716 – Hearing Conservation and Protection for Competent Person

Description

This training provides instruction in the recognition, evaluation, and control of occupational noise hazards and the proper use of hearing protection in construction and workplace environments.

The course addresses the effects of excessive noise exposure, occupational hearing loss, common sources of workplace noise, hazard recognition, noise exposure considerations, and methods used to reduce employee exposure to hazardous noise.

Participants will receive instruction on noise-control strategies, including engineering controls, administrative controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE). The course also addresses the selection, use, inspection, care, and limitations of hearing protection devices such as earplugs and earmuffs.

Training topics may include noise terminology, decibels, duration of exposure, permissible exposure considerations, noise monitoring, hearing protection, Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR), employee responsibilities, warning signs, communication in high-noise environments, and the importance of reporting suspected hearing-related problems.

Individuals assigned competent person responsibilities should be capable of recognizing existing and predictable noise hazards within the scope of their assigned duties and understand the corrective measures and employer procedures necessary to address unsafe conditions within their assigned authority.

For construction activities, applicable requirements may include OSHA 29 CFR 1926.52 – Occupational Noise Exposure and 29 CFR 1926.101 – Hearing Protection. Other requirements may apply depending on the industry, workplace, equipment, and employee exposure.

This training is intended to supplement, not replace, employer-specific hearing conservation procedures, workplace noise assessments, required exposure monitoring, audiometric testing where applicable, equipment-specific requirements, or other regulatory obligations.

Completion of this course does not, by itself, designate or certify an individual as a Competent Person or Qualified Person. Competent Person designation is the responsibility of the employer and must be based on the individual’s knowledge, training, experience, assigned responsibilities, and authority to take prompt corrective measures.