The primary objective of the UCSB Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) is to prevent hearing loss due to occupational noise exposure. Although UCSB attempts to control noise exposures on campus, certain areas and operations may expose faculty, staff, or students to significant noise levels. Per Cal/OSHA regulations (CCR, Title 8, Section 5097), all personnel who are exposed to occupational noise levels equal to or exceeding an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA shall be included in a hearing conservation program.
Supervisor & Departmental Responsibilities
Departments and their supervisors have the primary responsibility of ensuring the health and safety of their employees. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Providing work environments that minimize noise to the greatest extent possible.
- Requesting EH&S evaluation of noisy operations.
- Providing hearing protection at no cost to employees when needed and ensuring proper use.
- Posting signs in noisy areas that require the use of hearing protection.
- Ensuring employees exposed to noise over the action level are enrolled in the Hearing Conservation Program.
EH&S Resources & Services
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) has administrative responsibility for the UCSB Hearing Conservation Program, and will assist departments in meeting their requirements under the program upon request. Specific EH&S Services and Resources are listed below:
- UCSB Hearing Conservation Program Manual
- Hearing Conservation Training is available online through the UC Learning Center or in-person by contacting the Industrial Hygiene Program at ehs-ih@ucsb.edu.
- UCSB Hearing Conservation Program Compliance Checklist
- Noise exposure monitoring.
- Recommendations for engineering and administrative noise control measures.
- Assistance in the selection of proper protective devices and provide instruction on their use.
- Coordination of audiometric testing for individuals enrolled in the Hearing Conservation Program.
Additional Resources
- Cal/OSHA Hearing Conservation Program Standard (CCR, Title 8, Section 5097)
- Federal Regulation: 29 CFR 1910.95: "Occupational Noise Exposure"
For questions regarding the Hearing Conservation Program or to schedule a noise assessment contact the Industrial Hygiene Program at ehs-ih@ucsb.edu.