| Instructor's Guide: Noise Audits Training Kit |  | |
Purpose of this training module |
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Instructor's Guide Employers who have workers exposed to noise and who are employed less than a year can conduct noise audits in lieu of having audiometric testing done as outlined in the Hearing Loss Prevention (Noise) Rule (see below). The three modules in this kit can be read online or presented to a group of people in a classroom setting.
These three modules describe what noise audits are, how to do them and gives the necessary information to do the noise audits correctly. The trainer using these modules should have a thorough understanding of the effects of excessive noise, the different types of hearing protection and their limitations, how to conduct noise monitoring and the requirements of the Hearing Loss Prevention Rule. The training should include hands-on practice in using sound level meters and observing the actual hearing protection the class participants will see in their workplaces.
Topics covered in these modules are those required in the rule. However, you may add additional information to tailor the training for your audience or your worksite.
Getting Ready
1. Resources and materials you will need:
- A quiet room with basic accommodations for comfort of participants
- A copy of the presentation (CD, overheads, or handouts)
- Overhead projector or computer and projector for Powerpoint presentation
- Copies of Powerpoint presentation handouts (optional)
- Sound level meter(s) and hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs) used at the worksite.
- Certificates to hand out to the class as proof of attendance (optional)
- A training roster to pass around for your records (recommended)
2. Review the presentation materials.
Take the time to look through each of the slides and read the instructor's notes that come with each slide. If you have any questions after looking through these materials, you can contact your local L&I office for assistance before you give your first presentation.
3. Customizing the presentation.
- If you have PowerPoint on your computer, additional information is easily added to the PowerPoint version after downloading. The PowerPoint version can be modified, but modification that changes the essential meaning or deletes information may not meet the training requirements.
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If you use the PDF version, the slides cannot be changed, but you can provide the workplace specific information orally, on overhead transparencies or as paper handouts.
4. Prepare the materials and schedule the class
- If you have a computer video projection system, all you need to do is check to make sure the presentation works and make copies of the handouts.
- If you plan to use an overhead projector, print the slides out on transparencies. The PDF version will print quicker and use less printer memory. The slides will be clearer if they are printed in color. If you don't have a color printer, your local print or copy store can print out color transparencies for you.
- Schedule the class for a date and time convenient to most people. If you want many employees and supervisors to participate, try not to make groups larger then 15 attendees.
Getting help
If you have questions while preparing to give this presentation, or if questions come up during the presentation that you need help in answering, contact your local L&I office listed below for assistance:
| City | Telephone # | E-mail address |
| Everett | 425-290-1300 | gasr235@lni.wa.gov |
| Seattle | 206-281-5400 | solt235@lni.wa.gov |
| Spokane | 509-324-2600 | poag235@lni.wa.gov |
| Tacoma | 253-596-3800 | maha235@lni.wa.gov |
| Tumwater | 360-902-5799 | holt235@lni.wa.gov |
| Wenatchee | 509-886-6500 | mcfj235@lni.wa.gov |
