Hearing Conservation Program

Definition: This program is to help protect UCSB employees from hearing loss due to occupational noise exposure. Although UCSB attempts to control noise exposures on campus, certain operations and workstations may expose faculty, staff, or students to significant noise levels. All personnel who are regularly exposed to occupational noise levels at or exceeding an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA shall be included in the Hearing Conservation Program (HCP). This applies only to employees who incur exposure as part of their regularly assigned job duties.

Implementation: For obtaining technical assistance and guidelines on Hearing Conservation and Noise issues call Jesse Bickley at x3743. Environment, Health & Safety provides the following technical services:

Monitor work sites for noise levels and inform employees and supervisors of results
Recommend appropriate engineering and administrative noise control measures
Assist employees in selection of proper protective devices and provide instruction on their use

Resources:

UCSB Environmental Health & Safety Hearing Conservation Program Manual
Title 8, California Code of Regulations, Article 105, Sections 5096-5100: “Control of Noise Exposure”
Cal/OSHA: “Occupational Noise Exposure Compliance Assistance Guideline”
Federal Regulation: 29 CFR 1910.95: “Occupational Noise Exposure”

American National Standards Institute (ANSI):

S1.11-1971: "Specification for Octave, Half-Octave, and Third-Octave Band Filter Sets"
S1.25-1978: "Specification for Personal Noise Dosimeters"
S1.4-1971: "Specification for Sound Level Meters"
S3.6-1969: "Specifications for Audiometers"