HEARING CONSERVATION POLICY (HCP)

1.0 DISTRIBUTION
All Departments.

2.0 APPICABLE DOCUMENTS
INA-03-012 Personal Protective Equipment
INA-03-005 Contractor compliance policy
3.0 APPICABLE FORMS
INA-03-008-01 Accident / Injury Report.
INA-03-008-02 Learning Incident Report

4.0 APPLICABILITY
This document applies to the Xxx Xxx Plant only.

5.0 DEFINITIONS:
5.1 “Noise” means any unwanted sound.

5.2 “Decibel”(dB) refers to the sound level as measured on the sound meter level

a. “Restricted areas” are areas where the employees noise exposure will exceed the limits
set forth in the PEL.

6.0 PURPOSE
To manage employees exposure to noise levels which may cause Noise-Induced Deafness (NID).

7.0 APPLICABILITY
7.1 The Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) for noise, higher than which hearing protection will be required will be as follows:
Exposed Duration : Based on the 8 hr. time weighed exposure(TWAg)

Per Day (hours) 0
Sound level dB >100

Per Day (hours) 8
Sound level dB 85

Note: Areas that are above 85 dBA will require hearing protection for employees working full time in this area. Hearing protection is optional for employees passing through.

7.2 The restricted areas shall be clearly marked by signs on all access doors to alert the individuals entering the area of the need for hearing protectors.

7.3 Designation of Responsibility

7.3.1 Supervisor(s) shall ensure that:
a) Employees who are assigned to work in restricted area (85 dBA, TWA¬ 8 ) are issued with hearing protectors and ensure that employees are wearing ear protection properly.
b) Hearing protection is optional for employees passing through.

7.3.2 Manufacturing Incharge
a) The Operations Manager is responsible for obtaining from the suppliers of machines or equipment for use in the plant data on the noise generation of machines that are likely to expose workers to excessive noise (Above 85dBA, over an 8-hour workday) :
b) The sound power level could either be stated in the machine technical specification sheets or brochures or labeled on the machine itself.
c) The warning sign must be labeled on the machine.

7.3.3 EHS Coordinator responsibilities are as follows:
a) Conducts Noise hazard assessment and develops noise map by using sound level meter, for areas greater than 83 dBA and have employees working full time, domestic testing will be required any time there is a process change or addition of a new piece of equipment..
Informing human resources department of the affected areas.
b) Training and education for affected employees.
c) Provide recommendations for engineering and administrative controls.
d) Provide guidance in selection of hearing protectors.

7.4 Employees(s) Notification
7.4.1 Results of area assessment shall be conveyed to affected employee(s). A written summary report of the results will be given to the area supervisor(s).
i. Posting of the sound map of the area where respective employee can view the sound level data.

7.5 Audiometric (Hearing) Test
7.5.1 When an employee’s noise exposure in work place exceeds 90dBA (TWA¬ 8), the employee shall be included in a routine audiometric monitoring program. Attendance at this scheduled test is compulsory.
7.5.2 New or transferred employee should receive a baseline audiometric (Hearing Test) when they are exposed to excessive noise. A baseline hearing exam be performed no later than three months after the first exposure to 85dBA or greater.

7.8 Training & Education
7.8.1 All affected employees and their supervisors shall be trained on the following:
a) The effects of noise on hearing
b) The purpose of hearing protectors,
c) Instruction on selection, fitting, use, and care of hearing protectors
d) Specific equipment or areas in the facility that pose a noise hazard
e) Noise controls currently in use
b) The purpose of audiometric testing, and explanation of the test procedures
7.9 Warning Signs
a) A sign or label must be attached to the machine or equipment to warn workers that they would be exposed to excessive noise and hence must wear hearing protectors.
b) The respective area must post sign in any area where noise level is above 85dBA.
c) The warning sign should read “ Hearing protection is required”.

8.0 REFRENCES
- Punjab Factory Rules 1952 (as applicable in the state of Haryana), Schedule 23.