WAC 296-817-20020   Make sure exposed employees receive training about noise and hearing protection.  

     You must:

     • Train each employee whose noise exposure equals or exceeds 85 dBA TWA₈

     • Provide training when an employee is first assigned to a position involving noise exposure that equals or exceeds 85 dBA TWA₈ and at least annually after that

     • Update information provided in the training program to be consistent with changes in controls, hearing protectors and work processes

     • Make sure your noise and hearing protection training includes:

     – The effects of noise on hearing (including both occupational and nonoccupational exposures)

     – Noise controls used in your workplace

     – The purpose of hearing protectors: The advantages, disadvantages, and attenuation of various types

     – Instructions about selecting, fitting, using, and caring for hearing protection

     – The purpose and procedures for program evaluation including audiometric testing and hearing protection auditing when you choose to rely upon auditing (see WAC 296-817-500)

     – The employees' right to access records kept by the employer.

     • Maintain a written program describing initial and refresher training.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. 09-15-145, § 296-817-20020, filed 7/21/09, effective 9/1/09; 03-11-060, § 296-817-20020, filed 5/19/03, effective 8/1/03.]