Audiometric and respiratory surveillance basics

Audiometric and respiratory surveillance are the two programs most occupational-health teams run first, because the hazards — noise and the need to wear a respirator — are everywhere. They share a shape: identify who's exposed, test on a schedule, act on the results, and keep the records. The details differ, and the details are where compliance lives.

Audiometric surveillance, in brief

When noise exposure reaches the action level, 29 CFR 1910.95 requires a hearing conservation program: a baseline audiogram, annual audiograms, and comparison to detect a standard threshold shift. A confirmed shift triggers follow-up — notification, evaluation and protective steps. NIOSH's hearing-loss prevention resources are a good reference for the why behind the rule.

• Establish a baseline audiogram for each exposed worker.
• Test annually and compare against the baseline.
• Identify standard threshold shifts and follow up promptly.
• Document notifications and any revisions to the baseline.

Respiratory surveillance, in brief

Before an employee is fit-tested or wears a respirator, 29 CFR 1910.134 requires a medical evaluation to determine they can do so safely — typically a questionnaire reviewed by a licensed professional, with a follow-up exam when indicated. Re-evaluation is required when conditions change. It is a gate, not a formality: clearing someone who shouldn't wear a respirator is a real harm.

The shared discipline: schedule, follow-up, records

Both programs live or die on the same three habits. Keep the schedule so nobody lapses. Close every abnormal result with a real follow-up. And preserve the records for the long retention period required by 29 CFR 1910.1020. Do those three things consistently and the rest of the program is detail.

When does hearing conservation become required?

When employee noise exposure reaches the action level defined in 29 CFR 1910.95, the standard requires a hearing conservation program including baseline and annual audiograms and follow-up on standard threshold shifts.

Why is a medical evaluation required before respirator use?

Under 29 CFR 1910.134, a medical evaluation must confirm an employee can safely wear a respirator before fit-testing or use, because respirator use itself can pose a health burden for some individuals.