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Rev. A: 06/2014

Colby College5500 Mayflower HillWaterville ME 04901 of 8

Hearing Conservation Program

(HCP)

Rev. A: 06/2014

This written program and attached procedures will be reviewed annually per Colby College policy or as required under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Occupational Noise Exposure Standard (29 CFR 1910.95). The program and procedures are amended as necessary to address workplace changes which affect noise levels procedures, including but not limited to the following:

Machine, equipment or process changes; Identified program or procedure deviations or inadequacies.

When possible, revisions to this written program are made in the same month as the annual HCP training.

REVISION

DESCRIPTION OF CHANGEREVISION EFFECTIVE DATE

REVISION COMPLETED BY: NAME / COMPANY

MANAGER APPROVAL / DATE

A Initial program 06/2014Wade Behnke, Colby College

Mark Crosby,Colby College


Rev. A: 06/2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS:1.0 PURPOSE 2.0 SCOPE3.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS4.0 DEFINITIONS5.0 RESPONSIBILITIES6.0 PROGRAM COMPONENTS 7.0 TRAINING8.0 RECORDS

9.0 ENFORCEMENT

APPENDICES:Appendix A: Equipment/Area Noise Surveys Results

Appendix B: Employee Noise Surveys Results

Appendix C: Employee Training Documentation Form


Rev. A: 06/2014

1.0 PURPOSE1.1 The purpose of this HCP (Program) is to establish safe work procedures to protect Colby

College employees from hearing loss injuries related to hazardous noise exposure. The Program complies with the requirements of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulation 29 CFR 1910.95, Occupational Noise Exposure.

2.0 SCOPE2.1 The Program applies to all Colby College employees whose typical noise exposure

exceeds the OSHA action level (85 dBA), and to all employees who work on or around the equipment identified in the HCP. Only select PPD employees are exposed to hazardous noise above the OSHA action level.

3.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS3.1 OSHA, Occupation Noise Exposure 29 CFR 1910.95 3.2 Equipment/Area Noise Surveys Results (Appendix A)3.3 Employee Noise Surveys Results (Appendix B)3.4 Employee Training Documentation Form (Appendix C)

4.0 DEFINITIONS4.1 Action Level: An 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels A-weighted (85 dbA 8-hr

TWA) established by OSHA. Personnel monitoring indicated that only Groundskeepers are exposed to noise levels above the action level.

4.2 Administrative Controls: Methods that limit an employee’s exposure time to noise. This includes assigning the employee to less noisy areas in the workplace for a certain length of time so the employee shall not exceed the action level.

4.3 Audiogram Testing: Exams that measure the sensitivity of a person's hearing threshold in decibels as a function of frequency.

4.4 Decibels (dB): A measure of the sound level (loudness). The decibel scale is a logarithmic scale; as an example, a 90 dB noise is ten times louder than 80 dB noise.

4.5 Decibels, A-Weighted (dBA): The A weighted is the scale used for most occupational noise measurements. The A weighting approximates the range of human hearing by reducing the effects of lower and higher frequency noises with respect to the medium frequencies.

4.6 Hearing Conservation Program (HCP): Program established when employees are exposed to noise exceeding the Action Level. Program must include noise surveys, audiometric testing, hearing protectors, training, and recordkeeping requirements.

4.7 Hearing Protection Devices (HPD's): Personal protective equipment that is designed to be worn in the ear canal or over the ear to reduce the sound level reaching the ear drum. Examples include ear muffs or plugs.

4.8 Noise Dosimeter: An instrument worn by an individual that integrates the sound level exposure over a period of time.


Rev. A: 06/2014

4.9 Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): The Noise Reduction Rating of Hearing Protection Devices (HPD) indicates the theoretical amount of reduction of noise levels that can be achieved if the HPD is worn correctly. This rating is shown on the HPD packaging.

4.10 Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): 90 dBA 8-hr TWA. 4.11 Sound: A vibration or pressure oscillation that is detectable by the ear drum. 4.12 Sound Level Meter: An instrument used for the measurement of noise in sound level

surveys. 4.13 Standard Threshold Shift (STS): An average shift from the baseline measurement in

either ear of 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hz. These frequencies are the most important frequencies in communication and the most sensitive to damage by industrial noise exposure. See Section 3.5 Stanford Risk Management for a definition of a CAL-OSHA reportable STS.

4.14 Time-Weighted Average Sound Level (8-hr TWA): That sound level, which if constant over an 8-hour exposure, would result in the same noise dose measured in an

environment where noise level varies.

5.0 RESPONSIBILITIES5.1 Responsibilities for oversight and implementation of Colby College’s HCP are assigned

below. Identified personnel may designate tasks assigned to them to a qualified employee or vendor, as appropriate.

5.2 Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Director Provide as-needed assistance to PPD Supervision; Provide classroom training to PPD employees on all elements of the HCP and

use of HPDs; Conduct employee noise monitoring using personal dosimeters and determine

which job classifications are exposed to noise levels above the OSHA action level of 85 dBA for 4 hours or longer;

Maintain all employee monitoring records, audiogram results and training records;

Communicate the results of the annual audiograms and noise monitoring data to applicable employees; and

Administer and maintain the written Program.5.3 PPD Supervision

Verify that supervised employees have received HCP training and provided on the job training as needed;

Monitor equipment used by employees and notify the EHS Director of potentially hazardous noise levels or changes;

Label equipment or areas where HPDs are required; Maintain an adequate supply of HPD and ensure employees properly use them

in required areas or with select equipment; Implement and enforce this Program; and Schedule and verify completion of annual audiograms (Groundskeeper

Supervision only).


Rev. A: 06/2014

5.4 Impacted Employees Complete annual HCP and HPD awareness training; Employees potentially exposed above the action level (Groundskeepers) must

take an annual audiogram arranged by Supervision; Comply with the requirements of this HCP and wearing HPDs in required

areas/equipment; and Report new noise hazards to Supervision.

6.0 PROGRAM COMPONENTS6.1 Noise Monitoring Procedure

6.1.1 The EHS Director and PPD Supervision will develop a sampling strategy and conduct representative noise monitoring. The intent of the monitoring will be to identify applicable employees for inclusion into the Hearing Conservation Program and to enable the proper selection of hearing protection.

6.1.2 All continuous, intermittent and impulsive sound levels from 80 to 140 dBA shall be integrated into the computation of an 8-hr TWA.

6.1.3 Employees exposed at or above the action level shall be notified of the results of the monitoring by the EHS Director or Supervisors.

6.1.4 Employees' noise exposure shall be reassessed periodically as needed (i.e. following changes in processes, job responsibilities, equipment or when a STS is determined).

6.2 Personnel Noise Monitoring Results6.2.1 To date, monitoring results indicate that Groundskeepers have the

potential to be exposed above the action level and must be included in the HCP.

6.2.2 No other job classifications monitored at Colby College currently exceed the action level.

6.2.3 Current noise monitoring data is attached as Appendix B. 6.3 Audiometric Testing

6.3.1 Audiometric testing program shall be managed by Workplace Health (WPH), Waterville, Maine.

6.3.2 WPH physicians will review the results of the audiograms and determine, in the event of a standard threshold shift, if it is work related.

6.3.3 Baseline audiograms shall be provided for grounds employees at employment, and annually thereafter.

6.3.4 Ideally, baseline audiograms shall be preceded by at least 14 hours without exposure to workplace noise. This requirement may be met by wearing hearing protectors which will reduce the employee's exposure to a sound level of 80 dBA or below.

6.3.5 Employees shall be informed in writing within 21 days by the EHS Director when an audiogram indicates a standard threshold shift which is determined to be work related.


Rev. A: 06/2014

6.4 Equipment6.4.1 All equipment will be tested for noise levels, unless there is

manufacturer’s literature that specifically identifies noise levels produced. Where there are multiples pieces of the same equipment, a single sample is acceptable.

6.4.2 Supervisors will complete the surveys annually. Current survey results are included in the HCP as Appendix B.

6.4.3 A common sense approach will be utilized with new equipment until it can be surveyed and listed in Appendix B.

6.4.4 Any equipment with a noise level of 75 db or higher will be maintained on the list of annually “Monitored Equipment” in each PPD supervisor’s office.

6.4.5 Supervisors will maintain the results of the equipment surveys in each shop.

6.4.6 All equipment determined to have a noise level of between 75db and 85db will be tagged with a sticker stating: “Hearing Protection Recommended”.

6.4.7 All equipment with noise exposure levels greater than 85db will be tagged with a sticker stating: “Hearing Protection Required”.

6.5 Hearing Protection Devices (HPD) Requirements6.5.1 Colby PPD employees are exposed to a variety of noise levels through the

course of a typical work day. Based on personal monitoring, only Groundskeepers have the potential for an 8-hour TWA of 90 dBA or greater. As a protective measure for PPD employees, Colby College requires all PPD employees to use HPDs when operating select equipment or in identified high noise areas. Select equipment is identified in Appendix A and labeled “Hearing Protection Required”.

6.5.2 Hearing protectors shall be available to all Colby employees, at no cost to the employees.

6.5.3 Employees shall be given the opportunity to select their hearing protectors from a variety of suitable types.

6.5.4 Proper initial fitting, supervision and training on the correct use of hearing protectors shall be provided.

6.5.5 The EHS Director will evaluate hearing protector attenuation for the specific noise environments in which the protector will be used. Hearing protectors must attenuate the noise level to an 8-hour TWA of 90 dBA or less.

6.5.6 For employees who have experienced a standard threshold shift, the attenuation must reduce the sound level to an 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA or less.

6.5.7 Re-evaluation of hearing protectors shall be done whenever a workplace noise level increase renders the hearing protector's attenuation inadequate.


Rev. A: 06/2014

6.5.8 Areas at Colby College in which the noise level exceeds 85 dBA have signs posted reading "Hearing Protection Required".

7.0 TRAINING7.1 All PPD Employees will receive annual training on the HCP. Specifically the training will

cover the following topics. The effects of noise on hearing; The purpose, advantages, disadvantages, and attenuation of various types

of hearing protectors; Instruction of proper fitting and care of protectors; and The purpose and procedures of audiometric testing.

7.2 Training will be documented on Appendix C.

8.0 RECORDS8.1 Noise exposure measurement records shall be retained for at least 2 years by the EHS

Director.8.2 Audiometric test records shall be retained for the duration of the impacted employee's

employment by the EHS Director.8.3 Copies of the HCP will be maintained by the EHS Director and in the main PPD office.

9.0 ENFORCEMENT9.3 Colby College employees who fail to follow the responsibilities and procedures described

in this Program will be subject to disciplinary action.


APPENDIX A: EQUIPMENT/AREA NOISE SURVEY RESULTS

Colby College5500 Mayflower Hill, Waterville ME 04901

COLBY COLLEGE CARPENTER SHOP

Area Tested: Various portable and mounted power tools in the shop on 02/11/2014.

Equipment: Radio Shack Digital Sound Meter – Calibrated 2/11/2014. Set for high range, “A” weighting, slow response.

Methodology: Measurements taken at normal operator’s position.

Atmosphere: Doors closed, dust collection system off, shop windows open.

Equipment Tested dBA Reading

10” Chop Saw 100 @ idle – 107 @ work

Panel Saw 98 @ idle – 107 @ work

6” Chop Saw 99 @ idle – 103 @ work

Router Table 92 @ idle – 98 @ work

Belt Sander 90 @ idle – 93 @ work

Saw Stop 84 @ idle – 94 @ work

Drill Press 80 @ idle – 83 @ work

Planer 77 @ idle – 93 @ work

Jointer 77 @ idle – 92 @ work

Band Saw 77 @ idle – 90 @ work

Grinder 73 @ idle – 97 @ work


COLBY COLLEGE CENTRAL STEAM PLANT

Area Tested: Equipment operated in the steam plant on 11/12/13.

Equipment: UEI - DSM100 digital sound meter, Set for high range, “A” weighting, slow response.


Conditions: Outside - 30 F., cloudy. Overhead door closed, 2 boilers operating, large feed pump and turbine generator in operation. .

TEST LOCATION READING (In dBA)

Operator’s Booth 75.0

Control Panel #3 90.0

At Turbine 96.0

Chemical Mix Area 87.0

Compressor (small) 87.0

Oil Pump Set 82.0

BioMass Operating Deck 92.0

Biomass Grinder 96.0

BioMass Control Room 71.0

Hydraulic Alley 87.0

Hand tools

Saws All 86.0

Hand drill 87.0


COLBY COLLEGE GROUNDS CREW

Area Tested: Various portable and mobile equipment used by the Grounds Crew

Equipment: UEI - DSM100 digital sound meter, “A” weighting, slow response.


Equipment Tested dBA Reading

Buggys

Toro Workman NA @ idle – 77 @ work

Mule 63 @ idle – 78 @ work

Mowers

John Deer 1445 4wd 79 @ idle – 94 @ work

Toro 2300-D 78 @ idle – 86 @ work

Toro Z Master 1 82 @ idle – 98 @ work

Toro Z Master 2 w/leaf vac 82 @ idle – 99 @ work

Tractors

John Deer Loader 69 @ idle – 75 @ work

Kubota M9000 71 @ idle – 81 @ work

Bobcat Toolcat 4600 74 @ idle – 79 @ work

Kubota Turf Tractor 78 @ idle – 90 @ work

Sweepers

Tennant 6600 Sweeper 75 @ idle – 88 @ work

Toro Versa Vac NA @ idle – 94 @ work

Johnson Roadsweeper MX450 70 @ idle – 79 @ work


Chain Saws, Hedgetrimmers and Chippers

Husq Chainsaw (Big) 88 @ idle – 108 @ work

Husq Chainsaw (Small) 89 @ idle – 109 @ work

Power Prune Pole Saw 86 @ idle – 97 @ work

Wood Splitter NA @ idle – 93 @ work

Olathe Chipper NA @ idle – 95 @ work

Trimmers, Blowers and Leaf Clean-up

Stihl Handblower NA @ idle – 97 @ work

Stihl Backback Blower NA @ idle – 99 @ work

Echo Trimmer 86 @ idle – 97 @ work

Billy Goat Leaf Blower NA @ idle – 95 @ work

Billy Goat Leaf Vac HTR 1600 NA @ idle – 91 @ work

Miscellaneous Equipment

Zamboni NA @ idle – 91 @ work

Ice Edger NA @ idle – 95 @ work

Forklift 75 @ idle – 91 @ work

Ariens Snow Blower 84 @ idle – 93 @ work

Pioneer Field Striper 78 @ idle – 83 @ work

Powerbroom 86 @ idle – 96 @ work


COLBY COLLEGE MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL SHOP

Area Tested: Equipment operated in the Electrical & Pipe Shop as well as various hand tools.

Equipment: UEI - DSM100 digital sound meter, Set for high range, “A” weighting, slow response.


Conditions: Ambient noise levels present.

TEST LOCATION READING (In dBA)

Core Drill 97.0 @ work

Hand Grinder 99.0 @ work

Hand Drill 94.0 @ work

Pipe Threader 82.0 @ work

Diesel Generator 112.0 @ idle – 118 @ work

Portable Gas Generator 90.0 @ idle – 105 @ work

Drill Press 87.0 @ work


APPENDIX B: EMPLOYEE NOISE SURVEY RESULTS


APPENDIX C: EMPLOYEE TRAINING DOCUMENTATION FORM


Purpose: This training was presented to the employees (listed below) of Colby College, Waterville, Maine facility for the purpose of understanding and implementing the requirements of:

OSHA, Occupational Noise Exposure, 29 CFR 1910.95 Hazardous noise environments, equipment and processes at Colby CollegeCorrect use of PHDs

Training Date and Location:

This training program was presented on ____/_____/_____at Colby College, Waterville, Maine.

Instructor:

Employee Name Department/Title Signature


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