INDUSTRIAL NOISE

AND

HEARING CONSERVATI

ON

What Is Noise?

Sound that bears no informationInterferes 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 HCP90 dBA Noise control/HP115 dBA Signs posted; hearing

protection required

Daily Allowable Exposure Times To Noise

Noise Level Allowable Exposure Time

85 decibels 8 hours

90 decibels 4 hours

100 decibels 1 hour

105 decibels 30 minutes

110 decibels 15 minutes

115 decibels 0

Noise Levels Examples

Equipment Noise Level

Wood Shop 89.6 decibels avgMusic Room 90.1 decibels avgAg/Metals 87.6 decibels avgTrimmer 92.0 decibelsEdger 94.5 decibelsLawn Mower (JD)92.8 decibels Lawn Mower 96.4 decibelsChain Saw 110 decibelsGunshot 140 decibelsJackhammer 112 decibelsTractor 95-105 decibelsCircular Saw 90-100 decibels

WISHA

WAC 296-817 Hearing Conservation Program1. Written Program2. Exposure Monitoring3. Audiometric Testing4. Record Keeping/Access5. Hearing Protection6. 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 SHOP MUSIC GROUNDS AG/METALS JANITOR BUS

91.0 92.7 91.0 87.3 (AG) 77.6 70.3

85.9 85.1 91.9 87.9 (Metals) 77.4 74.1

81.2* 92.7 88.4** 77.5 70.2

90.2

91.5

89.6*** 90.1 90.4 87.6 77.5 71.5

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 ExposureHearing 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

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 EarplugsFoam 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 devicesDemonstrate commitment—wear HPDsProvide hearing protection trainingEnforce the use of HPD’sKnowledgeable in HPD selection and useEncourage questions and solve problems

Employee Responsibility

Understand the need for Hearing Protection Devices (HPD’s)

Wear HPD’s and seek replacementsEncourage co-workers to wear HPD’sCommunicate problems to supervisors

Noise QuizWhat 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 QuizWhat 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 QuizWhat 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 QuizEar 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?