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Purposes
- To
identify and measure the noise produced by fixed
equipment and tools used by Rutgers University
staff
- To
evaluate and assess noise exposures to employees
in order to determine whether or not they must
participate in the Hearing Conservation Program
- To
ensure employees participating in the Hearing
Conservation Program wear hearing protection,
attend annual training, and receive audiometric
testing to protect their hearing
- To
assess ambient noise levels produced by ventilation
systems and other equipment that are not injurious
to hearing but rather are a nuisance or interfere
with communication
General
Information
REHS
identifies noise sources and evaluates employee
exposure through area noise surveys and personal
dosimetry. Employees exposed to noise levels greater
than 85 decibels on the A weighted scale (>
85 dBA), averaged over an 8 hour work shift, are
required to participate in a Hearing Conservation
Program. The Hearing Conservation Program requires
these employees to wear hearing protection while
performing their job duties, to attend annual
training, and to receive annual hearing tests.
There are other noise sources that are not harmful
to employee hearing but may be annoying or interfere
with communication (telephone conversations).
REHS can measure the intensity and characterize
these noise sources to assist employees in these
instances.
Facilities and
Business Services Employees and Supervisors
REHS
staff measures the noise produced by equipment
and evaluates employee exposure based upon their
work activity; these measurements and evaluations
are conducted at the request of supervisors and
staff. REHS has notified directors and supervisors
of noise surveys and assessment results for their
staff; employees should check with their supervisor
first, and then contact REHS to obtain the results
of these surveys and assessment.
Staff employees are notified of this program during
annual safety awareness training, and by signs
posted on mechanical room doors if the noise level
measured exceed 85 dBA.
Responsibilities
for these employees are as follows:
Supervisors
of Employees in the Hearing Conservation Program
- Ensures
their employees comply with all requirements
of the Rutgers University Occupational Noise
and Hearing Conservation Program.
- Identifies
work areas, work activities, and employees to
REHS for appropriate noise surveys and exposure
assessments to determine if employees are exposed
to occupational noise above the action level.
- Provides
appropriate hearing protection to their employees
in the Hearing
Conservation Program and ensures the assigned
hearing protection are worn.
- Schedules
and ensures their employees in the Hearing Conservation
Program receive required medical monitoring
and surveillance by the Occupational Health
department.
- Identifies
and implements control measures that minimizes
and reduces employee exposure to harmful occupational
noise.
Employees
in the Hearing Conservation Program
- Wear
appropriate hearing protection, as instructed,
during work activities identified by your supervisor
and REHS.Clean, store, and maintain (as appropriate)
all hearing protection provided to you by your
supervisor.
- Attend
training required by this program and incorporate
elements of this training into their work activities
to reduce occupational noise exposures.
- Immediately
report any problems with your hearing protection
to your supervisor.
- Immediately
report any noise-related medical symptoms to
your supervisor and seeks an evaluation from
Occupational Health.
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