HomeMy WebLinkAboutHearing Conservation Policy Final
Policy Name:
City of Atascadero
Hearing Conservation Program
Policy Purpose:
This program contains provisions for appropriate hearing protection, annual
employee training and periodic environmental assessments.
To Whom Does The Policy Apply:
All City of Atascadero employees.
Rev 10/2015 Page 1 of 4 Hearing Conservation Program
I. PURPOSE
Title 8, California Code of Regulations, General Industry Safety Orders, Sections
5095-5100, mandates the implementation of a continuing, effective hearing
conservation program whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an
8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 85 decibels or, equivalently, a dose of
fifty percent. This program contains provisions for appropriate hearing protection,
periodic employee training and environmental assessments.
It is the policy of the City of Atascadero that no employee will be put at risk for
hearing damage by being exposed to noise levels exceeding the above stated 8
hour TWA without hearing protection; further, it is generally understood and
acknowledged that no employee of the City of Atascadero will encounter such
exposure exceeding an 8-hour TWA of 85 Dbs or greater during the normal
course of their work schedule.
All departments are responsible for protecting their employees from exposure to
excessive noise. This policy and procedure defines responsibilities for the
prevention of occupationally induced hearing loss in City of Atascadero
employees.
II. DEFINITIONS
The following terms are used in this document:
A. Decibel (dB): Unit of measurement of sound level
III. RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Administration / Department Managers
1. Implement a noise exposure control program within their area of
jurisdiction. The program shall include providing two types of
hearing protectors for employees to choose from and training on
proper use.
2. Assign responsibility for implementation to appropriate
Administration/Department staff.
3. Ensure that employees are protected against the effects of noise
exposure when sound levels exceed an 8-hour time weighted
average (TWA) of 85 decibels.
4. Ensure that full-time employees working in categories other than
administrative/clerical have initial hearing (audiometry)
assessments completed at time of hire, documentation of which
shall be maintained in the City’s personnel medical records.
Rev 10/2015 Page 2 of 4 Hearing Conservation Program
B. City Manager’s Office:
1. Implement a hearing conservation program with Administration,
Manager, and Supervisor assistance.
2. Coordinate regular periodic training of respective department
employees as required by CAL/OSHA standards.
3. Assist supervisors in the procurement, issuance, and proper
utilization of hearing protective equipment. The National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Compendium of
Hearing Protection Devices can be downloaded from
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/95-105.html.
4. Monitor supervisor’s assessments of employee compliance with
the Hearing Conservation Program and their documentation of
incidences of employees not wearing protectors as required.
5. Identify the need for:
a. Evaluation of employee noise exposures
b. Noise control
c. Assessment of hearing protective equipment relative to
employee noise exposure
d. Training for Administration, Managers, and Supervisors
C. Department Managers/Supervisors
1. Counsel all employees about the need to use protective
equipment whenever noise exposure may be encountered;
discipline employees if the policy is not followed.
2. Monitor employee program compliance to ensure proper personal
protective equipment is being used when needed.
3. Document incidences of employees not wearing hearing
protective equipment as required.
4. Evaluate noise hazard situations likely to be encountered in each
department on a case by case basis to ensure that no employee
is exposed to noise in excess of 85dB, in excess of an 8 hour time
weighted average (TWA).
Rev 10/2015 Page 3 of 4 Hearing Conservation Program
D. Employees
1. Comply with the City of Atascadero Hearing Conservation Policy.
2. Use protective equipment whenever hazardous noise exposure is
possible. Disciplinary measures may be taken if the policy is not
followed.
IV. Appendix: List of equipment which could cause exposure in excess of 85dB
Rev 10/2015 Page 4 of 4 Hearing Conservation Program
Appendix
City of Atascadero - List of Equipment which may operate in excess of 85dB:
•Chainsaws
*Rotary saws
•Positive pressure fans
•Generators
•Roto-hammers
•Chop saws
•Floto pumps
•Mini Stryker drafting pumps
•Jack hammers
•Engine pump when engaged pumping a fire
•Code 3 sirens
*Gunfire
•Bypass Pumps
•Vacuum Trailer
•String Trimmers
•Mowers
•Blowers
•Hedge Clippers