• Employers must train employees on the effects of excess noise on hearing, the purpose and use of hearing protection, the purpose of audiometric testing, and more.
• Employers must train employees to properly care for and maintain hearing protection devices.

Within a hearing conservation program, each employer must instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to the work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.

An effective training program should be updated when protective equipment, work processes, or regulations change. It might include:

• Effects of noise and duration of noise on hearing;
• A discussion of any engineering and administrative controls implemented at the site.
• An explanation of the purpose of hearing protectors and the advantages, disadvantages, and attenuation of various types;
• Instructions on selection, fitting, use, and care of hearing protectors;
• An explanation of the purpose of audiometric testing and an explanation of test procedures;
• How to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions;
• The regulations 1926.52 and 1926.101 as they apply to each employee’s work environment; and
• How to control or eliminate any exposure.

Maintenance and inspection requirements

Employers must ensure that employees inspect their hearing protection for deficiencies. In addition, they must understand how to care for and replace their hearing protection when necessary.

Employers must ensure that employees inspect their hearing protection for deficiencies. In addition, they must understand how to care for and replace their hearing protection when necessary.