Section 296-307-63635 - Make sure audiometric testing equipment meets these requirements(1) The employer must use pure tone, air conduction, hearing threshold examinations, with test frequencies including as a minimum 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz. (a) Tests at each frequency must be taken separately for each ear.(b) Supra-aural headphones must be used.(2) The employer must conduct audiometric tests with audiometers (including microprocessor audiometers) that meet the specifications of, and are maintained and used according to, American National Standard Specification for Audiometers, S3.6-1996.(3) The employer must check the functional operation of the audiometer each day before use by doing all of the following: (a) Make sure the audiometer's output is free from distorted or unwanted sound;(b) Test either a person with known, stable hearing thresholds or a bioacoustic simulator;(c) Perform acoustic calibration for deviations of 10 dB or greater.(4) Audiometer calibration must be checked acoustically at least annually to verify continued conformance with ANSI S3.6-1996. Test frequencies below 500 Hz and above 6000 Hz may be omitted from this check.(5) The employer must perform an exhaustive calibration at least every two years according to the American National Standard Specification for Audiometers, S3.6-1996. Test frequencies below 500 Hz and above 6000 Hz may be omitted from the calibration.(6) The employer must provide audiometric test rooms that meet the requirements of ANSI S3.1-1999 American National Standard Maximum Permissible Ambient Noise Levels for Audiometric Test Rooms using the following table of Maximum Ambient Sound Pressure Levels. Table 4 Maximum Ambient Sound Pressure Levels
| Frequency (Hz) | 500 | 1000 | 2000 | 4000 | 8000 |
| Sound Pressure Level (dB) | 40 | 40 | 47 | 57 | 62 |
| Note: | The American Industrial Hygiene Association and National Hearing Conservation Association recommend conducting audiograms using the requirements of ANSI S3.1-1999 American National Standard Maximum Permissible Ambient Noise Levels for Audiometric Test Rooms with adjustments at only 500 Hz and below. |
Wash. Admin. Code § 296-307-63635
Amended by WSR 20-21-091, Filed 10/20/2020, effective 11/20/2020Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. 05-01-166, § 296-307-63635, filed 12/21/04, effective 4/2/05.