Hearing Conservation Program http://ehs.psu.edu/hearing-conservation/overview EHS Contact: Mike Burke, 814-865-6391 Who does this program apply to? All University employees and students who operate gas powered or other equipment or who work “noisy” in areas. Contact EHS is you have questions on making this determination. “noisy” Rule-of-thumb for areas or equipment: If you must raise your voice to clearly “noisy” communicate with someone 3 feet away you need hearing protection. Contact EHS to confirm they are aware of the noise source. What are the key requirements of this program? Sound level testing by EHS. Development and implementation of engineering controls, where possible. Proper selection and use of hearing protection when engineering controls are not possible. Annual hearing testing and training for affected employees. Safety Officers, Facility Coordinators, Managers and Supervisors must: Maintain a listing of affected employees in their units. Coordinate annual hearing testing and training. Ensure employees and students select and properly use hearing protection when needed. Notify EHS of new possible noise sources so sound level testing can be conducted as needed. “loud” Purchase when possible when replacing equipment, etc. “quiet” Employees and students must: Select and properly use hearing protection when needed. Notify supervisors and EHS of new possible noise sources so sound level testing can be “loud” conducted as needed. Training requirements: Hearing Conservation Awareness Training is required annually for employees who are enrolled in the program. Self-inspection programs or requirements: Everyone should be observant and report potentially noise sources to EHS. “loud” Ensure employees and co-workers are properly wearing hearing protection (plugs inserted properly; muffs under jacket hoods, not outside, etc.). Recordkeeping requirements: Maintain a listing of affected employees (work units). Maintain hearing testing records (PSU Occupational Medicine). Sound level testing data (EHS). For additional information: OSHA Hearing Conservation Publication: OSHA Hearing Conservation information: National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA):
Hearing Conservation Program http://ehs.psu.edu/hearing-conservation/overview EHS Contact: Mike Burke, 814-865-6391 Who does this program apply to? All University employees and students who operate gas powered or other “noisy” equipment or who work in “noisy” areas. Contact EHS is you have questions on making this determination. Rule-of-thumb for “noisy” areas or equipment: If you must raise your voice to clearly communicate with someone 3 feet away you need hearing protection. Contact EHS to confirm they are aware of the noise source. What are the key requirements of this program? Sound level testing by EHS. Development and implementation of engineering controls, where possible. Proper selection and use of hearing protection when engineering controls are not possible. Annual hearing testing and training for affected employees. Safety Officers, Facility Coordinators, Managers and Supervisors must: Maintain a listing of affected employees in their units. Coordinate annual hearing testing and training. Ensure employees and students select and properly use hearing protection when needed. Notify EHS of new possible “loud” noise sources so sound level testing can be conducted as needed. Purchase “quiet” when possible when replacing equipment, etc. Employees and students must: Select and properly use hearing protection when needed. Notify supervisors and EHS of new possible “loud” noise sources so sound level testing can be conducted as needed. Training requirements: Hearing Conservation Awareness Training is required annually for employees who are enrolled in the program. Self-inspection programs or requirements: Everyone should be observant and report potentially “loud” noise sources to EHS. Ensure employees and co-workers are properly wearing hearing protection (plugs inserted properly; muffs under jacket hoods, not outside, etc.). Recordkeeping requirements: Maintain a listing of affected employees (work units). Maintain hearing testing records (PSU Occupational Medicine). Sound level testing data (EHS). For additional information: OSHA Hearing Conservation Publication: OSHA Hearing Conservation information: National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA):
ehs_snapshot_-_hearing_conservation_2-2016.docx