WAC 296-307-63825   Make sure third-party hearing loss prevention programs meet the following requirements.  

     IMPORTANT:

     Third-party hearing loss prevention programs are intended:

     • For short-term employees hired or assigned to duties having noise exposures for less than one year

     AND

     • For seasonal employees.

     However, other employees may be included as long as you meet all requirements for hearing loss follow-ups and recordkeeping.

     You must:

     • Make sure that the third-party program is:

     – Equivalent to an employer program as required by this part

     AND

     – Uses audiometric testing to evaluate hearing loss.

     • Make sure a licensed or certified audiologist, otolaryngologist, or other qualified physician administers the third-party program

     • Make sure the third-party program has written procedures for:

     – Communicating with participating employers of program requirements

     – Follow-up procedures for detected hearing loss

     – Annual review of participating employer programs.

     • Make sure the following program elements are corrected by you or the third-party program when deficiencies are found:

     – Noise exposures

     – Hearing protection

     – Employee training

     – Noise controls.

     • Obtain a review of your hearing loss prevention program at least once per year, conducted by the third-party program administrator or their representative, in order to:

     – Identify any tasks needing a revised selection of hearing protection

     AND

     – Provide an overall assessment of the employers' hearing loss prevention activities.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. 05-01-166, § 296-307-63825, filed 12/21/04, effective 4/2/05.]