Every employer must establish and maintain a system of occupational hygiene measurements and a system of medical surveillance that addresses the following elements:
| 8.1 | Occupational health programme |
The occupational health programme for noise to be implemented on the mine must be summarised in the COP in a flow chart similar to Figure 1 below.
FIGURE 1: Occupational health programme for noise
The COP should set out measures to ensure that:
| (i) | A qualitative and quantitative risk assessment process is followed and considers all the factors influencing the health of employees. |
| (ii) | The outcomes of the risk assessment will be utilised as inputs into the occupational health programme. |
| (iii) | Risk assessment will be carried out by a multi-disciplinary team including, but not limited to, the section 12 (1) appointee and section 13 (3) appointee of the MHSA. |
| (iv) | Where the available historical data is not sufficient to enable professional judgement, acceptable risk assessment methodologies should be used. |
NOTE:
Chapter 3 of the handbook by the Safety in Mines Research Advisory Committee (SIMRAC), the Handbook on Occupational Health Practice in the South African mining industry, may be consulted, and any other methodology, to assist in conducting a risk management.
The COP must address the points set out below:
| 8.1.1.1 | Baseline risk assessment |
At the initial commencement of a system of occupational hygiene measurements, as contemplated in section 12(2) of the MHSA, a baseline risk assessment as contemplated in section 11 of the MHSA is to be conducted to assess the exposure to noise.
The noise baseline risk assessment must as a minimum, address the following:
| (a) | Conducting of noise measurements as per the noise monitoring strategy specified. |
| (b) | The areas on surface or underground where such noise sources may be present e.g. stope, face, development end, workshops, crushers, etc. |
| (c) | The nature of the key working place operations and activities that pose the greatest potential for exposure to noise. |
| (d) | Prioritization of the significant noise sources i.e. ≥82 dBA, for noise management purposes, based on the workplace noise measurements conducted. |
| (e) | The occupations and number of employees who are being exposed to significant noise levels i.e. ≥82 dB LAeq, ah. |
| (f) | The pattern, i.e. intermittent, continuous etc., the duration and the frequency of employee exposure to noise sources identified. |
| (g) | The actual exposure levels measured compared to the OEL per working shift e.g. day shift and night shift. Where the available historical noise data is insufficient to enable professional judgement regarding the extent of any risk, acceptable statistical methodologies should be used for this determination process. |
| (h) | The control measures in place, i.e. substitution, engineering, administration (including education and training}, noise demarcation zones, PPE etc. |
| (i) | The additional control measures required to be instituted to reduce or maintain to below the OEL and, if applicable, the planned programme of implementation. |
| (j) | The frequency of any ongoing monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the controls. |
NOTE:
For the purpose of risk management, the commodity codes (and description), activity codes (and description) and occupational codes (and description) as set out in Annexure A: Mandatory codes should be used.
| 8.1.1.2 | Review of risk assessment |
The COP must address the review of the risk assessment whenever circumstances arise or change at the mine that could have an impact on the original assessments and at least in the following instances:
| (a) | When outcomes of medical surveillance programmes indicate the need for it. |
| (b) | When a section 11(5) investigation of the MHSA and/or any other investigation(s) indicates the need. |
| (c) | When new or revised legislation is introduced. |
| (d) | When new mining methods are introduced. |
| (e) | When process changes are introduced (e.g. in process plants}. |
| (f) | When new types of machinery are introduced. |
| (g) | On an annual basis, based on the noise measurements conducted as per the noise monitoring strategy specified under 8.2.1.4 below of the previous cycle. |
8.1.2 Management of risk
8.1.2.1 Non-significant risk
The employer should put measures in place to ensure that a portfolio of evidence for noise measurements ≥82 dB LAeq, 8h. be established and maintained.
The employer must ensure that a system of noise measurements consisting of area, source and personal exposure monitoring, is implemented for all workplaces with a noise level of ≥82 dB LAeq, 8h.
| 8.2 | Hearing conservation programme |
The COP should put measures in place to ensure that a hearing conservation programme be established and maintained for all workplaces with a noise level of ≥85 dB LAeq, 8h.
The hearing conservation programme should address the following aspects:
| 8.2.1 | Occupational hygiene |
| 8.2.1.1 | Structure of the hearing conservation programme |
The COP should put measures in place for the development and implementation of a functional structure with clearly defined roles and responsibilities based on the need to coordinate critical activities within the hearing conversation programme.
The employer should establish a hearing conservation committee and appoint the following members (but not limited to):
| (a) | Employer representative (chairperson). |
| (b) | Section 12(1) appointee of the MHSA. |
| (c) | Engineer for noise control purposes. |
| (d) | Procurement representative. |
| (f) | Human Resources Development representative (education and training). |
| (g) | Fulltime health and safety representative. |
The outcomes of the risk assessment will be utilised as inputs into the hearing conservation programme.
| 8.2.1.3 | Determination of HEGs |
The COP must address the points set out below:
| 8.2.1.3.1 | The HEGs must be identified for purposes of personal exposure monitoring. The baseline risk assessment will enable the initial identification of HEGs, which will be established as follows: |
Step 1
Sub-divide the mine into sampling areas (i.e. surface = sampling area 1, underground section A = sampling area 2, underground section B = sampling area 3, underground section C = sampling area 4, etc.).
Step 2
The sub-division of the sampling areas into activity areas as per the activity area code list found under Annexure A: Mandatory codes which must be complied with.
Step 3
Ensure that adequate measurements of personal noise exposures (also refer to paragraph 8.2.1.4.3 below) are taken in line with the identified activity areas. If sufficient historical personal exposure data is not available regarding the extent of the risk, a personal monitoring survey must be undertaken for each identified activity area. Acceptable methodology on personal monitoring as stipulated by SANS 10083 should be used for this assessment.
Step 4
A statistical analysis (Annexure B: HEG determination - example of statistical approach is attached for information purposes only) of the personal noise measurement results obtained from the previous sampling cycle, or baseline noise survey for new HEGs, should be conducted as part of the determination and evaluation of HEGs.
The results of the statistical analysis conducted for the determination and evaluation of each HEG should be compared to the classification bands for personal noise, tabled in Annexure C: Mandatory classification bands.
NOTE:
An activity area e.g. stoping is not a HEG, this activity area i.e. stoping, must be further sub-divided into HEGs.
| 8.2.1.3.2 | At the end of each sampling cycle (annually at the end of a calendar year) sampling results for each HEG must be statistically analysed and re-classified. Re-classification of HEGs should be done by means of statistical analysis based on the 90th percentile of all measurement results for the previous sampling cycle. |
The total number of exposed employees will be determined at the beginning of an annual reporting cycle and would only change if there is an increase in employees during the quarterly reporting cycle (exposed individuals are only counted once in an annual reporting cycle to prevent duplicate counting).
NOTE:
In the event where a number of employees changes from quarter to quarter, the employer must indicate such changes in the comments section of the reporting form.
Reduction in employees would not reduce the total number of exposed employees during the reporting cycle.
| 8.2.1.3.3 | HEGs must be re-assessed whenever circumstances arise or change at the mine when the following occurs: |
| (a) | Exposure levels change due to controls being initiated and likewise, when controls deteriorate. |
| (b) | Employee complaints are received. |
| (c) | Processes are changed (e.g. change in procedures, mining layouts, mining methods, plant, equipment or material). |
| (d) | Occupational illness related to noise. |
| (e) | A change in exposure category based on the results of a trend analysis. |
| (f) | Other events warranting re-evaluation such as: |
| (i) | New technological data. |
| (ii) | New regulatory initiatives. |
| 8.2.1.4 | Noise monitoring strategy |
The COP should cover the following types of noise monitoring:
8.2.1.4.1 Area noise monitoring
The COP should set out measures to ensure the following:
| (a) | Area noise monitoring should be conducted in accordance with SANS 10083. |
| (b) | Area noise monitoring should be conducted to determine the boundaries of noise zones for purposes of demarcation. The following should be considered: |
| (i) | Assessment and prediction of noise exposure in all working places which may be accessed by any person. |
| (ii) | The reduction of the 8-hour rating level where this is expected to exceed the OEL for hearing conservation. |
| (iii) | The introduction of a prohibition to persons entering such a working place unless such person is adequately protected. |
| (iv) | The introduction of a medical surveillance programme for all employees working in such working places. |
| (v) | The introduction of a follow-up assessment programme as contemplated under (i) and (ii) above. |
| (vi) | All noise zones to be clearly demarcated on a mine plan or sketch. |
NOTE:
Personal noise exposure measurement results must not be used for the determination of noise zones.
| 8.2.1.4.2 | Noise source monitoring |
The COP should set out measures to ensure the following:
| (a) | The noise source monitoring should be conducted in accordance with the noise guidance note (Annexure F: Guidance note for noise measurement of equipment to ensure conformance with MHSC milestones attached is for information purposes only). |
| (b) | That noise source monitoring is conducted to identify and record noise source(s) from 82 dBA for maintaining and managing purposes. (Annexure E: Noise register template is attached for information purposes only). |
| (c) | That the noise sources emitting noise level ≥OEL are included in the hearing conservation programme and managed by the appointed functional structure in terms of this COP. |
| (d) | The data collection on the noise sources will be based on sampling a minimum of 5% (or a minimum of five if there is less than 100 pieces of that particular equipment type) of that equipment type total population over a 12-month period (samples should be representative of the various activities). |
| (e) | Noise source data will be recorded using rolling log averages on a quarterly basis (Annexure E: Noise register template is attached for information purposes only). |
NOTE:
Personal noise exposure measurement results must not be used for the determination of noise zones.
| 8.2.1.4.3 | Personal noise exposure monitoring |
The COP should set out measures to ensure the following:
| (a) | The personal noise monitoring should be conducted in accordance with SANS 10083. |
| (b) | Personal exposure monitoring is conducted to obtain representative results of employee shift exposures in a workplace. Samples taken according to the established monitoring schedule should be: |
| (i) | Evenly spread per quarter over a full sampling cycle period for each HEG. |
| (ii) | Randomly spread over each quarter. |
| (iii) | Randomly spread across all occupations within the HEG. |
| (c) | A sampling strategy including a monitoring schedule for each HEG is compiled for the cycle period (annually), and records thereof are kept in line with section 12(3) of MHSA. |
| (d) | Sampling size and frequency. |
| (e) | The total number of samples should be evenly spread per HEG (and occupations within the HEG) and should be taken as per classification bands in Annexure C: Mandatory classification bands as per the following: |
| (i) | Category A: 5% or five samples (whichever is greater) per quarter. |
| (ii) | Categories B and C: 5% or five samples (whichever is greater) per annum, to be evenly spread per quarter. |
| (iii) | Category D: no sampling scheduled for this category. Measurement results that are below 82 dBA of the OEL will be reported under this category. A portfolio of evidence should be kept. |
| (f) | A section 12(1) appointee of the MHSA should use their professional judgment to decide whether additional samples need to be taken to confirm that HEGs are appropriately classified. |
The COP must set out measures to ensure a quality control programme is developed and implemented, taking into account the following, but not limited to:
| (a) | lnstrumentation(s) used for a noise monitoring strategy must comply with the SANS 10083. |
| (c) | Competency of people conducting noise measurements. |
| (e) | Maintenance and calibration. |
| (f) | The training programme in place for a person conducting the noise measurements to take into account the following (but not limited to): |
| (i) | Storage and maintenance of the sampling equipment. |
| (ii) | Issuing of the sampling equipment. |
| (iii) | Wearer of the sampling equipment. |
| (iv) | Handling of the sampling equipment. |
| (v) | Transportation of equipment. |
| (vi) | Pre- and post-calibration of the measuring instrumentation checks. |
NOTE:
Refer to Annexure G: Quality assurance for noise measurement and recording.
| 8.2.1.6 | Reporting and recording |
The COP should address the following:
| 8.2.1.6.1 | Mandatory reports Mandatory reporting must be done on a quarterly basis for all categories, that is A, B and C (refer to Annexure C: Mandatory classification bands and Annexure D: Reporting forms). |
NOTE:
| • | For all categories A, B and C, the measurement results on the samples taken at that time must be reported within 60 days at the end of each quarter. The logarithmic average results must be reported at the end of each quarter. |
| • | For category D, no reporting is required, however a portfolio of evidence should be kept at the mine. |
To calculate the logarithmic average exposure for a given HEG or an occupation I a job category, the equation below should be used:
Where:
L = the noise levels measured (LAeq) in dBA.
n = number of total samples
| 8.2.1.6.2 | Record keeping system |
A record keeping system, which records the exposure history of each HEG at the mine, and any other noise monitoring records e.g. calibration certificates, sampling sheets, etc., should be kept and be readily available at the mine, including any reasons for deviation on sample results such as:
| (a) | Controls not operating effectively. |
| (b) | Events or factors which have influenced the results, e.g. excessive winds. |
| 8.2.1.7 | Occupational hygiene |
The COP should stipulate how the hierarchy of controls have been applied as per the hearing conservation programme, considering the following:
| (b) | Substitution and isolation. |
| (d) | Administrative controls. |
| 8.2.2 | Medical surveillance |
Sections 13(2) (c) and 17 of the MHSA requires for a system of medical surveillance to consist of an initial medical examination, other (periodic) medical examinations at appropriate intervals, and an exit medical examination.
Regulation 11.4(2) of the MHSA read with sections 11(3) and 11(4) of the MHSA provides that the system of medical surveillance in respect of noise must consist of:
| (d) | Any additional medical surveillance required in terms of the employer's risk assessment. |
This section details the requirements for audiometric testing procedures to be applied where a hearing conservation programme is required, i.e. where noise control engineering has not been possible or has failed to eliminate the noise hazard.
Audiometric testing in the absence of appropriate control measures cannot reduce the risk of NIHL and should not be regarded as a solution to the noise hazard, but as a means of identifying and prioritising problem areas to enable the formulation of appropriate interventions.
In conducting audiometric testing, the following should comply with SANS 10083:
| 8.2.2.1.1 | Test frequencies for pure tone audiometric tests. |
| 8.2.2.1.2 | Test environment. |
| 8.2.2.1.3 | Audiometric equipment. |
| 8.2.2.1.4 | Maintenance and calibration of audiometric equipment. |
| 8.2.2.1.5 | Audiometric screening procedures: |
| (a) | Screening audiometric tests should include confirmation of non-exposure to noise levels ≥85 dB for at least 16 hours, otoscopic evaluation and pure-tone air conduction testing. |
| (b) | Before testing, an otoscopic examination should be conducted to ensure that there is no occluding ear wax nor any visible abnormality such as otitis media, perforation or other ear pathology, or any combination of these, that could result in the hearing loss and that (where applicable). Referral for ear wax removal to a medical practitioner for successful treatment is completed before testing is done. |
| 8.2.2.2 | Mandatory audiometric testing |
The employer must conduct audiometric tests at no cost to the employee. The test must be conducted by a registered audiometrist or acoustician, under the supervision of an ENT specialist, OMP or an audiologist.
| 8.2.2.2.1 | Baseline audiometry |
| (a) | The employer must provide for audiometric testing of the employees' hearing sensitivity for the purpose of establishing a valid baseline audiogram before an employee commences employment, or within 30 days of commencement of employment, or commencement of work within a noise zone and enrolment in a hearing conservation programme. A valid baseline result determined at a previous working place, shall satisfy this requirement provided that it meets the audiometric test requirement of this document. |
Baseline audiograms should be used to:
| (i) | Determine future compensable hearing loss. |
| (ii) | Determine the hearing status of an employee. |
| (b) | The audiometric test must be preceded by a period of at least 16 hours during which there has been no exposure to noise levels ≥85 dB. The use of hearing protection devices during this period that comply with the requirements of SANS 1451 will not satisfy this requirement. |
The employee should not be allowed to commence work or enter any noise zones prior to the conclusion of the two audiometric evaluations forming part of the determination of the employee's baseline audiogram.
| (c) | A baseline audiogram should be conducted using screening audiometry and where the results show an abnormality, the employee should be referred to the audiologist to establish a baseline as per SANS 10083 diagnostic battery of tests given under 8.2.2.4.3 below. |
When it is not possible to obtain a valid baseline audiometric test result, the test should be repeated within 30 days of employment, or before transfer to a noise zone.
| (d) | Before repeating tests to establish a baseline, it should be ensured that: |
| (i) | The employee understands the audiometric testing procedure and is capable of responding in the required manner, re-instructing should be done when necessary. |
| (ii) | The audiometric testing procedure is conducted correctly with equipment complying with the requirements laid down in this document. |
| (iii) | There is no interference (such as environmental noise) or faulty equipment (such as a patient response button working intermittently) that could prevent the successful completion of valid baseline testing. |
| (iv) | The particular tests used to determine a valid baseline were conducted on the same day. Results obtained on a previous day should be discarded and not used together with results obtained on another day to obtain a valid result. |
When it is not possible for the audiometrist, after repeated testing, to obtain a valid baseline test result, the employee should be referred to an audiologist to establish a valid baseline audiogram.
NOTE:
The instruction 171 baseline (refer to Annexure H: Instruction 171) that is done on a person entering the mining industry for the first time will be the baseline for the rest of his/her working career.
The STS baseline audiograms would have been completed by December 2017, as per the DMRE guidance note for the implementation of STS in the medical surveillance of NIHL. This baseline is repeated at every new employer, because it is used for the purpose of assisting the employer in preventing NIHL.
For someone entering the mining industry for the fi.rst time the instruction 171 baseline audiogram may be used as the STS baseline audiogram, at the first employer only.
| 8.2.2.2.2 | Revised baseline audiometry |
| (a) | The instruction 171 baseline is revised when the employee has been compensated for NIHL, in which case the compensation audiogram becomes the new baseline. |
| (b) | The STS baseline is revised when there is an average change in hearing of 25 dB or more, at the frequencies of 2 000 Hz, 3 000 Hz and 4 000 Hz in one or both ears, as compared to the employee's STS baseline audiogram. |
| (c) | Both revised baselines must be diagnostic audiograms. Initial screening audiometry |
| 8.2.2.2.3 | Initial screening auditometry During an initial medical examination for an employee, the employer must conduct two screening audiograms to obtain the STS baseline. In the case of a person entering the mining industry for the first time, this would also serve as the instruction 171 baseline. |
| 8.2.2.2.4 | Periodic screening audiometry |
The employer must conduct periodic audiometric evaluations on an annual basis for all employees having noise exposure levels that equal or exceed 85 dBA. Where employees are exposed to an 8-hour rating level equal to or in excess of 105 dBA, tests should be conducted at intervals not exceeding six months.
| (i) | Periodic audiometric evaluation shall be preceded by a period of at least 16 hours during which there has been no exposure to noise levels that is equal to or in excess of 85 dBA. The use of hearing protection devices during this period, even if it complies with the attenuation requirements of SANS 10083, will not satisfy this requirement. |
| (ii) | Before testing, an otoscopic examination shall be conducted on the external ear canals of an employee. It should be ensured that there is no visible abnormality such as otitis media, perforation or other ear pathology (or a combination of these) that could result in the hearing loss. Where required, successful treatment shall be completed before testing is done. |
| (iii) | Obtain and record the medical history of the employee with relevance to previous traumatic incidents, medical treatment, ototoxic medication or other non-auditory events, which could have an effect on the hearing of an employee. |
| (b) | Periodic audiometry shall be used to determine: |
| (i) | The occurrence and extent of any STS i.e. to determine the need for further investigation, and to monitor the efficiency of the hearing conservation programme. |
| (ii) | Whether a PLH shift of 10 has occurred for compensable hearing loss. |
| (iii) | Whether the PLH shift of five has occurred for new early NIHL. |
| (c) | If a periodic audiometric result shows a new PLH shift of five or more, or a new STS of 25 dB from baseline, the employer shall refer the employee to an audiologist for diagnostic audiogram. Diagnostic battery of tests are given in 8.2.2.4.3 below. |
| (a) | When the periodic screening audiogram indicates the following, the employer must investigate and refer the employee for the following further intervention: |
| (i) | Early NIHL (intervals of a PLH ≥5). |
| (ii) | Investigating the reason for the shift (re-testing including otoscopic examinations). |
| (iii) | STS ≥25 dB; referral of the employee to an OMP. |
| (iv) | Compensable hearing loss (intervals of PLH ≥ 10 from the baseline audiometry); referral for diagnostic audiology or ENT specialist. |
| (b) | An analysis is required as to the contribution of noise exposure to the hearing loss of the employee by reconciling the contributing factors to an employees' hearing loss. |
| (c) | The diagnostic audiogram(s) must be performed to confirm that the above-mentioned PLH or STS is work related, a section 11 (5) investigation of the MHSA must be initiated and may include amongst others, the following interventions: |
| (i) | Retraining of employees regarding the hearing conservation programme and the use of hearing protectors. |
| (ii) | The hearing protection devices used by the employee should be carefully inspected for possible shortcomings or inadequacies, and if necessary be refitted with alternative hearing protectors before allowed to re-enter the noise zone. |
| (iii) | Any necessary identified steps to be taken to prevent a possible further STS or PLH shift. |
| (d) | The employer should report all cases of confirmed compensable NIHL to the relevant authority, as per relevant legislation. |
| 8.2.2.4 | Diagnostic audiometry |
| 8.2.2.4.1 | Diagnostic audiometry testing should be conducted by an audiologist to determine early NIHL (intervals of a PLH ≥5) or STS ≥25 dB or compensable hearing loss (intervals of PLH 10), according to the relevant legislation and the guidance note for the implementation of STS in medical surveillance of NIHL. |
| 8.2.2.4.2 | Diagnostic audiometry must be conducted using the equipment in accordance with the relevant requirements specified in SANS 10083. |
| 8.2.2.4.3 | The following battery of tests investigations may be done by the audiologist during diagnostic testing: |
| (a) | An otoscopic investigation to determine any visible pathology which could have led to the loss of hearing. |
| (b) | A diagnostic test in accordance with the relevant legislation to calculate the PLH and STS. |
| (c) | A pure tone conduction test at least at the frequencies as per SANS 10083. |
| (d) | A bone conduction test at least at the test frequencies as per SANS 10083. |
| (e) | A speech reception threshold test. |
| (f) | A speech discrimination test. |
| (g) | A full immittance test battery including tympanometry, ipsi- and contralateral acoustic reflex testing. |
| (h) | Oto-acoustic emission testing including transient oto-acoustic emission testing and/or distortion product emission testing (or both), if available. |
| (i) | Any other audiometric test procedures to determine the degree of hearing loss that could be ascribed to noise exposure. |
| 8.2.2.4.4 | In the final conclusions from the test results, due consideration should be given to the complete medical history, including the information obtained from the employer in terms of legislation. An analysis is required as to the contribution of noise exposure to the hearing loss of the employee. |
| 8.2.2.4.5 | When an employee is referred for diagnostic audiometry, the audiologist should consider the following: |
| (a) | All the personal detail of the employee, i.e. name, address, work reference, age, identity number, etc. |
| (b) | A complete medical record of the employee. |
| (c) | A complete work record of the employee, also at previous employers, if any [see (e) and (f) below]. |
| (d) | All the details of the baseline audiometry, the most recent routine screening test result and, where applicable, the exit audiometric results from the previous employer. |
| (e) | Complete details of all the workplace(s) in which the employee was exposed to noise levels ≥ the OEL, inclusive of the personal noise exposure levels determined by the section 12(1) appointee of the MHSA. |
| (f) | In the case of potential claims for PLH as in the relevant legislation, the details in terms of (e) above should include all previous occupations since the baseline was established. The total duration of exposure to noise during such occupations should be obtained where possible. |
| (g) | Full specification of the hearing protectors (including their attenuation values) which were used by the employee. Where available, the actual hearing protection equipment used should be presented. |
| 8.2.2.4.6 | Records of each person tested should be kept by the employer. |
8.2.2.5 Exit audiometry
| (a) | The employer must conduct audiometric evaluation for all persons at the conclusion of employment in a noise zone. The record of the audiometric evaluations shall form part of the individual's medical surveillance records and be retained in accordance with legal requirements [section 15 (1) and (2), and 17 of the MHSA]. |
| (b) | Audiometry evaluation for exit shall be preceded by a period of at least 16- hours during which there has been no exposure to noise levels greater or equal to 85 dBA. The use of hearing protection devices during this period, even if it complies with the requirements of SANS 1451 (parts 1, 2 or 3), will not satisfy this requirement. |
| (c) | The following actions are applicable for exit audiometric evaluations: |
| (i) | The individual's PLH shall be derived from the audiometric evaluation using the approved frequency-specific tables and compared with the PLH derived from the baseline audiogram. |
| (ii) | Where the audiometric evaluation indicates an increase in PLH of 10 or greater relative to the baseline audiometric evaluation, and is confirmed by repeat audiometry evaluations, the individual shall be referred for diagnostic audiometry. If no baseline audiogram is available, it will be assumed that the individual's hearing was normal before exposure to noise. |
| (iii) | Where an individual is referred for a diagnostic audiogram as contemplated in the preceding point, the PLH derived from it, and any increase in PLH relative to the baseline audiogram, shall be entered in the individual's record of medical surveillance [section 17(4)(b) of the MHSA]. If the diagnostic audiogram confirms a PLH shift of 10 or more, the employee should be referred to the relevant compensation body. |
| (v) | The audiogram and the PLH derived from it shall be recorded on the individual's exit certificate [section 17(1)-(4) of the MHSA], and a copy of the exit certificate shall be entered in the individual's record of medical surveillance [section 17(4)(b) of the MHSA]. |
| (vi) | Any employee diagnosed with a PLH shift of 5% or an STS of 25 dB for the first time on exit should have the relevant investigation as stated in 8.2.2.3 above. |
| (d) | The employer must ensure that the employee is given a copy of the following on exit: |
| (i) | The employee's exit certificate. |
| (ii) | A copy of the employee's record of hazardous work (DMRE 276). |
| (iii) | Baseline audiometric evaluation results. |
| (iv) | The results of the exit audiometric test |
Employees' records of medical surveillance must be kept confidential in line with section 15(1) of the MHSA.
Ethical standards should be followed by all professionals involved in the hearing conservation programme referred to in this document.
| 8.2.3 | Training and awareness of employees |
| 8.2.3.1 | The employer must provide training to employees exposed to noise levels 82 dBA within 30 days of employment and periodic training must be conducted at intervals of at least 12 months. |
Training must include the following:
| (a) | The effects of noise on hearing. |
| (b) | The purpose and value of wearing hearing protectors. |
| (c) | The advantages and disadvantages of the hearing protectors to be offered. |
| (d) | The various types of hearing protectors offered by the employer and the care, fitting and use of each type. |
| (e) | The employer shall make copies of this guideline available to affected employees or their representatives, and shall keep a copy at the workplace. |
| (f) | The employers' and employees' respective responsibilities in maintaining mine noise controls. |
| (g) | The purpose and value of audiometric testing and a summary of the procedures. |
| 8.2.3.2 | The employer must keep proof of records of all formal training for each employee indicating the date and content. The employer shall provide, upon request, all materials relating to the employees' training and education programme pertaining to this guideline to the DMRE. It is recommended that employers also keep records of all informal training regarding noise at the workplace. |
| 8.3 | Recording and reporting |
| 8.3.1 | The COP should address the following: |
Record keeping system
A record keeping system, which records the exposure history of each HEG, and the employee's medical surveillance records should be kept as per the relevant legislative requirements (section 12 and 13 of the MHSA) and these records should be readily available at the mine.
| 8.2.3 | Occupational medicine reporting |
| 8.2.3.1 | Health incident reporting |
Reporting of the NIHL cases must be done on the DMRE 231 reporting form within 30 days of diagnosis.
| 8.3.2.2 | Annual medical reporting |
All cases of compensable NIHL must be reported on an annual basis to the DMRE on the DMRE 165 form.
| 8.4 | Linking to medical surveillance records |
This COP must describe a system in place that addresses the linkage between occupational hygiene measurements and the medical surveillance records as contemplated in section 12(3) of the MHSA.
For compensation of NIHL refer to instruction 171 (Annexure H: Instruction 171).
