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Compliance Guide to MSHA's
Occupational Noise Exposure Standard

TABLE OF CONTENTS


INTRODUCTION - HOW TO USE THIS PUBLICATION
    Who should use this publication?
    What is the purpose of this guide?
    How can I find what I need quickly?
    If I follow the guidance in this document, will I be in compliance with the requirements of the new noise standards?
THE PROBLEM
    Why has MSHA promulgated a revised noise standard?
SCOPE OF THE RULE
    What mine operators will have to comply with the new noise standard?
EFFECTIVE DATE
    When will the new noise standard become effective?
KEY REQUIREMENTS OF THE RULE

EXPOSURE LEVELS
    What is the noise exposure "Action Level"?
    What must I do if a miner's exposure equals or exceeds the Action Level?
    What is the "Permissible Exposure Level"?
    Is there a maximum exposure level?
    What must I do if a miner's exposure exceeds the Permissible Exposure Level?
    What is the "Dual Hearing Protection Level"?
    What must I do if a miner's exposure exceeds the Dual Hearing Protection Level?
ENGINEERING AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS
    What are my responsibilities for installing engineering noise controls and implementing administrative noise controls?
    What if the feasible engineering and administrative controls do not adequately reduce the noise exposure to miners?
    How will MSHA determine if a citation is warranted when evaluating whether I have implemented all feasible controls?
    How will MSHA determine if engineering and administrative controls are feasible?
NOISE EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT
    What are my responsibilities for determining miners' noise exposure?
    How do I determine a miner's noise dose?
    What type of instruments would I use to determine a miner's noise exposure?
    How will MSHA evaluate my noise monitoring efforts?
    Can miners and their representatives observe my noise monitoring?
    Am I required to notify a miner if his or her noise exposure equals or exceeds allowable levels?
HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM (HCP)
    What must I include in my Hearing Conservation Program?
    How are Personal Hearing Protectors addressed under a HCP?
    Do I have to offer audiometric (hearing) testing to miners enrolled in a HCP?
    Are there any other requirements related to audiometric testing?
    Are audiometric test procedures spelled out in the new noise standard?
    Who evaluates audiograms conducted under the provisions of this standard to determine if a hearing loss has occurred?
    How soon must I obtain the results of audiograms and what actions must I take?
    What must I do if an audiogram cannot be obtained due to a miner having possible medical problems affecting one or more ears?
    Table 62-3.--Age Correction Value in Decibels for Males
    Table 62-4.--Age Correction Value in Decibels for Females
    Am I required to take corrective actions when an audiogram indicates a standard threshold shift? 14
    What are my requirements for notifying and reporting the results of audiometric testing to the affected miners?
    What are the training requirements for miners enrolled in Hearing Conservation Programs?
    What are my recordkeeping requirements under the new noise standard?
    Recordkeeping Requirements Table
APPENDIX A - SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE
    National Mine Health and Safety Academy
    Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center
    Coal Mine Safety and Health
    Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health
    National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
    Occupational Safety and Health Administration
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

APPENDIX B - GLOSSARY OF TERMS