OSHA and other regulatory requirements
Audiograms
The goal of NOH’s audiometric testing program is to assist the employer with the prevention of hearing loss. Timely intervention, staff re-training, quality hearing testing, and the proper fit and type of hearing protection may help to decrease the risk of permanent hearing loss. NOH provides quality hearing surveillance under the medical direction of Verne Backus, MD.
- Our hearing booth is strategically located in a quiet location for accurate testing results.
- Our hearing booth and audiometer are calibrated yearly in order to provide the most accurate testing.
- Individual results are electronically stored for comparison from year to year to determine if a threshold shift has occurred.
- Dr. Backus reviews any hearing shifts suggested by the software program to determine whether to adjust the baseline. He can also assist companies with determining whether shifts are work related.
- The clinic has Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationists who provide client companies with the highest quality of care.
Respirator Clearance
Employees who are required to wear a respirator at work are required to meet the criteria of OSHA regulations governing respiratory protection. Clearance may include a physical exam or other testing at the discretion of the Qualified Health Care Provider (QHCP) who reviews the questionnaire. NOH mid-level providers are generally the health care professionals who review questionnaires and they meet the QHCP guidelines.
- NOH provides OSHA mandated respirator clearance exams, both initial and annual.
- Working within OSHA regulations, NOH can customize a respirator clearance program to fit your company policy. This program can be provided on-site at your business, if requested, within certain volume guidelines.
- NOH has clinicians who are NIOSH approved for pulmonary function testing and respiratory surveillance.
Fit Testing
NOH provides fit testing for those companies whose employees wear respirators and who must comply with the fit testing regulations set forth by OSHA. We conduct both Qualitative and Quantitative fit testing, and offer these services on-site, when requested, within certain volume guidelines. All employees successfully passing their fit test will be given a “Fit Test Record” for your company files.
- Qualitative fit testing is performed using either Bitrex solution or irritant smoke dispensed under a hood. This test is conducted to assure that the person being fit tested can not detect the taste of the Bitrex solution or the smoke, depending on which test is used. The employee is fitted with an appropriate mask provided by the employer.
- Quantitative fit testing is performed using a computerized fit testing machine called a Portacount. Again, the employee brings appropriate mask(s) provided by their employer. The goal is the same as above, to assure a proper mask fit.
The employer will need to provide 2, or possibly 3, sizes of masks for employees to choose from in order for employees to be properly fitted.
