TITLE:

ES&H Manual

 

DOCUMENT ID:

6640 Appendix T2

High Noise Hazard Controls

 

 

1.0             Purpose

 

Hazard controls are required at Jefferson Lab when high noise levels have been determined to be 85 dBA or greater. This appendix provides the process steps used to determine feasible noise controls, the appropriate type of hearing protection, and when to obtain medical monitoring and training. 

 

2.0             Scope

 

Anyone, at any time, may use hearing protection on a voluntary basis (see Section 5.0 Voluntary Hearing Protection).

 

When noise levels exceed ACGIH TLVs, feasible administrative or engineering controls shall be utilized. If such controls fail to reduce sound levels within the TLV, personal protective equipment shall be used to reduce sound levels. 

 

The process steps for this procedure are performed in coordination with ES&H Manual Chapter 6640 Hearing Conservation Program and ES&H Manual Chapter 6800 Medical Monitoring.

 

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

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

·         Utilize engineering and administrative controls to reduce noise levels.

·         Perform process steps as outlined to obtain hearing protection.

·         Wear hearing protection as required.

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

 

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

·         Ensure individuals under your authority, who are exposed to high noise levels, are provided appropriate hearing protection 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, such as equipment/material substitutions, could adequately mitigate the hazard.

 

3.3              Industrial Hygiene

·         Perform noise exposure assessments for areas/equipment when requested, or identified.

·         Provide postings as appropriate.

·         Recommend feasible engineering or administrative controls.

·         Determine the required hearing protection. 

 

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             Process Steps

 

4.1              Determine Appropriate Hearing Protection

Supervisors perform the following process steps for individual under their authority when hearing protection is required, in accordance with ES&H Manual Chapter 6640 Appendix T1 High Noise Exposure Assessment:

 

Step 1:            Include appropriate determination on affected individuals’ Job Task Analysis (JTA).

 

Step 2:            Ensure hearing protection is provided and worn in areas above 85 dBA. Refer to ES&H Manual Chapter 6620 Appendix T1 Selecting, Acquiring, Training, and Caring for PPE and ES&H Manual 6800 Occupational Medicine.

 

5.0             Voluntary Hearing Protection

 

 

Jefferson Lab allows employees to wear hearing protection on a voluntary basis.  It may be obtained by following the process steps as outlined within ES&H Manual Chapter 6620 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program. Voluntary use of hearing protection does not require medical monitoring.

 

6.0             Revision Summary

Revision 3.0 – 07/28/2020 – Periodic Review; updated scope, updated anyone at JLab and Industrial Hygiene responsibilities, updated links to references, updated header, updated footer (See STR-2020-01-02-02)

Revision 2.0 – 06/07/17 – Periodic Review; formerly titled ‘Hearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Required and Voluntary Use’; updated TPOC from D.Owen to J.Williams; clarifications to reflect current laboratory operations

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.