PTS medical –Hearing standards not met

[Phc-Oh-Ltd]

Dear all
just wanted to ask for advice-
We have a 51 year old project engineer who came for a PTS medical, which was carried out by one of our OHTs.. no significant medical history except
sum total of his hearing over frequencies 0.5, 1 & 2 khz were Left – 115 db and right 125db. he was able to hear conversational voice OK during the medical according to notes
when i look at fitness levels only level I can see that fits with his hearing level is level 5, and to advise to work accompanied and employer to carry out risk assessment about his hearing ability in his usual working conditions.

However he raised that being awarded level 5 does not fit with his competency requirement for his role and that level 5 is only used for network rail employees, which he is not

any advice very welcome please – regarding what fitness level he should be awarded with what additional remarks on the sentinel certificate ??

thanks

Ritesh

[marooms]

Ritesh,

We would normally give a Level 2 – Meets with restrictions.

My understanding is that the threshold is set to an average of 90dB over 0.5, 1 and 2 KHz so that hearing is good enough that when ear defenders are worn, the individual can still hear warning signals, train horns etc.

The restriction I would put on Sentinel is that the individual cannot be the lookout, when ear defenders are worn they must be in arms reach of a colleague to protect their safety, and if the threshold is 40, 40, 45dB (as per rail standards, and if wearing hearing aids) they can move about independently when not wearing ear defenders.

Regards,

Mark

[Author]

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