WAC 296-817-50025   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 chapter

     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, and 49.17.060. 03-11-060, § 296-817-50025, filed 5/19/03, effective 8/1/03.]