Hearing protection devices (HPDs) are considered the last option to control exposures to noise. HPDs are generally used during the necessary time it takes to implement engineering or administrative controls, or when such controls are not feasible.
ear plugsBasic Requirements
Employers must make HPDs available to all employees exposed at or above the action level. These must be provided at no cost to employees and must be replaced as necessary. [29 CFR 1910.95(i)(1)]
Employers must ensure that HPDs are worn by employees:
where feasible administrative and engineering controls fail to reduce sound levels within those listed in Table G-16. [29 CFR 1910.95(i)(2)(i)] or who are
exposed at or above the action level [29 CFR 1910.95(i)(2)(ii)] and who
have not yet had a baseline audiogram established [29 CFR 1910.95(i)(2)(ii)(A)] or
have experienced a standard threshold shift (STS). [29 CFR 1910.95(i)(2)(ii)(B)]