Important:
Third-party hearing loss prevention programs are intended:
(1) For short-term employees hired or assigned to duties having noise exposures for less than one year; and(2)For seasonal employees.However, other employees may be included as long as you meet all requirements for hearing loss follow-ups and recordkeeping.
(1) You must make sure that the third-party program is: (a) Equivalent to an employer program as required by this chapter; and(b) Uses audiometric testing to evaluate hearing loss.(2) You must make sure a licensed or certified audiologist, otolaryngologist, or other qualified physician administers the third-party program.(3) You must make sure the third-party program has written procedures for: (a) Communicating with participating employers of program requirements;(b) Follow-up procedures for detected hearing loss;(c) Annual review of participating employer programs.(4) You must make sure the following program elements are corrected by you or the third-party program when deficiencies are found: (5) You must obtain a review of your hearing loss prevention program at least once per year, conducted by the third-party program administrator or their representative, in order to: (a) Identify any tasks needing a revised selection of hearing protection; and(b) Provide an overall assessment of the employers' hearing loss prevention activities.Wash. Admin. Code § 296-817-50025
Amended by WSR 15-23-086, Filed 11/17/2015, effective 12/18/2015Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-11-060, § 296-817-50025, filed 5/19/03, effective 8/1/03.