An employer must ensure that the medical surveillance -
- consists of a baseline audiogram which is recorded -
(i) in the case of a new employee, before the employee commences employment or within 30 days of commencement of such employment; or
(ii) in the case of all other employees in the employment of the employer, before 16 November 2003; and
(iii) in accordance with the requirements of Instruction No. 171:
Provided that the baseline audiogram conducted in terms of that instruction applies to that employee for the rest of his or her working career;
- consists of a periodic audiogram and which, during the first three years of employment, is obtained at least annually and thereafter at intervals which may be extended to a maximum period of two years if no referral threshold shift is evident: Provided that –
(i) employees working in, or required to enter, noise zones where the noise exposure equals or exceeds an 8-hour rating level of 105 dBA shall undergo audiometric testing at 6-monthly intervals until it is established that no referral threshold shift is evident and thereafter the interval between tests may be extended to a maximum interval of one year; and
(ii) employees who are regularly exposed to explosive events during their working day shall undergo audiometric test
- consists of an exit audiogram, conducted, which is obtained for every employee whose employment is terminated or who is permanently transferred to another workplace in respect of which audiometric tests are not required: Provided that an audiogram conducted within six months prior to termination of employment or transfer must meet this requirement; and
- is performed by a competent person: Provided that if it is impossible for the competent person to establish a baseline audiogram for an employee, the employee must be referred to an audiologist who may establish baseline-hearing levels by using other techniques, such as speech reception thresholds.