WAC 296-817-30010   Measure employee noise exposure.  

     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.

     You must:

     • Include all:

     – Workplace noise from equipment and machinery in use

     – Other noise from sources necessary to perform the work

     – Noise outside the control of the exposed employees.

     • Use a noise dosimeter when necessary to measure employee noise dose

     • Use a sound level meter to evaluate continuous and impulse noise levels

     • 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.]