30 CFR Part 62:30 CFR Part 62:MSHA Standards forMSHA Standards for

Occupational Noise Exposure Occupational Noise Exposure

Noise Induced Hearing LossNoise Induced Hearing Loss

• Among the top ten work-related Among the top ten work-related illnesses according to National illnesses according to National Institute of Occupational Safety & Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH)Health (NIOSH)

• 24,000 M/NM miners at risk under old 24,000 M/NM miners at risk under old rule (30 CFR 56/57.5050)rule (30 CFR 56/57.5050)

Mining - “High Risk” OccupationsMining - “High Risk” Occupations

Task Area:Task Area: Jobs:Jobs:

Drilling/CuttingDrilling/Cutting Wagon/Rotary Drill, Jachammer, &Wagon/Rotary Drill, Jachammer, &Stone Saw OperatorsStone Saw Operators

HaulageHaulage Truck, Bulldozer, Front-End-Loader,Truck, Bulldozer, Front-End-Loader,Shovel, Dragline, & Dredge OperatorsShovel, Dragline, & Dredge Operators

Plant/MillPlant/Mill Plant Workers: Crushing, Sizing,Plant Workers: Crushing, Sizing,Washing, Grinding, & BaggingWashing, Grinding, & Bagging

MaintenanceMaintenance Laborer, Cleanup, Mechanic,Laborer, Cleanup, Mechanic,& Welder& Welder

What is Noise?What is Noise?

Unwanted orUnwanted or undesired sound undesired sound

Sound Sound isis Vibrational Energy Vibrational Energy

Travels in Waves Travels in Waves from a Sourcefrom a Source

FREQUENCYFREQUENCY INTENSITYINTENSITYCycles per SecondCycles per Second

Hertz (Hz)Hertz (Hz)

Decibels (dB)Decibels (dB)

Characteristics that Determine the Characteristics that Determine the Degree of the Noise Hazard:Degree of the Noise Hazard:

1. Intensity (volume, loudness)1. Intensity (volume, loudness)

2. Frequency (pitch)2. Frequency (pitch)

3. Duration of exposure3. Duration of exposure

Common FrequenciesCommon Frequencies

Hertz (CPS)Hertz (CPS)

63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 800063 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000

-trombone-- ----------piccolo-----------------trombone-- ----------piccolo----------------

----truck---- -------compressed air noise--------------------truck---- -------compressed air noise-----------------------------speech----------------------------speech---------------

Decibel (dB)Decibel (dB)

• A unit of measure of sound A unit of measure of sound pressure levelspressure levels

• 20 times the common log of the 20 times the common log of the ratio of the measured sound ratio of the measured sound pressure level to the threshold of pressure level to the threshold of hearing @ 1000 Hzhearing @ 1000 Hz

• NOT SIMPLE MATH!!NOT SIMPLE MATH!!

Relationship between intensity andRelationship between intensity and decibels for measuring hearing decibels for measuring hearing

dB dB IntensityIntensity 0 0 11 10 10 1010 20 20 100100 30 30 1,000 (1 thousand times)1,000 (1 thousand times) 40 40 10,00010,000 50 50 100,000100,000 60 60 1,000,000 (1 million times)1,000,000 (1 million times) 70 70 10,000,00010,000,000 80 80 100,000,000100,000,000 90 90 1,000,000,000 (1 billion times)1,000,000,000 (1 billion times)

100 100 10,000,000,00010,000,000,000 110 110 100,000,000,000100,000,000,000 120 120 1,000,000,000,000 (1 trillion times)1,000,000,000,000 (1 trillion times) 130 130 10,000,000,000,00010,000,000,000,000 140 140 100,000,000,000,000100,000,000,000,000

Common Sound LevelsCommon Sound LevelsPain ThresholdPain Threshold 140 dB140 dBChannel BurnerChannel Burner 125 dB125 dBChain SawChain Saw 120 dB120 dBAir-Track DrillsAir-Track Drills 115 dB115 dBLarge Haul TrucksLarge Haul Trucks 109 dB109 dBBulldozersBulldozers 107 dB107 dBScrapersScrapers 104 dB104 dBFront-end LoadersFront-end Loaders 101 dB101 dBRock crusherRock crusher 94 dB 94 dBStreet TrafficStreet Traffic 83 dB 83 dBNormal conversationNormal conversation 60 dB 60 dBInside houseInside house 45 dB 45 dBSoft WhisperSoft Whisper 10 dB 10 dBThreshold of hearingThreshold of hearing 0 dB 0 dB

What Difference Does 5 Decibels Make?What Difference Does 5 Decibels Make?

• MSHA uses a 5-dB doubling factor MSHA uses a 5-dB doubling factor as the basis of its regulationsas the basis of its regulations

• With every increase in exposure of With every increase in exposure of 5 dB, the worker’s allowable time in 5 dB, the worker’s allowable time in an area is cut in half.an area is cut in half.

• 3 dB is the mathematically correct value 3 dB is the mathematically correct value & is used for noise control engineering& is used for noise control engineering

Permissible Noise ExposuresPermissible Noise Exposures

Duration per dayDuration per day Sound level Sound level(hours of exposure)(hours of exposure) (dBA, slow response)(dBA, slow response)

8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 908 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 906 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 926 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 924 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 973 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 972 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1001-1/2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1021-1/2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1051 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1051/2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1101/2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1101/4 or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1151/4 or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Noise MeasurementNoise Measurement

• Expressed as a “dose,” or percentage of Expressed as a “dose,” or percentage of allowable limit, where 90 dB is the allowable limit, where 90 dB is the criterion & 5 dB is the exchange ratecriterion & 5 dB is the exchange rate

• TWA of 90 dB for 8 hours = 100%TWA of 90 dB for 8 hours = 100%

• Measured on “A” scale & slow responseMeasured on “A” scale & slow response

• Either by dosimeter or sound level meterEither by dosimeter or sound level meter

• Personal samplingPersonal sampling

““A” Weighting (dBA)A” Weighting (dBA)

50 HZ at 95 dB50 HZ at 95 dB

5000 HZ at 76 dB5000 HZ at 76 dB

Adjust the dB Scale to Account Adjust the dB Scale to Account for the Ear’s Sensitivity to for the Ear’s Sensitivity to

Different FrequenciesDifferent Frequencies

PERCEIVED AS EQUALLY LOUD BY THE HUMAN EARPERCEIVED AS EQUALLY LOUD BY THE HUMAN EAR

The Human EarThe Human Ear

• The ear of an average, The ear of an average, healthy, young adult healthy, young adult can respond to can respond to frequencies in the range frequencies in the range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hzof 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz

• The human ear is most The human ear is most sensitive to sounds of sensitive to sounds of 1000 Hz to 4000 Hz1000 Hz to 4000 Hz

Anatomy of the Human EarAnatomy of the Human Ear

OssiclesOssicles

Oval WindowOval Window

Short Waves (High Pitch and High Short Waves (High Pitch and High Frequency) act at the base of the Frequency) act at the base of the CochleaCochlea

Round WindowRound Window

Long Waves (Low Frequency Long Waves (Low Frequency and Low Pitch) act at top of and Low Pitch) act at top of the Cochleathe Cochlea

Transmission of Vibrations through Inner EarTransmission of Vibrations through Inner Ear

Early Signs of Hearing LossEarly Signs of Hearing Loss

• Ringing in the ears after a noisy activityRinging in the ears after a noisy activity

• Difficulty understanding what people sayDifficulty understanding what people say

• Turning up the volume of the TV or radio Turning up the volume of the TV or radio when others hear finewhen others hear fine

• Not hearing background noises such as Not hearing background noises such as the telephone or doorbellthe telephone or doorbell

Cross-section Normal Cochlea Cross-section Normal Cochlea with Hair Cellswith Hair Cells

Cross-section Damaged CochleaCross-section Damaged Cochlea& Loss of Hair Cells& Loss of Hair Cells

Temporary Threshold ShiftTemporary Threshold Shift

• Hearing loss may initially be Hearing loss may initially be temporarytemporary

• Ear becomes fatigued by noiseEar becomes fatigued by noise

• Recovers after a period of restRecovers after a period of rest

• Pattern repeated for months & Pattern repeated for months & yearsyears

Leads to:Leads to:

Permanent threshold shiftPermanent threshold shift Standard threshold shift (STS)Standard threshold shift (STS) Change in hearing threshold relative to Change in hearing threshold relative to

the baseline - An average of 10 dB or the baseline - An average of 10 dB or more at 2K, 3K and 4K Hz in either ear.more at 2K, 3K and 4K Hz in either ear.

May Lead to:May Lead to: MSHA Reportable Hearing LossMSHA Reportable Hearing Loss Change in hearing threshold relative to Change in hearing threshold relative to

the baseline - An average of 25 dB or the baseline - An average of 25 dB or more at 2K, 3K and 4K Hz in either ear.more at 2K, 3K and 4K Hz in either ear.

Or, an award of compensation.Or, an award of compensation.

• Can’t give and receive Can’t give and receive instructionsinstructions

• Can’t hear warning signalsCan’t hear warning signals

• Hard to communicateHard to communicate

• Can’t hear sounds from machineryCan’t hear sounds from machinery

• Reduced communication leads Reduced communication leads directly to accidentsdirectly to accidents

Problems:Problems:

• Action level =Action level =TWATWA88 of 85 dBA or 50% dose (80 - 130 dBA) of 85 dBA or 50% dose (80 - 130 dBA)

• Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) = TWAPermissible Exposure Level (PEL) = TWA88 of of

90 dBA or 100% dose (90 - 140 dBA)90 dBA or 100% dose (90 - 140 dBA)

• Dual Hearing Protection Level =Dual Hearing Protection Level =TWATWA88 of 105 dBA or 800% dose of 105 dBA or 800% dose

(90 - 140 dBA)(90 - 140 dBA)

• 115 dBA maximum sound level115 dBA maximum sound level

30 CFR Part 62: Compliance Levels30 CFR Part 62: Compliance Levels

What triggers an MSHA citation?What triggers an MSHA citation?

Any miner’s full-shift exposure > 2 dB* Any miner’s full-shift exposure > 2 dB* above an allowable exposure level (i.e., above an allowable exposure level (i.e., 85, 90, 105)85, 90, 105)

– measured via personal dosimeter using measured via personal dosimeter using “A” scale & slow response“A” scale & slow response

Any exposure > 2 dB* above 115 dBA Any exposure > 2 dB* above 115 dBA maximum sound level via SLM using “A” maximum sound level via SLM using “A” scale & slow responsescale & slow response

* 95% confidence limit95% confidence limit

Controlling Noise ExposureControlling Noise Exposure If MSHA (or operator) determines exposure If MSHA (or operator) determines exposure

exceeds PEL (TWAexceeds PEL (TWA88 of 90 dBA or 100% noise of 90 dBA or 100% noise

dose), dose), feasiblefeasible engineering and administrative engineering and administrative controls required (if capable of achieving controls required (if capable of achieving significantsignificant reductionreduction).).

This requirement applies even if the final noise This requirement applies even if the final noise level continues to exceed the PEL.level continues to exceed the PEL.– In addition to engineering and administrative In addition to engineering and administrative

controls, adequate hearing protectors also controls, adequate hearing protectors also required. required.

Feasible Control &Feasible Control &Significant ReductionSignificant Reduction

FeasibleFeasible ControlControl means: means:– The control reduces exposure.The control reduces exposure.– The control is economically achievable (costs The control is economically achievable (costs

proportionate to “expected benefits”).proportionate to “expected benefits”).– The control is technologically achievable The control is technologically achievable

(need not be “off-the-shelf,” but must have (need not be “off-the-shelf,” but must have realistic basis in present technology).realistic basis in present technology).

SignificantSignificant ReductionReduction means a reduction of means a reduction of3 dB or greater.3 dB or greater.

Noise Reduction MethodsNoise Reduction Methods• At the Source:At the Source:

- Select quiet equipment- Select quiet equipment- Reduce speed, impact or impulsive- Reduce speed, impact or impulsive force in machines force in machines

• In the Transmission Path:In the Transmission Path:- Separate noise and receiver (booths/cabs)- Separate noise and receiver (booths/cabs)- Use sound absorbing materials- Use sound absorbing materials

• At the Receiver:At the Receiver:- Reduce exposure time- Reduce exposure time- Alter work schedules- Alter work schedules- Hearing protective devices (last resort)- Hearing protective devices (last resort)

Summary: Actions Required By OperatorSummary: Actions Required By Operator

SectionSection ConditionCondition Action RequiredAction Required

62.120 TWA62.120 TWA88 < 85 dBA No action required < 85 dBA No action required

62.120 TWA62.120 TWA88 85 dBA, Enroll miner in HCP per 85 dBA, Enroll miner in HCP per

but but 90 dBA 90 dBA 62.150, HP use optional 62.150, HP use optional

62.130 TWA62.130 TWA88 > 90 dBA Use all feasible engrng > 90 dBA Use all feasible engrng

and/or admin controls; and/or admin controls; enroll miner in HCP; enroll miner in HCP; ensure use of HP; post & ensure use of HP; post &

provide any admin controls provide any admin controls

62.140 TWA62.140 TWA88 > 105 dBA Ensure use of Dual HP; all > 105 dBA Ensure use of Dual HP; all

62.120 and 62.130 actions 62.120 and 62.130 actions

• Operator must establish a system of Operator must establish a system of monitoring that evaluates each miner’s monitoring that evaluates each miner’s exposure to determine continuing exposure to determine continuing compliancecompliance

• Evaluation must reflect a full work shiftEvaluation must reflect a full work shift• Operator must notify the miner of results and Operator must notify the miner of results and

any proposed actions within 15 days if TWAany proposed actions within 15 days if TWA88

of 85 dBA or 50% dose or higher is measuredof 85 dBA or 50% dose or higher is measured

System of monitoringSystem of monitoring

What is a system of monitoring?What is a system of monitoring?

• A way of relating the miner’s daily noise A way of relating the miner’s daily noise dose* to a measurable parameter, such as:dose* to a measurable parameter, such as:- Hours worked- Hours worked- Tonnage produced or consumed- Tonnage produced or consumed- Other data- Other data

* Expressed as % dose where 8 hours @ 90 dBA Expressed as % dose where 8 hours @ 90 dBA or 100% dose.or 100% dose.

Who is covered by the system Who is covered by the system of monitoring?of monitoring?

• The system of monitoring must The system of monitoring must provide an initial exposure provide an initial exposure assessment for all miners on siteassessment for all miners on site

• It must ensure continuing It must ensure continuing compliance of all miners’ exposures compliance of all miners’ exposures with the standard (Both Action Level with the standard (Both Action Level and PEL)and PEL)

Does the operator have to do Does the operator have to do noise monitoring?noise monitoring?

• No - the operator can base the No - the operator can base the system of monitoring on exposure system of monitoring on exposure predictions (i.e., predictions (i.e., other data) other data)

• The operator can protectively place The operator can protectively place all miners in the HCPall miners in the HCP

What What OtherOther DataData ? ?

• MSHA’s or other historical MSHA’s or other historical monitoring (monitoring (available from MSHA Web Pageavailable from MSHA Web Page))

• Representative personal monitoringRepresentative personal monitoring

• Manufacturers’ information (e.g., cab Manufacturers’ information (e.g., cab noise levels in a Front-End-Loader)noise levels in a Front-End-Loader)

When does this have to be done?When does this have to be done?

• The standard was effective 9/13/00 - a The standard was effective 9/13/00 - a year after publication.year after publication.

• Exposure assessments for existing Exposure assessments for existing operations were to be completed by then.operations were to be completed by then.

• Complete audiometric testing by 3/13/01 Complete audiometric testing by 3/13/01 or 9/13/01*or 9/13/01*

* If using mobile van optionIf using mobile van option

What are the operator’s What are the operator’s responsibilities if the miners are responsibilities if the miners are

protectively placed into the HCP?protectively placed into the HCP?

• All provisions of the HCP applyAll provisions of the HCP apply

• This includes notification, provision of This includes notification, provision of PPE, audiograms, initial training, & PPE, audiograms, initial training, & recordkeepingrecordkeeping

• Within the established deadlinesWithin the established deadlines

• Evaluate exposures for compliance Evaluate exposures for compliance with PEL!!!with PEL!!!

Who should be included if the Who should be included if the operator elects to sample ?operator elects to sample ?

• A least one miner as a representative A least one miner as a representative of each exposure group (e.g., allof each exposure group (e.g., allEuclid R-50 haul truck drivers)Euclid R-50 haul truck drivers)

• Representative monitoring assumes Representative monitoring assumes that all miners doing the same that all miners doing the same operation with the same equipment operation with the same equipment have the same exposurehave the same exposure

Do I have to sample for the Do I have to sample for the whole shift?whole shift?

• No - But, all exposure models have No - But, all exposure models have to reflect the miner’s full-shift to reflect the miner’s full-shift exposureexposure

• As long as the exposure interval is As long as the exposure interval is representative of the whole day’s representative of the whole day’s exposure you can simply adjust for exposure you can simply adjust for the restthe rest

How?How?

• The mine operator can assume* that the The mine operator can assume* that the percent noise dose is accumulated in a percent noise dose is accumulated in a predictable fashionpredictable fashion

• For example:For example: 40% in 5 hours = 8% dose per hour40% in 5 hours = 8% dose per hour Therefore, a 12-hour shift @ 8% dose Therefore, a 12-hour shift @ 8% dose

per hour = 96% dose per shiftper hour = 96% dose per shift

* MSHA inspectors can’t assume - they MSHA inspectors can’t assume - they mustmust measure miner’s actual full-shift dose!measure miner’s actual full-shift dose!

Hearing Conservation Program:Hearing Conservation Program:

• If AL (or higher) is exceeded* a Hearing If AL (or higher) is exceeded* a Hearing Conservation Program that includes the Conservation Program that includes the following must be in place (or instituted):following must be in place (or instituted):- A system of monitoring- A system of monitoring- Provision & use of PPE- Provision & use of PPE- Audiometric Testing- Audiometric Testing- Training- Training- Recordkeeping (- Recordkeeping (i.e., monitoring results,i.e., monitoring results, notifications, audiograms, training certification, etc.) notifications, audiograms, training certification, etc.)

* Or if miners are protectively placed into HCPOr if miners are protectively placed into HCP

Hearing ProtectorsHearing Protectors• Provided by mine operator at no Provided by mine operator at no

expense to miner (in HCP) including expense to miner (in HCP) including replacementsreplacements

• Choice of 2 muff & 2 plug typesChoice of 2 muff & 2 plug types

• Maintained & fitted per manufacturers’ Maintained & fitted per manufacturers’ instructionsinstructions

• Voluntary use < PEL*, Mandatory at or Voluntary use < PEL*, Mandatory at or aboveabove

* Required until baseline audiogram or if an STS Required until baseline audiogram or if an STS has been detectedhas been detected

Hearing ProtectionHearing Protection

• IF WORN CORRECTLY & FITTED IF WORN CORRECTLY & FITTED PROPERLY:PROPERLY:

- Effective within limits of bone- Effective within limits of bone conduction & transmission through conduction & transmission through absorbing material absorbing material

- Comfortable fit more important than- Comfortable fit more important than high NRR high NRR

Audiometric TestingAudiometric Testing• Under supervision of physician, Under supervision of physician,

audiologist, or qualified technicianaudiologist, or qualified technician• Initial within 6 months of entry into HCP Initial within 6 months of entry into HCP

(or 12 months if a mobile van is used)(or 12 months if a mobile van is used)• Annually (thereafter, as long as in HCP)Annually (thereafter, as long as in HCP)• Voluntary on the miner’s partVoluntary on the miner’s part• Initial, annuals, and followups* at no cost Initial, annuals, and followups* at no cost

to minerto miner

* unless not occupationally relatedunless not occupationally related

Test ProceduresTest Procedures

• Must use scientifically valid procedures Must use scientifically valid procedures (OSHA’s specified procedure is OK)(OSHA’s specified procedure is OK)

• Pure tone, air conduction, hearing Pure tone, air conduction, hearing threshold, @ 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, threshold, @ 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, & 6000 Hz in either ear& 6000 Hz in either ear

• Operator provides results withinOperator provides results within10 working days10 working days

• Followup if indicatedFollowup if indicated

125 250 500 1K 2K 3K 4K 6K 8K

-10

0

10

20

30

40

50

BASELINEBASELINE

ANNUALANNUAL

Understanding AudiogramsUnderstanding Audiograms

1616 99 88

Determine if Any Hearing LossDetermine if Any Hearing Loss125 250 500 1K 2K 3K 4K 6K 8K

-10

0

10

20

30

40

50

ANNUALANNUAL

BASELINEBASELINE

Determine if STS or ReportableDetermine if STS or Reportable

1616 99 88

125 250 500 1K 2K 3K 4K 6K 8K

-10

0

10

20

30

40

50

ANNUALANNUAL

16 + 9 + 8 = 3316 + 9 + 8 = 3333 / 3 = 1133 / 3 = 11

Reportable ? NOReportable ? NO

BASELINEBASELINE

Determine if STS or ReportableDetermine if STS or Reportable

1616 99 88

125 250 500 1K 2K 3K 4K 6K 8K

-10

0

10

20

30

40

50

ANNUALANNUAL

16 + 9 + 8 = 3316 + 9 + 8 = 3333 / 3 = 1133 / 3 = 11

Reportable ? NOReportable ? NOSTS? YESSTS? YES

BASELINEBASELINE

25 Years Later . . .25 Years Later . . .

Is there a Reportable Hearing Loss?Is there a Reportable Hearing Loss?

Loss at 2K, 3K, and 4KLoss at 2K, 3K, and 4K(from Baseline to Annual)(from Baseline to Annual)27 + 37 + 35 = 9927 + 37 + 35 = 9999 / 3 = 3399 / 3 = 33Reportable?Reportable? YESYES

What if the What if the initialinitial audiogram indicates audiogram indicates occupational hearing loss?occupational hearing loss?

• On an On an initialinitial (baseline) audiogram, (baseline) audiogram, this is not reportable, this is not reportable, unlessunless there is there is an award of compensation under the an award of compensation under the local workers’ compensation criterialocal workers’ compensation criteria

• File a 7000-1 if File a 7000-1 if compensationcompensation is is awardedawarded

What type of training?What type of training? Within 30 days of enrollment in HCP, and Within 30 days of enrollment in HCP, and

every 12 months thereafter, miner must be every 12 months thereafter, miner must be trained in:trained in:B effects of noise on hearingeffects of noise on hearingBpurpose and value of wearing HPDspurpose and value of wearing HPDsB advantages/disadvantages of HPDsadvantages/disadvantages of HPDsB care, fitting and use of HPDscare, fitting and use of HPDsBgeneral requirements of Part 62general requirements of Part 62Boperator/miner responsibilities regarding operator/miner responsibilities regarding

controlscontrolsBpurpose and value of audiometric testingpurpose and value of audiometric testing

RecordkeepingRecordkeeping

• Mine Operator maintains a complete Mine Operator maintains a complete record for length of miner’s employment record for length of miner’s employment plus 6 monthsplus 6 months

• Copies available to MSHA (DOL) & Copies available to MSHA (DOL) & NIOSH (HHS) representatives withinNIOSH (HHS) representatives within1 business day1 business day

• Copies of records available to miner, Copies of records available to miner, miner’s written designee, former miners, miner’s written designee, former miners, & miner’s representatives within 15 days& miner’s representatives within 15 days

What happens when a new What happens when a new operator acquires the mine? operator acquires the mine?

• The baseline audiograms convey for The baseline audiograms convey for the purposes of determining an STS the purposes of determining an STS or reportable hearing lossor reportable hearing loss

• Doesn’t apply to a successor Doesn’t apply to a successor operator hiring a miner who has operator hiring a miner who has never worked at that locationnever worked at that location

What if the miner moves to a What if the miner moves to a different mine?different mine?

• A miner transferring from one A miner transferring from one property to another may still have the property to another may still have the same employersame employer

• And may still meet the local criteria And may still meet the local criteria for workers’ compensationfor workers’ compensation

• The The currentcurrent mine operator is mine operator is responsible for submitting the 7000-1responsible for submitting the 7000-1

Can the operator hold the miner Can the operator hold the miner responsible for the cost of responsible for the cost of

replacement hearing protection?replacement hearing protection?

• No - the cost for initial and No - the cost for initial and replacement PPE is borne by the replacement PPE is borne by the operator for each miner operator for each miner in the HCPin the HCP

• Don’t have to buy the most Don’t have to buy the most expensive if the loss rate is too highexpensive if the loss rate is too high

What about fitting & What about fitting & maintenance of PPE?maintenance of PPE?

• Any required PPE must be fitted & Any required PPE must be fitted & maintained per manufacturers’ maintained per manufacturers’ specificationsspecifications

• Proper fitting is an indicator of good Proper fitting is an indicator of good trainingtraining

Thank YouThank You