinue the required use of hearing protectors for that employee.

 

3.4 Hearing Protectors Cornell University shall make hearing protectors available to all employees exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or greater at no cost to employees. It should also be noted that EH&S recommends that all employees exposed to noise levels in excess of 80 dBA be given hearing protective devices and associated training at no cost to employees. Hearing protectors shall be replaced as necessary. Hearing protectors shall also be provided to any employee who:

  Has not yet had a baseline audiogram established.
  Has experienced a standard threshold shift.

 

Employees shall be given the opportunity to select their hearing protectors from a variety of suitable hearing protectors. EH&S shall provide training in the use and care of all hearing protectors provided to employees. The supervisor shall ensure the correct use of all hearing protectors.

3.5 Hearing Protector Attenuation EH&S shall evaluate hearing protector attenuation for the specific noise environments in which the protector will be used. Hearing protectors must attenuate employee exposure at least to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 90 decibels. For employees who have experienced a standard threshold shift, hearing protectors must attenuate employee exposure to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or below. The adequacy of hearing protector attenuation shall be reevaluated whenever employee noise exposures increase to the extent that the hearing protectors provided may no longer provide adequate attenuation.

3.6 Training Program EH&S shall institute a training program for all employees who are exposed to noise at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, and the department shall ensure employee participation in this program. The training shall be conducted annually for each employee included in the hearing conservation program. The training shall include:

  The effects of noise on hearing.
  The purpose of hearing protectors, the advantages, disadvantages, and attenuation of various types, and instructions on selection, fitting, use, and care.
  The purpose of audiometric testing, and an explanation of the test procedures.

 

3.7 Access to Information EH&S shall make available to affected employees or their representatives copies of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) General Industry Standard Part 1910.95 and The Hearing Conservation Amendment as published in the Federal Register on March 8, 1983. The department shall post a copy in the workplace. A copy of this written program will be distributed to all Departments whose employees fall within the Hearing Conservation Program. The Department will ensure the availability of this written program to all affected employees.

3.8 Recordkeeping EH&S shall maintain an accurate record of all employee exposure measurements. Noise exposure measurement records shall be retained for two years. University Health Services shall retain all employee audiometric test records for the duration of the affected employee's employment. All records shall be provided upon request to employees, former employees, representatives designated by the individual employee, and the Assistant Secretary.

 

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