industrial audiometry course (iac) cda(1).pdf · 2.1.2 obtain an occupational noise exposure...

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CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY

Industrial Audiometry Course (IAC)

Version 1.0

01 August 2011

Workplace Safety and Health Council, Ministry of Manpower, Singapore (MOM) All rights reserved.

This document is provided for explicit use and guidance of MOM Approved Training Providers as information resource for curriculum development and assessment purposes. Any other use of this document or parts thereof, including reproduction, publication, distribution, transmission, retransmission or public showing, or storage in a retrieval system in any form, electronic or otherwise, for purposes other than that expressly stated in this advice without the expressed permission of MOM is strictly prohibited.

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Version History

Version Effective Date Changes Author

1.0 01 August 2011 First issue ICB, WSH Council Office

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Aim of the advisory 3

2 Overview of course requirements 3

3 Table of specifications 4

4 Training delivery advice 4

5 Assessment advice 7

6 Trainer and Assessor requirements 9

7 End of course evaluation and feedback 10

8 Related WSH legislation, Singapore Standards, approved codes

of practice, guidelines and and other references 10

Annex A – Table of Specifications Annex B – Course Reference Matrix Annex C – Sample for Assessment Plan

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1 AIM OF THE ADVISORY 1.1 The Curriculum Development Advisory (CDA) is a document to assist MOM Accredited Training Providers (ATP) with the instructional design and development of a competency-based training course for Workplace Safety and Health. It aims to help ATPs facilitate the learning process, deliver effective training and conduct competency-based training and assessment. 1.2 This document contains key information on the Industrial Audiometry Course (IAC) including the course aim, learning objectives, target audience, assumed skills and knowledge/entry requirements, course syllabus, recommended course duration, recommended class size, and recommended trainer/trainee ratio. It also sets forth guidelines for training delivery and assessment for the course.

1.3 This CDA will be reviewed on a regular basis and whenever it is deemed necessary due to changes in training syllabus or industrial requirements. 2 OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE REQUIREMENTS 2.1 Learning objectives for the IAC:

2.1.1 List legal requirements on noise in the workplace

2.1.2 Obtain an occupational noise exposure history

2.1.3 Assess the degree & nature of hearing loss through basic audiometric tests based on international standard methods and procedures

2.1.4 Interpret an audiogram

2.1.5 Provide training and advice on use, maintenance and care of personal hearing protectors for persons exposed to excessive noise

2.2 Target audience:

2.2.1 The IAC is an approved training course for individuals who need to carry out pre-employment and periodic audiometric examinations on persons who are exposed to excessive noise in the workplace. 2.2.1 Factories (Medical Examinations) Regulations stipulates that “audiometric examinations shall be carried out by persons who have undergone a course of training in audiometric screening approved by the Commissioner.”

2.3 Assumed skills and knowledge:

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ESS Workplace literacy and numeracy Level 5 and above (refer to www.wda.gov.sg)

2.4 Course duration: 14 hours including 2 hours of assessment 2.5 Class size: 16 2.6 Trainer/trainee ratio: 1: 4 for practical sessions 2.7 Course attendance record: Trainee must achieve 75% attendance for entire

course. 3. TABLE OF SPECIFICATIONS (TOS) 3.1 The table of specifications is a detailed listing of the course content that is

covered in the training and the weightage of assessment that will be devoted to each of the learning objectives. It is a structured format based on the cognitive domain of Bloom’s taxonomy.

3.2 Refer to Annex A for details of TOS. 4 TRAINING DELIVERY ADVICE 4.1 Trainer’s guide and participants’ workbook/handouts

4.1.1 In order to deliver more effective instruction and ensure consistency in training, a copy of the trainer’s guide should be prepared. The guide provides the trainer with information on the course including: Course aim

Learning objectives

Target audience

Assumed skills and knowledge

Course duration

Class size and trainer/trainee ratio

Lesson plan

Course contents and instructional materials

Training methodologies

Training resource requirements

Course administration instruction

4.1.2 The ATP is recommended to facilitate the learning process by providing each trainee with a participant’s workbook or handouts. This set of

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notes should contain the course aim, learning objectives and the key learning points of audiometry including: Types of hearing loss

Noise and its health effects

Technique on obtaining an occupational noise exposure history

Audiometric equipment and testing environment

Audiometric testing methods

Interpretation of audiograms

Diagnosis of noise induced deafness

Hearing Conservation Programme

Types of Hearing protection devices

Use, maintenance and care of personal hearing protection

Counseling on use of hearing protection and prevention of noise induced deafness for persons exposed to excessive noise

4.1.3 It is the responsibility of the ATP to ensure that no part of the materials used for the training infringe on patent, design, copyright and intellectual property rights of any individual or organization. 4.1.4 The ATP shall retain an updated version of the training course syllabus, lesson plan, trainer’s guide and participant’s workbook or handout at all times for inspection and verification by MOM.

4.2 Training methodology

4.2.1 Knowledge The knowledge component for the IAC is best taught in the classroom with supporting aids such as slides, videos and pictures. In the case of the IAC, a number of essential underpinning knowledge must be covered in the course: Salient regulations on noise

Basic ear anatomy, physiology and pathology

Types of hearing loss

Noise and its health effects

Technique on obtaining an occupational noise exposure history

Introduction to audiometric equipment and testing environment

Audiogram, frequency & Intensity concepts

Audiometric testing method

Audiogram interpretation

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Diagnostic criteria for noise induced deafness

Types of Hearing protection devices and their limitations

Use, maintenance and care of personal hearing protectors

Counseling on hearing protection and prevention of Noise induced deafness for persons exposed to excessive noise

4.2.2 Skills There are six essential skill sets required by the IAC. At the end of the training, participants must be competent in each of the six skills listed. These skills must be demonstrated and practiced during the course: List legal requirements on noise in the workplace

Describe the symptoms & signs of noise induced hearing loss

Obtain an occupational noise exposure history

Conduct an audiometric test

Interpret an audiogram

Provide training and advice on use, maintenance and care of personal hearing protectors for persons exposed to excessive noise

4.2.3 Attribute An important attribute for this task is “Care”. Trainee should exercise care not only with the use of the delicate instruments involved but also with the client’s ears. This is a very sensitive area of the body and great care must be shown when carrying out the audiometric test.

4.3 Training venue requirements

This training requires special equipment and facilities. 4.3.1 The ATP shall ensure that the classroom used for the training has adequate seating for a class of 16. In addition, there must be sufficient sound-proof facilities provided to conduct the demonstration and practice of the hearing test. 4.3.2 Classrooms should be equipped with projectors, whiteboards, flipcharts and training equipment relevant to the conduct of the course. 4.3.3 The classroom must have adequate lighting and ventilation. Emergency exit routes must be clearly marked out and briefed to the course participants at the start of the course.

4.4 Training resource allocation

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Training videos

Copy of Workplace Safety and Health Act 2006 and all relevant subsidiary legislation, for reference

Noise measuring instruments

Photos/slides/pictures pertaining to the course

Case studies relating to exposure to noise hazards (including examples and photographs of noisy processes, situations and equipment)

Hearing protection devices

Audiometers(1 audiometer : 2 trainees)

Evaluation forms 5 ASSESSMENT ADVICE 5.1 General guidelines for conducting competency-based assessment. 5.1.1 The aim of the assessment plan is to determine the competency of

the trainee to conduct audiometric examinations to fulfill the requirements of the Factories (Medical Examinations) Regulations upon successful completion of the IAC course. ATPs are advised to prepare an assessment plan for each course (Refer to Annex C for proposed sample).

5.1.2 The assessment plan must be directly related to all the learning

objectives determined in the course. It comprises four main parts: Overview of the assessment tools and its duration

Instructions for the conduct of the assessment

Instruments or tools of assessment (Question paper, checklist)

Assessment summary record

5.1.3 The assessment plan is subject to review on an annual basis by the

ATP to ensure that trainees are constantly kept current and competent to perform up to the industrial requirements.

5.2 Principles of assessment

Assessment will be fair, valid, reliable and flexible for all trainees without deliberate barriers against the individual.

Fair – Are the assessments criteria clear? Do all the trainees know what

to expect from the assessment? Does the assessment disadvantage any trainee? Do the candidates have any recourse to appeal?

Valid – Are the assessment methods and tools appropriate and effective in assessing what they claim to assess? Is the evidence collected

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relevant to the training and demonstrates that the learning outcome has been achieved?

Reliability – Are the results consistent from one assessment to another? Do people have the confidence that the standards are applied consistently from learner to learner and from context to context?

Flexibility – Can the assessment be used for multiple assessments? Are the assessment tools and methods uniform across different approaches and drawing on a range of different methods? Can they be used appropriately to the context, task and individual under assessment?

5.3 Assessment tools and instruments 5.3.1 The ATP must conduct a written test (compulsory) and use one or

more skill-based assessment method such as practical performance, role-play or case study. There are four assessment instruments recommended to ATPs:

Written test (WT) – This method of assessment is quick and the most convenient to conduct. It can be used for a large class and a wide range of subjects particularly knowledge-based. It can be conducted as a multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ) or an essay format. Trainees need to have minimum workplace literary level 4 for the essay format. WT is not recommended for skills assessment

Practical Performance (PP) – This method is highly recommended for skills assessment. It can be matched very closely to the actual task to be performed by the individual on the job.

Role play (RP) – This method of assessment is an alternative to the practical performance. It offers a greater flexibility and more options in terms of the range of responses expected of the trainee.

Case study (CS) – This method of assessment allows the ATP to use a wide range of real on-site accident cases for training purposes.

5.3.2 The total allocated time for assessment of the IAC is 2 hours.

5.4. Conduct of assessment 5.4.1 Assessment must be conducted strictly in accordance with the

assessment plan. In particular, each candidate must complete all the assessment requirements in the time allocated.

5.4.2 A judgment on the competency of the candidate must only be made

based on the evidence gathered. The evidence for each of the assessment instrument is given in the suggested response to the WT and the checklist accompanying the PP, RP and CS.

5.5 Recording and reporting of assessment outcome

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5.5.1 All assessment outcomes must be accurately recorded in the

assessment summary record form.

5.5.2 Assessment outcome must be conveyed to the candidate at the end of the assessment. Candidate must acknowledge the assessment outcome and both the assessor and candidate counter-sign on the assessment record form.

5.5.3 The ATP shall maintain a record of the assessment results for 2 years for inspection by MOM.

5.6 Minimum Examination Requirements & Passing Mark

Industrial Audiometry Course examination

Recommendations Passing Mark

1 Theory Examination

5 Short Answer Questions and 20 Multiple choice questions

Refer to the ATP Terms and Conditions

2 Practical examination

1 Practical assessment on - Obtaining an

occupational noise exposure history

- Procedures in conducting an audiometric examination

- Correct technique in use of hearing protection

- Counseling on use, maintenance and care of personal hearing protectors

(Note – all the above are to be included in the practical assessment)

6 TRAINER AND ASSESSOR REQUIREMENTS A trainer and assessor of this IAC should possess the following:

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Degree holder in audiology or similar fields with at least 3 years’ experience in industrial audiometry/audiology; and

Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA)

Specialist Diploma in Workplace Safety & Health

7 END OF COURSE EVALUATION AND FEEDBACK 7.1 The ATP shall conduct an evaluation at the end of each course. Participants shall be allowed to provide quantitative and qualitative feedback on the course content, duration, training delivery, training materials, training venue, training resources, quality of trainers and assessors. 7.2 The ATP shall monitor the evaluation and feedback closely to ensure that the ratings are consistently 3 and above. Immediate action should be taken whenever the ratings fall below 3. These actions should be properly recorded and kept for audit inspection.

1 2 3 4 5

Poor Fair Satisfactory Very good Excellent

8 RELATED WSH LEGISLATION, IDUSTRIAL CODE OF PRACTICE AND

OTHER REFERENCES (the list is not exhaustive)

Workplace Safety and Health Act 2006 Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations 2006 Workplace Safety and Health (Noise) Regulations 2011 Factories (Medical Examinations) Regulations Workplace Safety and Health (Incident Reporting) Regulations 2006 Work Injury Compensation Act and relevant sections of GATOID (A

Guide to the Assessment of Traumatic Injuries and Occupational Diseases for Workmen’s Compensation)

SS 549: 2009 Code of Practice for Selection, Use, Care and Maintenance of Hearing protectors

MOM Guidelines on Hearing Conservation Programme Technical Advisory on Work in Noisy Environment Noise Induced Deafness Prevention Programme National or Internationally accepted standards on audiometric test

methods, calibration of audiometers and testing environment

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Table of specifications for Industrial Audiometry Course Annex A

S/N

Learning Objectives

Topic

Cognitive domain (Approximate percentage)

Sub Total Duration

(hr) Knowledge &

Comprehension Skill

Application

Analysis, Synthesis & Evaluation

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S/N

Learning Objectives

Topic


Sub Total Duration

(hr) Knowledge &

Comprehension Skill

Application


1.

List legal requirements on noise in

the workplace

Legislation and Guidelines

Prevalence of Noise Induced Deafness as an occupational disease

Workplace Safety and Health Act 2006 Workplace Safety and Health (Noise)

Regulations 2011 Factories (Medical Examinations)

Regulations Workplace Safety and Health (Risk

Management) Regulations 2006 Workplace Safety and Health (Incident

Reporting) Regulations 2006 Work Injury Compensation Act and

relevant sections of GATOID (A Guide to the Assessment of Traumatic Injuries and Occupational Diseases for Workmen’s Compensation)

MOM Guidelines on Hearing Conservation Programme

Technical Advisory on Work in Noisy Environment

Noise Induced Deafness Prevention Programme


International or national standards on audiometric testing, audiometer calibration and testing environment

13% 13% 1.5

2. Obtain an Basic Ear Anatomy, Physiology and 8% 8% 16% 2

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S/N

Learning Objectives

Topic


Sub Total Duration

(hr) Knowledge &

Comprehension Skill

Application


occupational noise

exposure history

Pathology and obtaining an occupational noise exposure history

Anatomy of ear Physiology of hearing Pathology of noise-induced deafness Introduction to different types of

hearing loss Noise & Its Health Effects Obtaining an occupational noise

exposure history

3.

Assess the degree & nature of

hearing loss through basic

audiometric tests based

on international

standard methods and procedures

Introduction to audiometer, frequency & Intensity concepts Introduction to Audiometers

Features Functions Test Environment Daily checks

Nature of sound as categorised by pitch (freq) and loudness (dB level)

The Decibel scale Audiogram of common sounds

Audiogram familiarisation Air/bone conduction symbols

Hearing loss levels

4.3% 4.3% 4.3% 13% 1.5

4. Audiometric testing method and 7% 7% 7% 21% 2.5

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S/N

Learning Objectives

Topic


Sub Total Duration

(hr) Knowledge &

Comprehension Skill

Application


procedures

Definition of hearing threshold Initial Client Interaction Client Instructions Transducer placement Testing method for Air Conduction

and Bone Conduction using national or internationally accepted standards on methodology and procedures

Principles of masking Practical demonstration Plotting and recording of

Audiograms

5.

Sources of Error and Their Avoidance

Sources of Errors- Test environment,

equipment, tester and client. Maximum allowable background noise

in test situation Calibration of Audiometers Listen check procedures Infection control Common pitfalls to avoid Limitations of an unmasked

audiogram

4.3% 4.3% 4.3% 13% 1.5

6. Interpret an audiogram

Interpretation of Audiograms Types of audiogram findings

2.6% 2.6% 2.6% 8% 1

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S/N

Learning Objectives

Topic


Sub Total Duration

(hr) Knowledge &

Comprehension Skill

Application


Diagnostic criteria for noise induced deafness

7.

Provide training and advice on

use, maintenance and care of

personal hearing

protectors for persons exposed to excessive

noise

Hearing Protection Devices Hearing protection in the context of

the hearing conservation programme Types of hearing protection devices

and their limitations Criteria in selection of hearing

protection devices Proper technique in use of hearing

protectors Care and maintenance of hearing

protection Encouraging proper and consistent

use

4% 4% 8% 1

8.

Counseling on use of hearing protection and prevention of noise induced deafness for persons exposed to excessive noise

4% 4% 8% 1

9. Assessment – written and practical 2

10. Total Course Duration 47% 34 19% 100% 14

Annex B Course Reference Matrix

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Industrial Audiometry Course

APPROVED TRAINING SYLLABUS

INDUSTRIAL AUDIOMETRY COURSE

Coverage of Course Contents – for ATP inputs

(Note: Indicate clearly where the changes are made in accordance with the syllabus)

S/N Contents Remarks Duration (Hours)

Indicate slide number Eg. Slide #2.

Indicate mode of assessment, where applicable – Practical, Exercise, Test etc Eg. Practical, Q3

1 Legislation

Prevalence of Noise Induced Deafness as an occupational disease

Workplace Safety and Health Act 2006

Workplace Safety and Health (Noise) Regulations 2011

Factories (Medical Examinations) Regulations

Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations 2006

Workplace Safety and Health (Incident Reporting) Regulations 2006

Work Injury Compensation Act and relevant sections of GATOID (A Guide to the Assessment of

Theory 1.5

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Traumatic Injuries and Occupational Diseases for Workmen’s Compensation)

MOM Guidelines on Hearing Conservation Programme

Technical Advisory on Work in Noisy Environment

Noise Induced Deafness Prevention Programme


International or national standards on audiometric testing, audiometer calibration and testing environment

2 Basic Ear Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology and obtaining an occupational noise history

Anatomy of ear

Theory 2

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Physiology of hearing Pathology of noise-induced

deafness Introduction to different types of

hearing loss Noise & Its Health Effects Obtaining an occupational noise

exposure history

3 Introduction to audiometer, frequency & Intensity concepts Introduction to Audiometers

Features Functions Test Environment Daily checks

Nature of sound as categorised by pitch (freq) and loudness (dB level)

The Decibel scale Audiogram of common sounds Audiogram familiarisation Air/bone conduction symbols

Theory 1.5

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Hearing loss levels

4 Audiometric testing method and procedures

Definition of hearing threshold Initial Client Interaction Client Instructions Transducer placement Testing method for Air Conduction

and Bone Conduction using national or internationally accepted standards on methodology and procedures

Principles of masking Practical demonstration

Plotting and recording of Audiograms

Theory

and

Practical

2.5

5 Sources of Error and Their Avoidance

Theory 1.5

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Sources of Errors- Test environment, equipment, tester and client

Maximum allowable background noise in test situation

Calibration of Audiometers Listen check procedures Infection control Common pitfalls to avoid Limitations of an unmasked

audiogram

6 Interpretation of audiograms Types of audiogram findings Diagnostic criteria for noise induced

deafness

Theory 1

7 Hearing Protection Devices

Hearing protection in the context of the Hearing Conservation programme

Theory 1

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Types of hearing protection and their limitations

Criteria in selection of hearing protection devices

Proper technique in use of hearing protectors

Care and maintenance of hearing protection

Encouraging proper and consistent use

8 Counseling on use of hearing

protection and prevention of noise induced deafness for persons exposed to excessive noise

Theory 1

9 Assessment Theory

and

Practical

2

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Total 14

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Declaration by ATP

I hereby declare that all the training materials and related particulars / information given are true and correct.

_________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________

Name of ATP Name of Applicant Designation of Applicant

________________________________ ___________________

Applicant’s Signature Date

________________________________ ___________________

Head/Principal’s Signature Date

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Annex C

Industrial Audiometry Course

(IAC)

ASSESSMENT PLAN

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Annex C Version Control Record

Version Effective

Date Changes

Prepared by (Name and

Designation）

Name of ATP

1.0 30 Dec 2010

N.A. due to first issue

Mike Lee, Training Executive

ABC Consultancy

Date of next review: 29 Dec 2012

Table of Contents Page

1．Overview

2．Summary of assessment tools and duration

3． Instruction for conduct of assessment

4．Assessment instruments

5．Assessment record

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Overview This document outlines the conduct of assessment for the Industrial Audiometry Course (IAC). Requirements for Assessor Assessments can only be carried out by approved assessors for this unit. The approved assessors must have the following qualifications: Degree holder in audiology or similar fields with at least 3 years’ experience in

industrial audiometry/audiology; and

Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA)

Specialist Diploma in Workplace Safety & Health

Conduct of assessment Assessment must be conducted strictly in accordance with the assessment plan. In particular, each candidate must complete all the assessment requirements in the time allocated. A judgment on the competency of the candidate must only be made based on the evidence gathered. The evidence for each of the assessment instrument is given in the suggested response. Recording and reporting of assessment outcome All assessment outcomes must be accurately recorded in the assessment summary record form. Assessment outcome will be communicated to the candidate at the end of the assessment. The record of the assessment result for each candidate must be kept for 2 years for inspection by MOM.

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Summary of assessment instrument and duration

Learning Outcome Assessment

method

1. List legal requirements on noise in the workplace

2. Describe the symptoms & signs of noise induced hearing loss

3. Obtain an occupational noise exposure history

4. Conduct an audiometric test

5. Interpret an audiogram

6. Provide training and advice on use, maintenance and care of personal hearing protectors for persons exposed to excessive noise

WT = Written Test; PT = Practical Performance

S/No Assessment Instrument Duration

AA1. Written Test Paper 75 min

AA2. Practical Performance 45 min

Total 120 mins

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Instruction for conduct of assessment (Written Test) These instructions concern the use of written test to assess the candidate’s competence.

Specification item Details on specification

Learning outcome

Duration

Venue

Set Up 1. Classroom setup for 20 participants 2. Table & chair for individual seating 3. Projector & monitor 4. Whiteboard & markers of different colours 5. Whiteboard duster 6. Blue or black pens 7. A4 paper 8. Test papers 9. Answer sheet

Conduct of the Written Test

1. Brief participants to check if they have been given the right test paper

2. Inform participants on the time given for the test. 3. Remind them it is close book test. Candidates cannot refer to any

workbook or discuss among them. 4. Candidates are allowed to ask the Assessor to explain the

question. 5. Candidates must achieve 60% of paper to be considered

competent.

Recording the Assessment Result

1. Record findings and conclusions in the Assessment Record for Written Test under “Comments” column of the Assessment Record.

2. Record final marks attained.

Feedback 1. Inform and advise candidate on weaknesses and how to overcome such weaknesses.

2. Inform candidate on the final results of the assessment.

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Instruction for conduct of assessment (Practical Performance)

These guidelines concern assessing the candidates through practical performance to verify that the candidates are competent.

Specification item Details on specification

Learning outcome

Duration

Venue

Set Up

Conducting Practical Performance

Recording the assessment results

1. Record findings and conclusions in the Assessment Record under “Comments” column.

2. Record any questions asked and the responses given. 3. Record final marks attained.

Feedback 1. Inform and advise candidate on weaknesses and how to overcome such weaknesses.

2. Inform candidate on the final results of the assessment.

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ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS

- ATP to insert relevant assessment/test papers and the solutions –

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Assessment Record

Industrial Audiometry Course (IAC)

Approved Assessment Centre:

Candidate Name: (As in NRIC/Passport)

NRIC/Passport: Course Dates:

Learning Outcome

Assessment Instrument

Comments WT PP

List legal requirements on noise in the workplace

Describe the symptoms & signs of noise induced hearing loss

Obtain an occupational noise exposure history

Conduct an audiometric test

Interpret an audiogram

Provide training and advice on use, maintenance and care of personal hearing protectors for persons exposed to excessive noise

Marks

WT = Written Test; PP = Practical Performance

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Overall Assessment The trainee has been assessed as (tick appropriate box):

Pass

Fail

_______________________________ _______________________________ Trainee’s signature Assessor’s Signature Name:__________________________ Name:__________________________ Date:___________________________ Date:___________________________ Note to candidate

Candidates may appeal against the outcome of the assessment.

By signing, the candidate is agreeing to accept the assessment outcome. Feedback on outcome by Assessor/ Feedback by candidate:

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