Fitting Baseline Audiograms Into Your Hearing Conservation Program

Thalia Whitney • May 5, 2025

Baseline hearing tests are essential in a hearing conservation testing program – they provide the reference for determining if an injury has occurred, or intervening before a shift is likely to happen. When companies are hiring employees throughout the year, it’s important that they consider when the baseline audiogram takes place.

When do employees need a baseline audiogram?

Deciding if an employee should be included in a hearing conservation program, and therefore if they need a baseline audiogram, often will vary by company.

Inclusion in a hearing conservation program

Federal OSHA requires that employees who are exposed to an 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) of over 85 decibels be included in a hearing conservation program. This should include a range of factors, including hearing protection use, recordkeeping, and hearing testing.

Timeframe for getting the industrial hearing test

The question often comes – how long do I have after employees are included in the hearing conservation program to get the baseline hearing test? Again, the answer varies by agency. However, companies should be aware that federal regulations can be different than the state agency they are under.

In Washington, and most other states, the baseline audiogram should be completed within 6 months – unless testing is conducted with mobile units. Then the regulation known as the ‘mobile van exception’ allows employers 12 months to get their baseline hearing tests done.

However, employers in Oregon should be aware that Oregon OSHA did not adopt the mobile van exception, only allowing employers 6 months to get the baseline audiograms taken care of.

What employers (and employees) should know before a baseline hearing test

It’s critical that your baseline hearing tests are accurate, as this is the documentation that’s used to initially determine if an injury is possible or imminent. Prior to a hearing test, it’s important to note that federal OSHA requires that:

The employee should not be exposed to workplace noise for at least 14 hours prior to the hearing test (however, hearing protection can be used to reduce the noise to a safe level)

Baseline hearing test practices + Anadyne's streamlined solution

While employers have 6-12 months to establish the baseline depending on the agency they are under, best practice would be to get the test done as soon as possible after hire. Since it isn’t always practical to get the test done on the first day of employment, Anadyne’s scheduling options help you get your baselines done in a timely fashion without disrupting operations or needing to send employees to offsite clinics.

Learn more about our custom scheduling programs today

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888-972-4420!

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Is Your Respirator Program Still Compliant in 2026?

By Mary Jane Bumanglag • May 30, 2026

In many workplaces, respirators are considered the last line of defense against airborne hazards. But even the best respirator won’t protect workers if the program behind it is outdated, incomplete, or inconsistently followed. As industries continue to prioritize workplace safety, 2026 is the right time for companies to take a closer look at their respirator protection programs — not because regulations suddenly changed overnight, but because compliance alone does not always guarantee protection. At Anadyne, we believe employers should move beyond “checking the box” and focus on creating programs that genuinely keep workers safe every day on the job. Why Companies Should Review Their Respirator Program Now Many organizations assume that if they passed an inspection or completed fit testing a few years ago, their program is still effective today. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. A respirator protection program can gradually become outdated due to: Employee turnover Changes in job tasks or exposure risks Improper respirator storage and maintenance Weight fluctuations affecting fit Inconsistent training practices Missing documentation Delayed medical evaluations or fit testing The reality is this: a company can technically remain compliant with minimum requirements and still experience workplace injuries or respiratory exposure incidents. That’s why regular program reviews matter. Compliance Is Only the Beginning Respiratory protection standards are designed to establish minimum safety requirements. However, truly effective programs go further by ensuring workers consistently use and maintain their equipment properly between evaluations and fit tests. A worker may pass a fit test today, but what happens afterward? Are they: Shaving regularly to maintain a proper seal? Replacing filters when needed? Inspecting respirators for damaged seals? Properly storing equipment in sealed bags between jobs? Reporting major physical changes that may affect fit? These day-to-day behaviors determine whether respiratory protection actually works in real-world conditions. What a Complete Respirator Protection Program Should Include An effective respirator protection program should contain several critical components working together. 1. Fit Testing Fit testing confirms that the respirator forms a proper seal on the employee’s face. (objective testing is recommended to rule out known inconsistencies with subjective 'irritant smoke' methods) Even small facial changes, damaged equipment, or improper sizing can compromise protection. 2. Training & Education Training should go beyond simply teaching employees how to wear a respirator. Effective training helps workers understand: Why respiratory protection matters How improper use increases risk How to inspect equipment properly When to replace filters or cartridges Proper cleaning and storage procedures When to report issues or request reassessment The goal is not just passing a test, it’s ensuring workers remain protected every day between tests. 3. Documentation & Written Program Review Proper documentation is essential for both compliance and operational consistency. A written respirator protection program should clearly outline procedures, responsibilities, equipment protocols, training schedules, evaluation records, and emergency processes. Without regular review, written programs can quickly become outdated or disconnected from actual workplace practices. Don’t Wait Until There’s a Problem Delaying a respirator program review is similar to avoiding a routine medical check-up. If concerns already exist, waiting longer often increases the risk of larger problems later. The good news is that most companies can address issues proactively before they become serious safety incidents, compliance violations, or costly disruptions. A review today can help identify gaps early, while solutions are still manageable. How Anadyne Can Help In 2026, Anadyne is proud to expand its respiratory protection services to help companies strengthen workplace safety programs with confidence. Whether you need: Respirator fit testing Program evaluations Training support Written program reviews Guidance on best practices Our team is ready to help you build a program that supports both compliance and worker protection. Schedule a Respirator Program Review Protecting your workforce starts with understanding where your current program stands. Book a consultation with Anadyne today and take the next step toward a safer, stronger respirator protection program.