Hearing protection

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# Noise - Hearing Aids and Hearing Protection (cont.) ## What should be considered when a person who uses hearing aids also may require hearing protection? (cont.) - Reduce noise exposure at the source whenever possible to protect all workers - Perform detailed noise exposure measurements to determine high noise levels and the attenuation needs for the worker - Perform a job safety analysis to determine if the worker needs to wear hearing aids at work - what hearing requirements does the worker require (such as the need for verbal communication or to hear audible warning signals) - if there are elements such as alarms, signals, or devices that the worker would need to hear for their safety - Investigate if other noise engineering_controls (e.g., changing a task to eliminate the need to hear a signal) or administrative controls (e.g., limiting exposure time, using a "buddy" system to alert others of an issue) can be used Provide alternative methods for alarms, such as those that include both sound and light - Develop a hearing conservation program - Determine if it is possible for the worker to wear both hearing aids and hearing protection (such as ear muffs) without reducing the protection provided by the hearing protection (e.g., the ear muffs are able to cover both the ear and hearing aid without a break in the seal) - Determine if removal or turning off the hearing aids in order to wear hearing protection will reduce the worker's safety (e.g., will the worker be able to perform tasks appropriately and receive instructions or signals as needed) - Consult with a medical professional or audiologist to gain a better understanding of the type of hearing loss and hearing aids used by the worker, and what measures can be taken in the workplace to help ensure the worker's safety and protect from further hearing loss (e.g., if the worker can be exposed to the noise at the workplace for the entire workday, even when protected) - Perform audiogram to mon…

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# Daily Exposure Exceeding 85 dBA Lₑₓ (cont.) (3) A hearing conservation plan must be in writing and must include (a) the methods and procedures to be used in assessing the occupational noise exposure of workers; (b) the methods of noise control to be used, including engineering controls and administrative arrangements; (c) the selection, use and maintenance of hearing protectors; (d) a plan to train workers in the hazards of excessive exposure to noise and the correct use of control measures and hearing protectors; (e) the maintenance of exposure records; (f) the requirements for audiometric tests; and (g) a schedule for reviewing the hearing conservation plan and procedures for conducting the review. (4) An employer shall make a copy of the hearing conservation plan readily available to workers. ## PART 9 SAFEGUARDS, STORAGE, WARNING SIGNS AND SIGNALS ## Interpretation ## 118. In this Part, "anchor point" or "anchor plate" means a secure connecting point capable of safely withstanding the impact forces applied by a fall protection system; (point d'ancrage or plaque d'ancrage) "fall protection system" means (a) a control zone that meets the requirements of and is used in accordance with section 121, (b) a personal fall arrest system, (c) a safety net, or (d) a travel restraint system; (dispositif de protection contre les chutes) "similar barrier" means a barrier that the employer can demonstrate provides a level of protection that is not less than equivalent to a guardrail; (barrière similaire) "travel restraint system" means a system that prevents a worker from travelling to the edge of a structure or to a position from which the worker could fall. (système de limitation du déplacement) ## Protection Against Falling 119. (1) An employer shall ensure that workers use a fall protection system at a work site if (a) a worker could fall 3 m or more; or (b) there is a risk of injury if a worker falls less than 3 m. 54

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# Noise - Hearing Conservation Program (cont.) ## When is audiometric testing needed? (cont.) The CSA Standard Z1007 Hearing Loss Prevention Program Management recommends that audiometric testing involves: - an initial hearing test, and - a hearing test at least once every 12 months after the initial test, or - a hearing test more frequently should the noise level exceed 105 dBA Please see the OHS Answers document Noise - Audiometric tests for more information. ## What is recommended for hazard communication? If it is not practicable to reduce noise levels to or below the noise exposure limits, the employer should post clearly visible warning signs at every approach to an area in the workplace in which the sound level: - Exceeds 80 dBA - clearly marked with a sign that states "Warning" and identifies the range of noise levels - Exceeds 85 dBA - clearly marked with a sign that states "Warning" and specifies that workers are required to wear single hearing protection device - Exceeds 105 dBA - clearly marked with a sign that states "Warning" and specifies that workers are required to wear double hearing protection devices ## What should be included in worker education and training? Education and training should be provided to workers who are required to wear hearing protection devices. The education and training should cover all elements listed in CSA Z94.2 (i.e., selection, fit, use, care, maintenance, and inspection). The education and training should be repeated, as recommended in the Standards, at regular intervals and at least once every two years. Education and training may include information about: - Why use hearing protection - When should protective equipment be worn, in what work areas, during what work activities - How should hearing protectors be selected and worn - Who is responsible for taking care of the protective equipment - How to take care of the protective equipment (storage, cleaning, etc.) - Company policy requirements f…

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# Noise - Hearing Conservation Program (cont.) ## What should be done when hearing protection is needed? (cont.) The choice of hearing protectors is a personal one, and depends on a number of factors, including but not limited to acoustics, comfort, and the suitability of the hearing protector for both the worker and the environment. Where protectors must be used, provide a choice of different types when possible. Having choice encourages use, and protection can only be effective if it is properly and consistently used. Anatomy of the ear and ear canal can vary significantly making comfort and individual preferences important. Please see the OSH Answers on Hearing Protectors for more information. ## When is audiometric testing needed? Audiometry is an important part of the hearing conservation program. It is the only way to determine if hearing loss is occurring or being prevented. Although existing hearing loss cannot be cured, the data can be used to: - Identify persons for follow-up and counselling - Determine trends - Make decisions on control measures - Motivate employees to use protective equipment - Create education opportunities - Trigger changes in the program Ten jurisdictions require audiometric tests when a worker's noise exposure is greater than: - the jurisdictional occupational exposure limit (five jurisdictions: Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec) - 85 dBA Lₑₓ (four jurisdictions: Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Saskatchewan) - 80 dBA Lₑₓ or when the impact noise limits are exceeded (one jurisdiction: Yukon) One jurisdiction requires annual audiometric testing for those working in an underground mine or when Commission has reason to believe that a worker is or may be affected with an occupational disease (New Brunswick). There is no specific audiometric testing requirement in three jurisdictions (Federal, Nova Scotia, and Ontario). Generally speaking, audiometric…

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# Hearing Protectors (cont.) ## How can I protect my hearing at work? (cont.) People should wear a hearing protector if the noise or sound level they are exposed to is close to or greater than the occupational exposure limits (OEL) for noise. For most jurisdictions, this occupational exposure limit is 85 decibels (A-weighted) or dBA. Hearing protectors reduce the noise exposure level and the risk of hearing loss when worn correctly. If hearing protection is required, then a complete hearing conservation program should be implemented. A hearing conservation program includes noise assessment, methods for controlling noise, hearing protector selection, employee training and education, audiometric testing, maintenance, inspection, record keeping, and program evaluation. The effectiveness of hearing protection is reduced greatly if the hearing protectors do not fit properly, are not inserted or worn correctly, if they are worn only periodically, or if they are removed even for a short period of time. To maintain their effectiveness, the hearing protection should not be modified. Music earphones or headsets are not substitutes for hearing protectors and should not be worn where hearing protectors are required to protect against exposure to noise. Select hearing protection that is: - Correct for the job. Refer to the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard Z94.2- 14 (R2019) "Hearing Protection Devices - Performance, Selection, Care and Use" or contact the agency responsible for occupational health and safety legislation in your jurisdiction for more information. - Adequate for the protection or noise attenuation required. Check the manufacturer's literature. - Compatible with other required personal protective equipment, or communication devices. - Comfortable enough to be worn. - Appropriate for the temperature and humidity in the workplace. - Able to provide adequate communication and audibility needs (e.g., the ability to hear alarms or warning sounds)…

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# 1910.95 OCCUPATIONAL NOISE EXPOSURE (cont.) ## 1910.95(g)(8) "Follow-up procedures." - 1910.95(g)(8)(i) If a comparison of the annual audiogram to the baseline audiogram indicates a standard threshold shift as defined in paragraph (g)(10) of this section has occurred, the employee shall be informed of this fact in writing, within 21 days of the determination. - 1910.95(g)(8)(ii) 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: - 1910.95(g)(8)(ii)(A) Employees not using hearing protectors shall be fitted with hearing protectors, trained in their use and care, and required to use them. - 1910.95(g)(8)(ii)(B) 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. - 1910.95(g)(8)(ii)(C) 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. - 1910.95(g)(8)(ii)(D) The employee is informed of the need for an otological examination if a medical pathology of the ear that is unrelated to the use of hearing protectors is suspected. 1910.95(g)(8)(iii) 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: 1910.95(g)(8)(iii)(A) Shall inform the employee of the new audiometric interpretation; and 1910.95(g)(8)(iii)(B) May discontinue the required use of hearing protectors for that employee. 1910.95(g)(9) "Revised baseline." An annual audiogram may be substituted for the baseline audiogram when, in the judgment…

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# Noise - Hearing Conservation Program (cont.) ## What are the elements of a hearing conservation program? (cont.) - Hazard communication, education, and training - Recordkeeping, and - Continuous monitoring and improvement (program review). Please see the OSH Answers document Guide to Writing an OHS Policy Statement for information. ## How should noise exposure be controlled? The employer should make sure that, if reasonably possible, measures are taken to reduce noise levels using the hierarchy of controls in the following order before providing hearing protection devices: - Eliminate the hazard - Engineering control - Substitution of equipment, and - Administrative controls Please see the OSH Answers Noise - Control Measures for more information. ## When are hearing protection devices needed? The majority of the jurisdictions require that employers provide hearing protection devices when noise levels are at or above 85 dBA. The value of 85 dBA is also based on good practice guidelines set out by organizations such as the the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). CSA Standards Z94.2 Hearing Protection Devices - Performance, selection, care, and use and Z1007 Hearing Loss Prevention Program Management also recommend that hearing protection devices be used when engineering controls or administrative controls are not practicable or do not reduce noise exposure to acceptable levels (i.e., below 85 dBA). ## What should be done when hearing protection is needed? The employer should make sure that the selection, care, and use of hearing protection devices meet the specifications outlined in the CSA Standard Z94.2. The employer should make sure that a worker using the hearing protection device is adequately trained and instructed by a competent person in selection, fit, use, care, maintenance, and inspection. Noise - Hearing Conservation Program CCOHS

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# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## 1910.95(d)(1).(i) (cont.) Instruments used to measure employee noise exposure shall be calibrated to ensure measurement accuracy. - 1910.95(d)(3) Monitoring shall be repeated whenever a change in production, process, equipment or controls increases noise exposures to the extent that: - 1910.95(d)(3)(i) - Additional employees may be exposed at or above the action level; or - 1910.95(d)(3)(ii) The attenuation provided by hearing protectors being used by employees may be rendered inadequate to meet the requirements of paragraph (j) of this section. - 1910.95(e) Employee notification. The employer shall notify each employee exposed at or above an 8- hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels of the results of the monitoring. - 1910.95(f) Observation of monitoring. The employer shall provide affected employees or their representatives with an opportunity to observe any noise measurements conducted pursuant to this section. ## 1910.95(g) Audiometric testing program. ## 1910.95(g)(1) The employer shall establish and maintain an audiometric testing program as provided in this paragraph by making audiometric testing available to all employees whose exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels. - 1910.95(g)(2) The program shall be provided at no cost to employees. - 1910.95(g)(3) Audiometric tests shall be performed by a licensed or certified audiologist, otolaryngologist, or other physician, or by a technician who is certified by the Council of Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation, or who has satisfactorily demonstrated competence in Submit Feedback

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# OCCUPATIONAL NOISE EXPOSURE (cont.) Oregon Administrative Rules Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division # OCCUPATIONAL NOISE EXPOSURE G (i) Hearing protectors. (1) Employers 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 the employees. Hearing protectors shall be replaced as necessary. (2) Employers shall ensure that hearing protectors are worn: (i) By an employee who is required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section to wear personal protective equipment; and (ii) By any employee who is exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or greater, and who: - NOTE: 1910.95(i)(2)(ii)(A) was NOT adopted by OR-OSHA because 1910.95(g)(5)(ii) was NOT adopted by OR-OSHA. (B) Has experienced a standard threshold shift. (3) Employees shall be given the opportunity to select their hearing protectors from a variety of suitable hearing protectors provided by the employer. (4) The employer shall provide training in the use and care of all hearing protectors provided to employees. (5) The employer shall ensure proper initial fitting and supervise the correct use of all hearing protectors. (j) Hearing protector attenuation. (1) The employer shall evaluate hearing protector attenuation for the specific noise environments in which the protector will be used. The employer shall use one of the evaluation methods described in Appendix B: Methods for Estimating the Adequacy of Hearing Protection Attenuation. (2) Hearing protectors must attenuate employee exposure at least to an 8-hour time- weighted average of 90 decibels as required by paragraph (b) of this section. (3) 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. (4) The adequacy of hearing protector attenuation shall be re-evaluated whenever employee nois…

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# Daily Exposure Exceeding 85 dBA Lₑₓ 116. (1) If a worker is exposed at a work site to noise that exceeds 85 dBA Lₑₓ, an employer shall (a) establish and maintain an occupational health and safety program under section 21; (b) inform the worker of the hazards of occupational noise exposure; (c) take all reasonably possible steps to reduce noise levels in areas where the worker could be required or permitted to work; (d) minimize the worker's noise exposure to the extent that is reasonably possible; and (e) keep a record of the steps taken under paragraphs (c) and (d). (2) If, in the opinion of an employer, it is not reasonably possible to reduce noise levels or minimize a worker's occupational noise exposure to less than 85 dBA Lₑₓ, the employer shall provide written reasons for that opinion to the Committee or representative. (3) If it is not reasonably possible to reduce a worker's occupational noise exposure below 85 dBA Lₑₓ or the noise level below 90 dBA in any area where a worker could be required or permitted to work, an employer shall (a) provide an approved hearing protector to the worker; (b) train the worker in the use and maintenance of the hearing protector; and (c) arrange for the worker to have, not less than once every 24 months during the worker's normal working hours, an audiometric test and appropriate counselling based on the test results under the direction of a medical professional or qualified audiologist. (4) If a worker cannot attend an audiometric test referred to in paragraph (3)(c) during the worker's normal working hours, an employer shall credit the worker's attendance at the test as time at work and ensure that the worker does not lose any pay or benefits. (5) If a worker cannot recover his or her costs of an audiometric test referred to in paragraph (3)(c), an employer shall reimburse the worker for the costs of the test that, in the opinion of the Chief Safety Officer, are reasonable. - Hearing Conservation P…

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# 1910.95 OCCUPATIONAL NOISE EXPOSURE (cont.) ## 1910.95(d) "Monitoring." (cont.) 1910.95(d)(3) Monitoring shall be repeated whenever a change in production, process, equipment or controls increases noise exposures to the extent that: 1910.95(d)(3)(i) Additional employees may be exposed at or above the action level; or 1910.95(d)(3)(ii) The attenuation provided by hearing protectors being used by employees may be rendered inadequate to meet the requirements of paragraph (j) of this section. ## 1910.95(e) "Employee notification." The employer shall notify each employee exposed at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels of the results of the monitoring. 1910.95(f) "Observation of monitoring." The employer shall provide affected employees or their representatives with an opportunity to observe any noise measurements conducted pursuant to this section. ## 1910.95(g) "Audiometric testing program." 1910.95(g)(1) The employer shall establish and maintain an audiometric testing program as provided in this paragraph by making audiometric testing available to all employees whose exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels. 1910.95(g)(2) The program shall be provided at no cost to employees. 1910.95(g)(3) Audiometric tests shall be performed by a licensed or certified audiologist, otolaryngologist, or other or who has satisfactorily demonstrated competence in administering audiometric examinations, obtaining valid physician, or by a technician who is certified by the Council of Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation, audiograms, and properly using, maintaining and checking calibration and proper functioning of the audiometers being used. A technician who operates microprocessor audiometers does not need to be certified. A technician who performs audiometric tests must be responsible to an audiologist, otolaryngologist or physician. 1910.95(g)(4) All audiograms obtained pursuant to this section shall meet the requ…

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# 1910.68-MANLIFTS (cont.) ## Programs, Plans and Procedures (cont.) 1910.95(c)(1)-Hearing Conservation Program-The employer shall administer a continuing, effective hearing con- servation program, as described in paragraphs (c) through (o) of this section [Implementing a Hearing Conservation Program including noise monitoring, training, audiometric testing, standard threshold shift, hearing protection, and recordkeeping], whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level (TWA) of 85 decibels measured on the A scale (slow response) or, equivalently, a dose of fifty percent. For purposes of the hearing conservation program, employee noise exposures shall be computed in accordance with appendix A [Noise Exposure Computation] and Table G-16a, and without regard to any attenuation provided by the use of personal protective equipment. [Reference paragraph (c)(1) for specific information.] 1910.95(d)(1)-When information indicates that any employee's exposure may equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, the employer shall develop and implement a monitoring program. 1910.95(g)(1)-The employer shall establish and maintain an audiometric testing program as provided in this paragraph by making audiometric testing available to all employees whose exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels. [Reference paragraph (g) for specific information and standard threshold shift information.] 1910.95(j)(1)-The employer shall evaluate hearing protector attenuation for the specific noise environments in which the protector will be used. The employer shall use one of the evaluation methods described in appendix B: Methods for Estimating the Adequacy of Hearing Protection Attenuation. 1910.95(k)(1)-The employer shall train each employee who is exposed to noise at or above an 8-hour time weighted average of 85 decibels in accordance with the requirements of this section. The employer shall ins…

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# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## Hearing protectors. (cont.) Employers shall ensure that hearing protectors are worn: - 1910.95(i)(2)(i) By an employee who is required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section to wear personal protective equipment; and - 1910.95(i)(2)(iii). By any employee who is exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or greater, and who: 1910.95(i)(2)(ii)(A) Has not yet had a baseline audiogram established pursuant to paragraph (g)(5)(ii); or 1910.95(i)(2)(ii)(B) Has experienced a standard threshold shift. - 1910.95(i)(3) Employees shall be given the opportunity to select their hearing protectors from a variety of suitable hearing protectors provided by the employer. - 1910.95(i)(4) The employer shall provide training in the use and care of all hearing protectors provided to employees. - 1910.95(i)(5) The employer shall ensure proper initial fitting and supervise the correct use of all hearing protectors. - 1910.95(j) ## Hearing protector attenuation. ## 1910.95(j)(1) The employer shall evaluate hearing protector attenuation for the specific noise environments in which the protector will be used. The employer shall use one of the evaluation methods described in appendix B: Methods for Estimating the Adequacy of Hearing Protection Attenuation. 1910.95(j)(2) Submit Feedback

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# Noise - Hearing Aids and Hearing Protection (cont.) ## Is hearing aid use a workplace issue? (cont.) Hearing loss and the use of hearing aids may be a concern when individuals have difficulty understanding speech or sounds, especially in difficult listening conditions. These difficulties increase when the ambient (background) noise level is similar to the frequency of speech. For example, a worker may not be able to hear instructions clearly, perceive alarm signals, or locate the source of the sound (especially if the noise source is moving, such as a forklift). It may also be difficult to detect changes in the noise emitted from machinery, which may indicate the machine is in poor repair or may malfunction. Hearing aids are generally designed to maximize speech perception in a general environment (for example, the hearing aid is adjusted to focus on speech frequencies in front of the user). There is concern in a workplace setting that it may be difficult for the worker to determine where the sound is localized (such as if the workspace is loud or has echoes). Another concern is the hearing aids may over amplify certain frequencies. The overamplification may aggravate hearing loss or create a hazardous situation for workers. ## What should be considered when a person who uses hearing aids also may require hearing protection? The Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST) (2018) reports that only a few scientific studies have dealt with the issue of wearing hearing aids in noisy work environments. As a result, it can vary regarding what the best practice and associated risks will be for each person or situation. However, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) in the United States released a "Standard Interpretation" (2004) which states that "Hearing aids are not hearing protectors. Employees should actually leave their hearing aids on and wear ear muffs with sufficient attenuation to reduce all workplace no…

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# Part 16 Noise (cont.) ## Noise management program (cont.) Section 222 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE Part 16 AR 191/2021 (c) procedures for measuring worker exposure to noise, (d) procedures for educating workers in the hazards of exposure to excess noise, (e) the methods of noise control to be used, (f) training workers in the correct use of noise control measures and hearing protection devices, (g) the selection, use and maintenance of hearing protection devices to be used and worn by workers, (h) posting of suitable warning signs in any work area where the noise level exceeds 85 dBA, (i) the requirements for audiometric testing and the maintenance of audiometric test records, and (j) an annual review of the noise management program that includes consideration of the data received under section 223(6). - AR 191/2021 s221;242/2022 ## Hearing protection - 222 An employer must ensure that hearing protection devices used and worn by workers at a work site or work area (a) meet the requirements of CSA Standard Z94.2-14 (R2019), Hearing protection devices - Performance, selection, care, and use, and (b) are fit tested in accordance with CSA Standard Z94.2-14 (R2019), Hearing protection devices - Performance, selection, care, and use. - AR 191/2021 s222;242/2022 ## Audiometric testing 223(1) An employer must provide, at the employer's expense, the following audiometric tests for a worker who is or may be exposed to excess noise at a work site or in a work area: (a) an initial baseline test as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than 6 months after the worker is employed or within 6 months after a worker is or may be exposed to excess noise because of a change in the worker's duties or process conditions; (b) a test not more than 12 months after the initial baseline test; (c) a test at least every 2nd year after the test under clause (b). - 223(2) An employer must ensure that audiometric tests are administered by an audiom…