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Washington — OSHA is providing guidance on hearing protector fit testing, which isn’t required under occupational noise exposure standards but is considered a best practice.
“HPFT measures the amount of noise reduction (attenuation) a hearing protection device provides and can help train workers on what a properly inserted earplug ‘feels like’ in the ear,” OSHA says in a new safety and health information bulletin. “This tool allows workers to select the most effective HPDs that are comfortable, can be inserted correctly, and provide adequate noise reduction while allowing them to hear important communication and warning signals necessary for safety in the workplace.
“Since OSHA noise standards were enacted, several HPFT systems have become readily available to employers and can be a valuable part of an effective hearing conservation program.”
The bulletin outlines factors to consider (found in Table 1) and provides an overview of the two types of HPFT systems:
- Subjective devices, which require workers to respond to sounds played through headphones
- Objective devices, which use a dual microphone to measure a test sound inside and outside an inserted earplug that’s been modified with a microphone
In the bulletin, OSHA also includes recommendations to guide the timing and frequency of HPFT:
- Conduct an initial fit test before entry into the hearing conservation program and exposure to hazardous noise, or as soon as possible after enrollment.
- Provide annual HPFT to document that workers are trained to achieve adequate attenuation and properly fit their hearing protection devices.
- When a worker has a standard threshold shift, conduct HPFT to help them comply with follow-up procedures required under 1910.95(g)(8).
- Use HPFT proactively to help prevent hearing loss when a worker has an early indicator for it such as tinnitus, a temporary threshold shift that resolves on follow-up audiogram or other signs of early warning for hearing loss.
- When new hearing protection devices are introduced into inventory or a worker begins wearing new devices compared with the ones previously fit-tested.
“OSHA recognizes the value of HPFT as a best practice to ensure proper fit and attenuation of HPDs while training workers how to select, fit, use and care for HPDs,” the bulletin’s conclusion states. “OSHA uses HPFT for its workers enrolled in a hearing conservation program. HPFT technology continues to evolve, but several cost-effective, commercial systems are readily available.
“Employers who are considering HPFT should evaluate their options, incorporate HPFT into internal policies to ensure standardized processes are followed and maintain records created with HPFT to document their efforts to comply with OSHA standards.”
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Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication