About this course
Food processing equipment — high-speed packaging lines, compressors, conveyors, grinders, and cleaning equipment — can push noise levels high enough to cause permanent hearing loss over time, often without workers realizing damage is occurring. This course covers OSHA's Occupational Noise Exposure standard, 29 CFR 1910.95, and the hearing conservation program it requires.
Under 1910.95, employers must implement a hearing conservation program once employee noise exposure reaches or exceeds an 85-decibel (dBA) time-weighted average over an 8-hour shift, known as the action level. The program must include noise monitoring, baseline and annual audiometric testing, hearing protection devices provided at no cost in a variety of styles, annual training on noise hazards and hearing protection, and recordkeeping that employees can access. Separately, OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 90 dBA triggers requirements to pursue engineering or administrative controls where feasible.
This course is intended for employees who work in or regularly pass through high-noise areas of the facility, including production, maintenance, and sanitation staff. Facilities should use noise monitoring data to confirm which roles and areas meet or exceed the 85 dBA action level and require enrollment in the hearing conservation program.
After completing this course, learners will be able to identify high-noise areas and tasks, select and properly fit hearing protection, understand the purpose of baseline and annual audiometric testing, and describe the early warning signs of noise-induced hearing loss.
Topics covered
- How noise is measured and OSHA's 85 dBA action level and 90 dBA PEL
- Selecting, fitting, and caring for hearing protection devices
- The purpose of baseline and annual audiometric testing
- Recognizing early signs of noise-induced hearing loss
- Employee rights to noise monitoring and audiometric records
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