Chapter 8ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
impulse or impact noise exceeds a peak sound
pressure level of 140 dB. Where necessary, surveys
shall be conducted in compliance with the
guidance outlined in OPNAVINST 6260.2
enclosure (1). Enclosure (3) of OPNAVINST
6260.2 provides a listing of activities where in-
dustrial hygiene assistance may be obtained.
medical element of hazards to hearing resulting
from non-use. The following paragraphs
outline the specific actions to be taken by the
engineer officer and subordinates to insure the ef-
fectiveness of the command program.
The engineer officer will:
Where a potential noise hazard has been iden-
tified, a hearing conservation program shall be
instituted in accordance with OPNAVINST
6260.2 and a roster will be maintained on person-
nel placed in the program. Noise levels will be
eliminated or reduced through the use of engineer-
ing controls.
1. Insure that all newly reporting personnel
have received a base-line audiogram and that each
individuals medical record reflects the results of
this examination.
2. Insure that all engineering department per-
sonnel receive an annual re-examination by a
medical activity.
Personal hearing protective devices will be
provided and used properly by personnel where
administrative or engineering controls are infeasi-
ble or ineffective. All military civilian personnel
whose duties entail exposure to potentially hazard-
ous noise will receive instruction regarding the
command occupational noise control and hear-
ing conservation program, the undesirable effects
of noise, the proper use and care of hearing pro-
tective devices, and the necessity of periodic
hearing testing. Emphasis will be placed upon
leadership by example as regards the wearing of
hearing protective devices. Command policy shall
be enforced, including the initiation of disciplinary
measures for repeated failure to comply with the
requirements of the hearing conservation
program.
3. Advise the medical department represen-
tative, by memorandum, of personnel by name
who are working or stand watches in areas deter-
mined to be high noise areas and defined in
OPNAVINST 6260.2.
4. Arrange for a noise survey to be taken in-
itially by an industrial or IMA activity, and in-
sure that surveys are retaken at least annually.
5. Designate high noise areas from the sur-
vey and insure that areas are properly marked or
labeled with prescribed markings. Advise the
medical department of areas so designated and
of any changes that may occur.
In addition to the personnel mentioned above,
we need to describe the shipboard responsibilities
of the Engineer Officer and the work center
supervisor.
6. Insure aural protective devices to all per-
sonnel tasked to work in designated high noise
areas. These devices will be made available
through the medical department for individual fit-
ting and issue. Issue of these devices will be
recorded in the individuals medical records.
ENGINEER OFFICER.OPNAVINST
6260.2 outlines the shipboard program for hear-
ing conservation. Although the medical depart-
ment representative has primary cognizant over
this program there are elements that the engineer
officer must monitor and which are subject to
periodic review. Periodic surveys must be ac-
complished to properly identify those areas within
the propulsion spaces that fall into the category
Noise Hazardous Area. These areas must be
marked and personnel tasked with working in
these areas must have available to them and utilize
the prescribed aural protective devices. Training
and discussion should emphasize the need for
wearing these devices and should stress the
7. Insure that sufficient training is provided
to operating personnel concerning the hazards and
preventive elements of the program, stressing the
use of available protective devices.
8. The main propulsion assistant should be
designated as the department officer to monitor
and assist the engineer officer in all elements of
the program.
WORK CENTER SUPERVISOR.As a
work center supervisor you are responsible for en-
suring that safety signs are posted in your spaces
which are high noise areas, that your personnel
are trained and counseled as to the effects of noise
pollution, and that they have the proper hearing
protection as required for that area.
For additional information on the Hearing
Conservation Program refer to OPNAVINST
6260.2.
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