Wash. Admin. Code § 296-307-630

Current through Register Vol. 24-21, November 1, 2024

Section 296-307-630 - Scope

The purpose of this part is to:

(1) Prevent employee hearing loss by minimizing employee noise exposures;

AND

(2) Make sure employees exposed to noise are protected.

These goals are accomplished by:

(a) Measuring and computing the employee noise exposure from all equipment and machinery in the workplace, as well as any other noise sources in the work area;

(b) Protecting employees from noise exposure by using feasible noise controls;

(c) Making sure employees use hearing protection, if the employer cannot feasibly control the noise;

(d) Training employees about hearing loss prevention;

(e) Evaluating the employer's hearing loss prevention efforts by tracking employee hearing or periodically reviewing controls and protection;

(f) Making appropriate corrections to the employer's program.

Reference:

Table 1 will help the employer determine the hearing loss prevention requirements for the workplace. For the specific requirements associated with Noise Evaluation Criteria, see WAC 296-307-63410 of this part.

Table 1 Noise Evaluation Criteria

Criteria	Description	Requirements
85 dBA TWA8	Full-day employee noise exposure dose. If you have one or more employees whose exposure equals or exceeds this level, you must have a hearing loss prevention program	-Hearing protection -Training -Audiometric testing
90 dBA TWA8	Full-day employee noise exposure dose. If you have one or more employees whose exposure equals or exceeds this level, you must reduce employee noise exposures in the workplace	-Noise controls AND -Hearing protection -Training -Audiometric testing
115 dBA measured using slow response	Extreme noise level (greater than one second in duration)	-Hearing protection -Signs posted in work areas warning of exposure
140 dBC measured using fast response	Extreme impulse or impact noise (less than one second in duration)	Hearing protection

Wash. Admin. Code § 296-307-630

Amended by WSR 20-21-091, Filed 10/20/2020, effective 11/20/2020

Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. 05-01-166, § 296-307-630, filed 12/21/04, effective 4/2/05.