FHM TRAINING TOOLS This training presentation is part of FHM’s commitment to creating and keeping safe workplaces. Be sure to check out all the training programs that are specific to your industry.

These materials have been developed based on applicable federal laws and regulations in place at the time the materials were created. The program is being provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute and is not intended to provide OSHA compliance certification, regulatory compliance, a substitute for any "hands on“ training required by applicable laws and regulations, or other legal or professional advice or services. By accessing the materials, you assume all responsibility and risk arising from the use of the content contained therein. ©2010 Grainger Safety Services, Inc. ►►► Hearing Conservation for General Industry

Learning Objectives At the end of this presentation, you will learn: ► Effects of noise on hearing ► Purpose of hearing protectors ► Positives and negatives of hearing protectors ► Selection, fit, use, and care of hearing protectors ► Purpose of audiometric testing

Agenda Today’s agenda: ► Introduction ► Occurrence of hearing loss ► Noise measurement ► Hearing conservation program ► Elements ► Your responsibilities

Hearing Loss Section 1

Why Talk About Noise? OSHA estimates approximately 30 million people are exposed to hazardous levels of noise: ► Noise induced hearing loss is a common occupational disease ► Second most self-reported occupational injury

Common Effects of Noise Noise pollution - to constant presence of noise: ► Exposure to high noise increases stress levels ► Noise can make you feel tense

Some Sobering Statistics Industry specific studies have indicated that: ► 44% carpenters reported hearing loss ► Half the plumbers reported similar problems Workers exposed to noise include: ► Agriculture ► Mining ► Construction ► Manufacturing ► Utilities ► Transportation ► Military

The Facts About Hearing Loss Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent: ► Temporary - exposed to noise sources ► Permanent - exposure to high noise levels –Permanent - cumulative process

How Hearing Loss Occurs Ear is divided into three parts: ► Outer Ear –External part of ear canal that captures sound ► Middle Ear –Contains ear drum and several small bones ► Inner Ear –Contains cochlea, and hair cells connected to nerves –Sound vibrations stimulate hair cells sending signals to the brain

Symptoms of Hearing Loss Symptoms of hearing loss: ► Can not distinguish words ► Trouble following conversations ► Strain to hear ► Feel sounds being annoying or loud ► Hearing noise in one or both ears

Measuring Sound Section 2

Sound Terminology Understanding terminology of noise energy: ► Noise-created by sound pressure waves ► Frequency of sound waves determines its pitch ► Ear is capable of hearing vibrating sound waves Intensity is a term for loud noise: ► Higher the intensity-louder the noise ► Noise intensities can damage your hearing

Jet Takeoff Vacuum Cleaner Normal Conversation Chainsaw Rock Concert Whisper Typical Sound Levels (dBA)

Our Hearing Conservation Program Section 3

Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) HCP elements: ► Noise monitoring ► Annual audiometric testing ► Provision of hearing protection ► Employee training programs ► Recordkeeping

Exposure Monitoring Measuring noise levels: ► Surveys are conducted ► Retain survey documents and review periodically ► Consider engineering and administrative controls before hearing protection

Audiometric Testing Audiometric testing is test of hearing: ► Performed in a sound booth ► Respond to a series of tones ► Baseline exam is performed on hire ► Baseline exam is used for comparison

Audiometric Testing Audiometric test: ► Threshold of hearing –Level when a tone becomes audible ► Threshold shift –Changes in threshold of hearing ► Standard Threshold Shift (STS) –Shift of 10 decibels or more in certain frequencies

Hearing Protection Use protection at 85 decibels or more: ► Irritating sound in the work area ► Raising your voice to be heard ► Having hard time hearing someone ► Speech sounds dull or muffled ► Ears ring or hurt after noise exposure

Available Hearing Protective Devices (HPDs) Three basic types of protective devices: ► Earplugs ► Canal caps ► Ear muffs

How HPDs are Rated Hearing protection devices are: ► Designed to block noise energy ► Have different capabilities and applications Issue regarding hearing protective device is: ► Noise reduction rating (NRR) ► NRR is a measurement for noise blocking devices ► Higher NRR - better protection

Earplugs Earplugs offers noise reduction rating (NRR): ► Good in most temperatures and humidity ► Formable types are inexpensive ► Earplug can be uncomfortable ► Get dirty when handled in dusty environments

Canal Caps Canal caps are quick fit and compact: ► Convenient for workers ► Offer an NRR of 20 ► Due to re-use it must be kept clean

Ear Muffs Ear muffs offer maximum comfort: ► Easy to take on and off ► Makes cleaning and maintenance easy ► Can be combined with earplugs

Fitting and Use of HPDs Hearing protective device is used a specific way: ► Formable earplugs are used by rolling the plug ► Custom fitted earplugs do not require rolling ► Wear canal caps by placing pad over ear canal ► Wear ear muffs by placing cups over ears

Care of Hearing Protectors Hearing protective devices need: ► To be maintained to avoid problems ► To be discarded after each shift ► Reusable earplugs need cleaning ► To be stored in a secure place

Care of Hearing Protectors Care of hearing protectors: ► Inspect Canal caps before use ► Band should be evaluated

Care of Hearing Protectors Care of hearing protectors: ► Ear muffs require care and maintenance ► Replace cushions of the muffs periodically ► Ear muff exterior should be periodically cleaned ► Inspect ear muffs for damage before use

Employee Training HCP requires affected workers get training yearly: ► Employees must know noise is hazardous ► Prevent damage by wearing hearing protectors ► By participating in audiometric testing

Recordkeeping Maintain noise exposure measurement records: ► Audiometric test results must be maintained ► Records shall be provided upon request to: –Employees –Former employees –Representatives designated by the individual employee –OSHA

Your Responsibilities Section 4

Your Responsibilities Reviewing responsibilities: ► Be aware of noise-hazardous areas ► Make suggestions ► Wear proper hearing protection ► Avoid being exposed to noise

Your Responsibilities Additionally: ► Clean non-disposable hearing protection ► Take annual audiometric examination ► Protect hearing should be done at all times

Additional Information Additional Resources: Hearing Conservation. OSHA Publication 3074, (2002) Preventing Occupational Hearing Loss – A Practical Guide. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No , (1996, June)