OHS ► Audiometry Area

The purpose of the Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) is to prevent the occurrence and progression of work-related - noise induced hearing loss amongst San Francisco City & County (CCSF) employees included in the HCP. A key component of the HCP is monitoring the hearing of selected CCSF employees who work in operations that may expose them to levels of noise that by regulation require annual hearing testing for protection. Thus:

All personnel who are regularly exposed to occupational noise levels at or exceeding an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 decibels (dBA) are required to l be included in a HCP. This applies to employees who incur exposure as part of their assigned job duties. The HCP meets compliance with California Occupational Health and Safety Administration (CAL OSHA) and Federal OSHA regulations for hearing conservation (CCR, Title 8, and Section 5097). 

While the primary focus of the HCP is to detect occupational noise induced hearing loss (NIHL), non-occupational hearing loss often is identified as well. These findings serve as a screening tool to provide appropriate recommendations and referral for optimal health care.

The importance of using hearing protection devices (HPDs), including earplugs, earmuffs, and custom ear pieces, are communicated with the worker and the worker’s departmental industrial hygienist. Persons at risk of occupational NIHL are required to use HPDs in appropriate work environments and/or follow alternative safety controls. 

The use of HPD and annual hearing testing is required by OSHA regulation for individuals at risk of occupational NIHL. Additional information can be found on the Federal OSHA website.

Typical Sound Levels (dBA)

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, December 2). Occupational hearing loss (OHL) surveillance. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved May 11, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ohl/default.html

Department of Labor Logo United States Department of Labor. Occupational Noise Exposure - Hearing Conservation Program | Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Retrieved May 11, 2022, from https://www.osha.gov/enforcement/directives/04-00-004