Hearing conservation programme
A structured programme of measures required where employees are exposed to noise above an action level, including monitoring, audiometric testing, hearing protection, training and record-keeping.
Also known as
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“hearing conservation programme”Close equivalentThe Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 do not use the phrase hearing conservation programme but require a package of measures for employees exposed above the lower EAV: noise assessment, health surveillance (audiometry) above the upper EAV, hearing protection provision, and training. Together these constitute a GB hearing conservation approach.
Irish HSA
“hearing conservation programme”Close equivalentThe Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/371) require health surveillance (audiometric testing) where employees are regularly exposed above the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A). Training and hearing protection provision are also required above the lower EAV. These measures collectively constitute the Irish hearing conservation approach.
US OSHA
“hearing conservation programme”HCPExact equivalent“OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95(c) requires employers to administer a continuing, effective hearing conservation programme when employee noise exposures equal or exceed the action level of 85 dB(A) TWA. The programme must include noise monitoring, audiometric testing, hearing protectors, training, and recordkeeping.”
Practitioner note: Audiometry detects harm already done. Treat a threshold shift as a control failure, not merely as a medical record.