INDUSTRIAL NOISE AND HEARING CONSERVATION

What Is Noise?  Sound that bears no information  Interferes with wanted sound  Creates stress that affects one mentally and physically  Causes accidents because workers can’t hear instructions or warning signals

Types of Noise  Intermittent  Continuous  Impact

How Can We Tell When Noise Is Too Loud?  If two people 3 feet apart must shout to be heard, the background noise is too loud (above 85 decibels).  Noise above 140 decibels causes pain and immediate hearing loss.

Action Levels  Noise is measured in units called “decibels” or “dB” sound  85 dBA HCP  90 dBA Noise control/HP  115 dBA Signs posted; hearing protection required

Daily Allowable Exposure Times To Noise Noise LevelAllowable Exposure Time 85 decibels8 hours 90 decibels4 hours 100 decibels1 hour 105 decibels30 minutes 110 decibels15 minutes 115 decibels 0

Noise Levels Examples EquipmentNoise Level Wood Shop89.6 decibels avg Music Room90.1 decibels avg Ag/Metals87.6 decibels avg Trimmer92.0 decibels Edger94.5 decibels Lawn Mower (JD)92.8 decibels Lawn Mower96.4 decibels Chain Saw110 decibels Gunshot140 decibels Jackhammer112 decibels Tractor decibels Circular Saw decibels

WISHA WAC Hearing Conservation Program 1. Written Program 2. Exposure Monitoring 3. Audiometric Testing 4. Record Keeping/Access 5. Hearing Protection 6. Employee Training

Exposure Monitoring  Employers are required to monitor employee noise- exposure levels to identify those who are exposed at or above 85 dBA.  Employees must be notified of results.  Re-monitor whenever changes in exposures occur.  New employees

WOOD SHOPMUSICGROUNDSAG/METALSJANITORBUS (AG) (Metals) * ** *** Monitoring Results

Employee Training  Annual Training;  The effects of noise on hearing;  Hearing protectors- purpose, types and use;  Purpose of audiometric testing;  Noise measurement records & hearing test results;

EFFECTS OF NOISE ON HEARING

Effects of Noise Exposure  Hearing loss from noise exposure is usually not noticed because it is so gradual.  Damage from noise exposure depends on the loudness and length of exposure.  Often the first noticeable effects is difficulty in hearing speech.

Effects of Noise Exposure  Usually a person loses the ability to hear higher pitches first.  Scientific studies have shown that hearing loss can occur when 8-hour average noise exposure = or > 85 decibels.

Effects of Noise Exposure  Exposure to high noise levels can also cause permanent ringing in the ear or “tinnitus”.  Tinnitus sufferers usually complain of constant whistling, squealing, roaring or buzzing in one or both ears.  Severe tinnitus may disrupt sleep, reduce concentration and cause irritability and depression.

Hearing Protectors

 Available to all employees at or above 85 dBA  Selection of size and type that is appropriate  Ensure that they are worn correctly  Shown how to use and care for protectors  Offers sufficient protection  Use the NRR minus 7 (A- weighting correction)  Comfortable  At least 2 distinct styles

Types of Hearing Protectors Helmets Earmuffs Canal Caps Earplugs –Formable –Custom-molded –Pre-molded

 Ear muffs cover the whole ear and are preferred by some people.  They have replaceable pads and some high-tech styles filter out specific noise pitches.  They last longer than most plugs. Ear Muffs-Advantages

 Muffs can be uncomfortable in hot weather.  Muffs don’t seal well for someone with glasses or heavy sideburns. Ear Muff – Disadvantages

Ear Plugs  Earplugs are made of foam, rubber or plastic and are either one-size-fits-all or in sizes small, medium and large.  Some are disposable, some are reusable.  They are lightweight, and require no maintenance.

Ear Plugs  Some people may find ear plugs uncomfortable to wear for long periods at first.  Ear plugs rarely cause infection or prolonged irritation of the ear canal.  Most people can find a comfortable fit by trying several different sizes, types or brands.  Custom-molded earplugs can be obtained for maximum comfort. custom molded earplugs

 The “noise reduction rating” or “NRR” of hearing protection is measured in decibels.  The NRR is found on the earmuff or earplug package. The higher the number, the greater the protection. Noise Reduction Rating

Inserting Foam Earplugs Foam type earplugs are one-size-fits-all and must be inserted properly into the ear. Roll earplug into small cylinder first, then insert in ear.

Inserting Foam Earplugs Earplug incorrectly inserted Earplug correctly inserted

Proper Use of Hearing Protection  It takes just a few minutes of unprotected exposure at noise above 115 decibels to risk hearing damage.  Earplugs not well inserted into the ear canal will not provide complete protection.  Likewise, earmuffs not snug against the head will “leak” noise into the ear.

How Can You Hear Anything With Hearing Protectors?  Using earmuffs or plugs in noisy areas actually makes it easier to hear coworkers or machinery.  They reduce overwhelming loud background noise.  They are similar to dark glasses that reduce the sun’s glare making it easier to see.

Hearing Protection Available at our Company  Ear Muffs  Ear Plugs  Form fit devices  Kept at Maintenance Shop or District Office

Audiometric Testing  Audiometric testing is required by WISHA for any employees exposed to 85 dBA or above.  “Audiometric testing” is the same thing as “hearing test”.  Conducted by trained technicians to detect any hearing loss.

How Does Audiometric Testing Work?  When you are first hired, or at program implementation a baseline test is taken.  The testing is repeated every year after that and compared to the baseline test result.  If a hearing loss is detected, you will be referred to a doctor or audiologist.

Purpose of Audiometric Testing  Detect early stages of hearing loss.  Change in noise exposure;  Most of us develop a mild hearing loss as we age, especially in the higher pitches.  Medical condition of the ear unrelated to noise exposure.

Audiometric Testing Audiometric testing produces printed audiograms which show hearing ability at several pitches or frequencies. If there is hearing loss of 10 decibels or more in the human voice frequencies, you will be sent to the doctor or audiologist.

RECORDKEEPING Noise monitoring results (kept for 2 years) Job assignments and noise exposure history Hearing protection devices used Hearing test results (kept for duration of employment), one given to employee Records are accessible at District Office

Management Responsibility  Provide hearing protection devices  Demonstrate commitment—wear HPDs  Provide hearing protection training  Enforce the use of HPD’s  Knowledgeable in HPD selection and use  Encourage questions and solve problems

Employee Responsibility  Understand the need for Hearing Protection Devices (HPD’s)  Wear HPD’s and seek replacements  Encourage co-workers to wear HPD’s  Communicate problems to supervisors

Noise Quiz What happens when people are exposed to excessive noise? a) They can’t hear someone talking to them b) Over a period of time, they will develop hearing loss c) Some people may develop permanent ringing in their ears d) Some people will be stressed out by constant exposure to loud noise

Noise Quiz What is the lowest level of noise that can cause hearing loss? a)When it hurts your ears b)65 decibels c) 85 decibels d) An average of 85 decibels over 8 hours

Noise Quiz What is NRR? a)The noise level of rifles b)The noise rating of any loud machinery c)The noise reduction rating of hearing protection d)A measure of how well earplugs work

Noise Quiz Ear plugs work better than ear muffs in blocking out noise. a) True b) False c) It depends

Noise Quiz Why is audiometric testing required? a) To make sure you haven’t gone deaf b) To test for any hearing loss during your employment c) To test the noise of machinery d) To see how well you remember noise training

What Did You Learn?