Hearing Conservation
Summary: Learn about UCR's Hearing Conservation Program and how it protects employees from hearing damage due to occupational noise.
Employees who are routinely exposed to high levels of workplace noise must participate in the Hearing Conservation Program. At UCR, this level is 85 dB(A) averaged out over an 8-hour workday. Those affected may include, but are not limited to, personnel in:
- Machine shops
- Maintenance and utilities
- Groundskeeping
- Carpentry and machine shops
- Housing and dining services facilities
- Engineering
- Vivaria
Supevisors are responsible for enrolling employees in the program and ensuring they receive hearing testing and protection. Supervisors or employees can contact the Hearing Conservation Program coordinator if they suspect their work environment poses a risk for hearing damage.
The program includes the following:
- Noise exposure assessments to determine if an employee is exposed to damaging levels of noise.
- Audiometric testing monitors the employee's hearing over time to detect and prevent hearing loss.
- Hearing protection equipment is provided free of charge to the employee by the department.
- Training and recordkeeping requirements specify when employees must receive training and testing, and defines record rentention times for training, audiometric tests, and noise exposure documentation.
Regulations and standards:
- Permissible Exposure Limits for Occupational Noise
- California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5096-5100 Article 105
- Cal/OSHA – Occupational Noise Exposure Compliance Assistance Guideline (PDF)
If you are a UCR affiliate and have questions, contact the Accident Prevention Manager, (951) 827-2415.