- Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA)
- California Occupational Safety & Health Association (Cal/OSHA)
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Hearing Conservation Training
California employers must provide hearing conservation training to employees exposed to high noise levels (85+ dBA) per Cal/OSHA. CDMS offers turnkey training, including a noise survey to identify high-risk areas and engaging instruction on hearing protection tailored to your equipment. We document training for compliance. Trust CDMS to implement an effective program preventing noise-induced hearing loss.
Regulatory bodies
Who needs it
All employees exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or above and employees exposed to any measurable noise who show hearing loss according to Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA) action levels.
Regulation reference
- 29 CFR 1910.95
- 8 CCR 5097 – Cal/OSHA Hearing Conservation standard
- 29 CFR 1926.52
What our training provides:
Our Hearing Conservation Training covers:
- Effects of noise on hearing
- Purpose and use of hearing protection
- Advantages and disadvantages of different types of hearing protectors
- Selection, fitting, care, and maintenance of protectors
- Purpose and procedures for audiometric testing
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When is hearing conservation training required?
For employees exposed to an 8-hour TWA of 85dBA or more. Also those with documented hearing loss.
What topics must the training cover?
Effects of noise, use of protectors, audiometric testing, engineering/admin controls.
Who can provide the required training?
Qualified individuals like certified industrial hygienists, audiologists, safety professionals. Contact Us to get support or request a Hearing Conservation Training. Our skilled team of EH&S specialists is ready to assist you.
How often does training need to be repeated?
Annually is required. More often is recommended for very high noise areas.
How should facilities document hearing conservation training?
With attendance sheets listing date, instructor, topics covered, and signatures.
What are common mistakes with hearing conservation programs?
Improper use of protection, lack of enforcement on use, ineffective training.
Can normal speakers or conversations cause excessive noise?
Yes, workplace discussions in small rooms can exceed 85dBA over a workday.
Is classroom training sufficient or is hands-on required?
Hands-on training on properly inserting and wearing protectors is essential.
Do employees need training whenever a new protector is introduced?
Yes, proper fitting and use must be covered for any new protective equipment.
Can online courses meet California Occupational Safety & Health Association (Cal/OSHA) training requirements?
No, online courses may supplement but cannot replace in-person training.
What are the penalties for lack of training under the standard?
Citations, fines, and other Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA) enforcement actions.
How long must training records be retained?
For duration of employment plus 30 years per California Occupational Safety & Health Association (Cal/OSHA) requirements.
Do employees need retraining if moved to higher noise areas?
Yes, training must reflect current noise exposure levels.
Is classroom training alone sufficient?
No, hands-on training/practice donning protectors is also mandatory.
Can noise exposure be reduced instead of relying only on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
Yes, engineering and administrative controls should be used to reduce sound levels.
Who enforces the training requirements?
California Occupational Safety & Health Association (Cal/OSHA) inspectors evaluate training programs and records.
Are independent contractors exempt from training?
No, contractors exposed over 85 dBA must also receive training.
Does training need to be provided for those who wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) voluntarily?
Voluntary users under 85 dBA do not require training.
Can employees decline to participate in the training?
No, training is the employer’s responsibility and is mandatory.
Are there options for dealing with employees who refuse to wear protection?
Re-training, discipline policies, noise level reduction.