Hearing Conservation

		Safety Practice
	Subject: Purpose: Practice: Reference:	Hearing Conservation SAFETY 95-1 (Rev. 5/95) To protect and monitor the hearing of Facilities Services employees who may be exposed to noise on the job. Employees should wear hearing protection when exposed to noisy situations on and off the job. Noise levels should be controlled whenever possible by modifying equipment and work practices. Employees in the classifications listed in the attachment are required to participate in the University's Hearing Conservation Program. The program includes noise exposure monitoring, hearing protection, and employee training. In addition, audiometric monitoring is required for employees with possible exposures above the permissible exposure level and above the action level (see attached listing). UW Hearing Conservation Program, January 1991; Hearing Loss Prevention (Noise) WAC 296-817
	Responsibility Employee Supervisor EH&S Safety Administrator FS Division/Unit Office			Action Wear earplugs or muffs when exposed to noisy situations on and off the job. Follow recommended safe work practices to reduce noise exposure. Participate in initial and annual training. Participate in audiometric testing as required. Require and monitor employees' use of hearing protection devices. Request EH&S monitoring of workplace noise. Assure that employees in the program receive initial and annual hearing protection training. Arrange for new employees who need audiometric monitoring to meet with the Occupational Health Nurse. Assure that employees covered by audiometric monitoring receive initial, annual, and follow-up audiometric assessments. Monitor noise exposure; update sound survey every five years. Provide interim noise assessment when new equipment or changes in work practice or individual working conditions occur. Provide medical counseling, ear exams, and training and fitting for hearing protection devices. Provide initial training for those employees required to be automatically monitored. Provide initial and annual training for employees in the Hearing Conservation Program Maintain records of noise measurements, hearing tests, and medical records. Monitor FS's compliance with UW Hearing Conservation Program. Provide schedules/reminders to supervisors to facilitate testing and training.
	Hearing Conservation Requirements Persons employed in the following occupation codes (and Helpers and Student Helpers when engaged in any of the work activities covered by these occupation codes) shall wear hearing protection as directed and receive training in accordance with the UW Hearing Conservation Program. Those marked with an asterisk (*) also are required to receive audiometric testing/ monitoring.
Grounds General Maintenance Trades & Crafts Transportation & Stores Power Plant			5110 5115 5120 5121 5122 5130 5208 5225 5226 5227 5263 5264 5265 5275 5276 5325 5330 5331 5332 5335 5336 5337 5345 5346 5391 5392 5394 5397 5450 5451 5455 5456 5458 5463 5470 5480 5725 5727 5610 5611 5620 5621 5630		Grounds Supervisor II* Grounds Supervisor I* Gardener I* Gardener II* Gardener Lead* Nursery Worker* Maintenance Supervisor I Machinery Mechanic* Machinery Master Mechanic* Machinery Mechanic Lead* Utility Worker Lead* Utility Worker I* Utility Worker II* Heavy Equipment Operator* Heavy Equipment Operator Lead* Blacksmith/Tool Mechanic* Carpenter* Carpenter Lead* Carpenter Supervisor* Control Technician* Control Technician Lead* Electrician - High Voltage* Elevator Mechanic Elevator Mechanic Lead Mason/Plasterer* Mason/Plasterer Lead* Mortar & Hodcarrier* Motor Equipment Mechanic* Roofer* Roofer Lead* Sheet Metal Mechanic* Sheet Metal Mechanic Lead* Sheet Metal Mechanic Supervisor* Sprinkler Maintenance Worker* Trades Helper Welder/Fabricator* Truck Driver II Waste Collector Chief Engineer* Assistant Chief Engineer* Steam Engineer* Assistant Steam Engineer Boiler Operator*

Safety Practice