Action Level

30 CFR 62.120

 

30 CFR §62.120 Action level
If during any work shift a miner's noise exposure equals or exceeds the action level the mine operator must enroll the miner in a hearing conservation program that complies with § 62.150 of this part.

 

MSHA’s definition of action level can be found here: Action Level

 

MSHA policy regarding this standard can be found here: Noise Enforcement Policy

 

This standard applies to surface and underground metal and nonmetal and coal mines.

 

Other relevant MSHA standards:

62.150 Hearing conservation program
 

Issues to Consider in Determining Compliance:

·        Did the miner's noise exposure meet or exceed the action level?

·        Does the mine operator have a system of monitoring that sufficiently evaluates each miner's noise exposure to determine continuing compliance?

·        Is a hearing protector provided to each miner whose noise exposure equals or exceeds the action level?

·        Does the mine operator offer miners the opportunity for audiometric tests at no cost? 

·        Are affected miners notified in writing within 10 days of the results of their audiometric test?  

·        Is training provided within 30 days of a miner's enrollment into a hearing conservation program?  

·        Are required records available for review by authorized representatives of the Secretaries of Labor and Health and Human Services?