Washington Administrative Code
Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of
Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise)
Section 296-817-30010 - Measure employee noise exposure
Current through Register Vol. 24-06, March 15, 2024
Important:
A noise dosimeter is the basis for determining total daily noise exposure for employees. However, where you have constant noise levels, you may estimate employee noise exposure using measurements from a sound level meter. Calculation of the employee noise exposure must be consistent with WAC 296-817-30015.
(1) You must include all:
(2) You must use a noise dosimeter when necessary to measure employee noise dose.
(3) You must use a sound level meter to evaluate continuous and impulse noise levels.
(4) You must identify all employees whose exposures equal or exceed the Noise Evaluation Criteria in Table 1:
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 (in addition to the requirements for 85 dBA TWA8) |
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 |
Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-11-060, § 296-817-30010, filed 5/19/03, effective 8/1/03.