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APP/SSHP Soil Excavation at California National Guard Armory Lodi, California Where 8-hour time-weighted averages are 85-d BA or greater, a hearing conservation program is required. This includes an initial audiogram to establish a baseline on the employee's hearing ability, followed by an annual audiogram to measure hearing. The conservation program should also allow employees access to their audiogram records. OSHA regulations stipulate that when employees are subject to sound that exceeds the PEL, feasible administrative or engineering controls shall be used. If controls fail to reduce sound exposure to within the PEL, PPE must be provided and used to decrease sound levels to within the PEL. Use of PPE (e.g., earplugs or muffs) should be implemented immediately upon discovery of sound levels above the action level pending evaluation of suitable engineering controls. Exposure to impact noise should not exceed the 140-d BA peak sound level. If noise monitoring is necessary, as determined by SSHO, then the monitoring will be conducted using a dosimeter with data logging capabilities. The prolonged presence of any nearby noise above PEL will necessitate the use of high quality and high noise reduction rating (NRR) hearing protection devices (HPDs). The HPDs that will be used will consist of ear plugs, ear muffs, or a combination of the devices. The potential for prolonged exposure to noise exceeding PEL is unlikely at this site with the use of HPDs while the drilling rig is running. NOTE:As a rule of thumb, the dB level is above 85 when you have to speak loudly to a person at an arms length or less away. 4.5.5 Hearing Protection Devices Expandable foam earplugs or earmuffs will be worn whenever personnel are working and hearing protection is required. The minimum NRR for earplugs or earmuffs is 25dBA. Hand signals will be used when noisy conditions exist and/or when hearing protection devices are used. The hand signals to be used will be discussed and agreed upon by site personnel before working with hearing protection. 4.5.6 Material Lifting Hazards Many different types of objects may be handled manually during site operations. Care should be taken when lifting and handling heavy or bulky items because they are the cause of many back injuries. The following fundamentals address the proper lifting techniques that are essential in preventing back injuries: • The size, shape, and weight of the object to be lifted must first be considered. No individual employee is permitted to lift any object that weighs over 50 pounds. Multiple employees or the use of mechanical lifting devices are required for objects over the 50- pound limit. • The anticipated path to be taken by the lifter should be inspected for the presence of slip, trip, and fall hazards. • The feet shall be placed far enough apart for good balance and stability (typically shoulder width). The footing shall be solid. • The worker shall get as close to the load as possible. The legs shall be bent at the knees. • The back shall be kept as straight as possible and abdominal muscles should be tightened. OTI E 13