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University of Washington

UW Facilities Partner Resources

Hearing conservation

Subject

Hearing Conservation SAFETY 95-1 (Rev. 5/95)

Purpose

To protect and monitor the hearing of UW Facilities (UWF) employees who may be exposed to noise on the job.

Employees should wear hearing protection when exposed to noisy situations on and off the job.

Practice

Noise levels should be controlled whenever possible by modifying equipment and work practices.

Employees in the classifications listed in the attachment are required to participate in the University’s Hearing Conservation Program. The program includes noise exposure monitoring, hearing protection, and employee training. In addition, audiometric monitoring is required for employees with possible exposures above the permissible exposure level and above the action level (see attached listing).

References

Responsibility : Action

Role Responsibility
Employee
  • Wear earplugs or muffs when exposed to noisy situations on and off the job.
  • Follow recommended safe work practices to reduce noise exposure.
  • Participate in initial and annual training.
Supervisor
  • Require and monitor employees’ use of hearing protection devices.
  • Request EH&S monitoring of workplace noise.
  • Assure that employees in the program receive initial and annual hearing protection training.
  • Arrange for new employees who need audiometric monitoring to meet with the Occupational Health Nurse.
EH&S
  • Assure that employees covered by audiometric monitoring receive initial, annual, and follow-up audiometric assessments.
  • Monitor noise exposure; update sound survey every five years.
  • Provide interim noise assessment when new equipment or changes in work practice or individual working conditions occur.
  • Provide medical counseling, ear exams, and training and fitting for hearing protection devices.
  • Provide initial training for those employees required to be automatically monitored.
  • Provide initial and annual training for employees in the Hearing Conservation Program
Safety Administrator
  • Maintain records of noise measurements, hearing tests, and medical records.
UWF Division/Unit
  • Monitor UWF’s compliance with UW Hearing Conservation Program.
  • Provide schedules/reminders to supervisors to facilitate testing and training.

Hearing conservation requirements

Persons employed in the following occupation codes (and Helpers and Student Helpers when engaged in any of the work activities covered by these occupation codes) shall wear hearing protection as directed and receive training in accordance with the UW Hearing Conservation Program. Those marked with an asterisk (*) also are required to receive audiometric testing/ monitoring.

Grounds

  • 5110 Grounds Supervisor II*
  • 5115 Grounds Supervisor I*
  • 5120 Gardener I*
  • 5121 Gardener II*
  • 5122 Gardener Lead*
  • 5130 Nursery Worker*

General Maintenance*

  • 5208 Maintenance Supervisor I
  • 5225 Machinery Mechanic*
  • 5226 Machinery Master Mechanic*
  • 5227 Machinery Mechanic Lead*
  • 5263 Utility Worker Lead*
  • 5264 Utility Worker I*
  • 5265 Utility Worker II*
  • 5275 Heavy Equipment Operator* 5276 Heavy Equipment Operator Lead*

Trades & crafts

  • 5325 Blacksmith/Tool Mechanic*
  • 5330 Carpenter*
  • 5331 Carpenter Lead*
  • 5332 Carpenter Supervisor*
  • 5335 Control Technician*
  • 5336 Control Technician Lead*
  • 5337 Electrician - High Voltage*
  • 5345 Elevator Mechanic
  • 5346 Elevator Mechanic Lead
  • 5391 Mason/Plasterer*
  • 5392 Mason/Plasterer Lead*
  • 5394 Mortar & Hodcarrier*
  • 5397 Motor Equipment Mechanic*
  • 5450 Roofer*
  • 5451 Roofer Lead*
  • 5455 Sheet Metal Mechanic*
  • 5456 Sheet Metal Mechanic Lead*
  • 5458 Sheet Metal Mechanic Supervisor*
  • 5463 Sprinkler Maintenance Worker*
  • 5470 Trades Helper
  • 5480 Welder/Fabricator*

Transportation & stores

  • 5725 Truck Driver II
  • 5727 Waste Collector

Power plant

  • 5610 Chief Engineer*
  • 5611 Assistant Chief Engineer*
  • 5620 Steam Engineer*
  • 5621 Assistant Steam Engineer
  • 5630 Boiler Operator*