TITLE:	ES&H Manual
DOCUMENT ID:	6640 Hearing Conservation Program

1.0 Purpose

High noise is a recognized hazard issue at Jefferson Lab. This hearing conservation program has been established to ensure affected areas are identified, appropriate monitoring is established, and individuals are informed of the dangers and adequately protected.

This program satisfies applicable federal, state, and local requirements as outlined in ES&H Manual Chapter 2410 Appendix T1 Hazard Issues List.

2.0 Scope

This program applies to continuous or intermittent noise at or above 85 dBA or greater.

Training Course	Anyone as Required
Medical Certification for High Noise MED12	X*
* Per ES&H Manual Chapter 6800 Appendix T1 Medical Monitoring

Table 1: Required Hearing Conservation Training by Job Classification

3.0 Responsibilities

NOTE: Management authority may be delegated to a task qualified Jefferson Lab employee at the discretion of the responsible manager.

3.1 Anyone at Jefferson Lab

· Ensure that at design of new processes/building equipment that noise control techniques are considered.

· Request a High Noise exposure assessment if you recognize possible high noise conditions.

· Perform process steps as outlined in ES&H Manual Chapter 6640 Appendix T2 High Noise Hazard Controls to obtain hearing protection.

· Obtain medical monitoring as required. Refer to ES&H Manual 6800 Appendix T1 Medical Monitoring.

· Read and abide by posting requirements.

· Wear hearing protection as required by area posting, equipment use, or work control document.

3.2 Supervisor/Subcontracting Officer’s Technical Representative (SOTR)/Sponsor

· Ensure individuals under your authority, who are exposed to high noise levels, are informed and appropriate hearing protection is utilized in accordance with ES&H Manual Chapter 6620 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program and ES&H Manual 6800 Occupational Medicine.

· Review work area and equipment to determine if engineering controls could adequately mitigate the hazard.

· Ensure warning signs are posted and maintained in accordance with requirements.

3.3 Industrial Hygiene

· Conduct noise exposure assessments and inform workers and supervisors when noise levels exceed 85 dBA.

· Perform noise monitoring when requested or identified.

· Provide postings as appropriate.

· Determine the required hearing protection.

· Provide assistance when selecting engineering controls for areas or processes above 85 dBA.

3.4 Occupational Medicine

· Perform initial and annual audiograms in accordance with ES&H Manual Chapter 6800 Appendix T1 Medical Monitoring.

· Provide training as required.

4.0 Technical Appendices

4.1 High Noise Hazard Evaluation and Area Monitoring

A high noise exposure assessment and subsequent monitoring is conducted when individual exposure or work area noise levels are suspected to be 85 dBA or above. ES&H Manual Chapter 6640 Appendix T1 High Noise Exposure Assessment provides recognized high noise symptoms, the process steps used to schedule and obtain an exposure assessment, and how area monitoring is implemented.

4.2 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Required and Voluntary Use (including Medical Monitoring)

Hearing protection is required at Jefferson Lab when high noise levels have been determine to be 85 dBA or greater. ES&H Manual Chapter 6640 Appendix T2 High Noise Hazard Controls provides the process step used to determine the appropriate type and when to obtain medical monitoring and training.

4.3 Area Posting Requirements

Jefferson Lab recognizes that high noise could affect workers ability to hear and understand normal speech. It is therefore required that designated areas be posted to provide warning of the potential hazard. ES&H Manual Chapter 6640 Appendix T3 High Noise Posting Requirements defines Jefferson Lab’s labeling and posting requirements; how to update, repair, and maintain these labels.

5.0 Revision Summary

Revision 3.0 – 07/28/2020 – Periodic Review; updated Responsibilities to reflect current operations, updated header and footer (STR-2020-01-02-02)

Revision 2.0 – 06/07/17 – Periodic Review; updated TPOC from D.Owen to J.Williams; updated Responsibilities to reflect current operations

Revision 1.1 – 05/20/14 – Added Required Safety Training Table

Revision 1.0 – 04/16/12 – Update to reflect current laboratory operations

Revision 0.0 – 08/31/06 – Initial content

ISSUING AUTHORITY	TECHNICAL POINT-OF-CONTACT	APPROVAL DATE	REVIEW DATE	REV.
ES&H Division	Jennifer Williams	07/28/2020	07/28/23	3.0

This document is controlled as an on-line file. It may be printed but the print copy is not a controlled document. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the document is the same revision as the current on line file. This copy was printed on 8/10/2020.