Hearing Conservation Agenda Objectives and Responsibilities The Effects of Noise Factors Affecting...
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Hearing Conservation
Hearing Conservation Agenda Objectives and Responsibilities The Effects of Noise Factors Affecting Hearing Loss Hearing Conservation Program Noise Hazard
Agenda Objectives and Responsibilities The Effects of Noise
Factors Affecting Hearing Loss Hearing Conservation Program Noise
Hazard Assessments Noise Exposure and Monitoring Results
Audiometric Testing Noise Control Measures Hearing Protection
Devices Recordkeeping and Employee Training
Slide 4
Objective The objective of the program is to identify and
control noise hazards and protect all employees who have a
potential to develop noise induced hearing loss. This program
involves all employees exposed to noise hazards or who have a
potential to develop noise induced hearing loss.
Slide 5
Responsibilities Occupational Safety and Health Specialist
Contracted Audiologist/Physician Administration Supervisors
Employees
Slide 6
Responsibilities Occupational Safety and Health Specialist
identifying employees whose position contains potential noise
hazards; conducting noise surveys and dosimetry; coordinating the
Hearing Conservation Program;
Slide 7
Responsibilities Occupational Safety and Health Specialist Cont
consulting with departments to determine whether administrative
and/or engineering controls are feasible and how they will be
implemented; making recommendations on any and all matters relating
to operation and administration of the Hearing Conservation Program
and; providing appropriate hearing conservation training.
Slide 8
Responsibilities Contracted Audiologist/Physician performing
audiogram evaluations and identifying any anatomical factors that
might interfere with the use of the protector or medical condition
that might be aggravated; maintaining audiometric test records and;
managing the Audiometric Testing Program.
Slide 9
Responsibilities Administration supplying hearing protection
devices at no cost to employees and; providing employees with
adequate training.
Slide 10
Responsibilities Supervisors ensuring that all employees under
their supervision have their work area assessed for noise hazards
and notifying Environmental Health and Safety of changes in
process, materials or equipment which may alter noise exposure;
ensuring that noise hazard equipment/areas (greater than or equal
to 85 dBA operating noise level) are properly labeled or
posted;
Slide 11
Responsibilities Supervisors Cont ensuring that all employees
who are included in this Hearing Conservation Program undergo
initial audiometric testing, at the designated provider, within the
first two weeks of identifying them at risk of occupational
noise-induced hearing loss and annually thereafter; enforcing the
use of hearing protection at work at least 14 hours prior to
initial and annual audiograms and informing employees of the need
to avoid high levels of non-occupational exposure during the 14
hours prior to the audiogram examination;
Slide 12
Responsibilities Supervisors Cont ensuring that any noise
exposed employees who have terminated employment with the
department undergo audiometric testing at the departments
designated provider prior to leaving the department; issuing
hearing protection devices, and providing employees with the
manufacturers instructions for use, care, limitations, and
warnings;
Slide 13
Responsibilities Supervisors Cont ensuring that new employee
orientation/training and annual refresher training of employees are
provided. Supervisors must arrange this training with Environmental
Health and Safety. enforcing the Hearing Conservation Program by
ensuring that all subordinates comply with all facets of the
departments Hearing Conservation Program, including proper use and
care for hearing protection devices.
Slide 14
Responsibilities Employees participating in the audiometric
testing program and following the instructions regarding noise
exposure prior to testing; participating in the hearing
conservation training offered by the department, initially and
annually thereafter and; properly using and caring for hearing
protective devices where these devices are required and following
the hearing conservation program requirements.
Slide 15
The Effects of Noise Psychological can startle, annoy, and
disrupt concentration, sleep, or relaxation. Interference with
communication, resulting in interference with job performance and
safety. Physiological noise induced hearing loss, aural pain, or
even nausea.
Slide 16
The Effects of Noise (Tab 1) Types of Hearing Loss Conductive:
A hearing problem involving the outer or middle ear. Sensorineural:
A hearing problem involving the inner ear. Tinnitus: Often occurs
in conjunction with hearing loss.
Slide 17
Factors Affecting Hearing Loss Noise Intensity or Sound
Pressure Frequency or Pitch Length of Daily Exposure Duration of
Exposure in Years Individual Susceptibility Other Factors (disease,
genetics, lifestyle, age, etc.)
Slide 18
The Hearing Conservation Program When employee noise exposures
equal or exceed a time weighted average sound level of 85 dBA, a
hearing conservation program must be implemented. No exposure to
continuous, intermittent, or impact noise of a peak C-weighted
level of 140 dB shall occur. No exposure shall exceed a time
weighted average of 115 dBA for continuous noise.
Slide 19
The Hearing Conservation Program (Tab 2) Introduction Noise
Hazard Assessment Employee Inclusion Noise Control Measures
Employee Education and Training References
Slide 20
Noise Hazard Assessment Noise exposed workers and/or noise
hazards will be identified in the PPE Program through the hazard
assessment. Noise monitoring will be completed when a potential
noise hazard is identified on the PPE Hazard Assessment. If you
feel the need to shout to be heard 3 feet away, the noise level is
approaching 85 dBA.
Slide 21
Noise Exposures SourcedBA Whisper20 Refrigerator40
Conversation60 Average TV74 Blender80 SourcedBA Walkman90
Woodworking93-120 Gun Shot130-140 Riding Motorcycle90 Snow
Mobile120 Rock Concert140
Slide 22
Noise Monitoring Results (Tab 3)
Slide 23
Audiometric Testing All department employees included in the
Hearing Conservation Program must undergo initial and periodic
audiometric testing. These tests are used to gauge hearing loss in
affected employees and will be provided at no cost to the
employees. The initial test is used as a baseline and the annual
test is used to determine if hearing loss has occurred.
Slide 24
Audiometric Testing Purpose Audiometric exams serve as a
monitoring function to determine if an STS has occurred; an
educational and motivational tool and; a tool for assessing overall
program effectiveness.
Slide 25
Audiometric Testing Test Procedures The audiometric testing
procedure tests the employees hearing threshold at a range of
different frequencies. The hearing threshold is the lowest level at
which the employee is able to detect the test tone at each
frequency and is determined by employee response. Tests are
performed in both ears.
Slide 26
Noise Control Measures Identify noise hazardous equipment.
Modify the noise source so it is quieter. Increase distance between
the employee and the noise hazard. Limit exposure time. Use hearing
protection devices when the above measures are not feasible and/or
do not decrease noise levels below a TWA-8 of 85 dBA.
Slide 27
Hearing Protection Devices Purpose of Hearing Protectors
Advantages and Disadvantages Attenuation of Various Types Selection
Instructions Fitting Use Care
Slide 28
Hearing Protection Devices Purpose of Hearing Protectors
Hearing protection devices include ear plugs (pre-molded, foam
rubber, custom molded), ear muffs and canal caps. The purpose of
hearing protection devices is to reduce the harmful auditory and/or
annoying effects of sound.
Slide 29
Hearing Protection Devices (Tab 4) Advantages and Disadvantages
Simplified overview of comparative features of earplugs and
earmuffs Reference Berger, E.H., L.H. Royster, J.D. Royster, D.P.
and Driscoll, M. Layne. The Noise Manual. AIHA Press. May
2000.
Slide 30
Hearing Protection Devices Attenuation The process of reducing
noise to acceptable levels. Attenuation of Various Types
Attenuation is different for different types and styles of hearing
protection devices.
Slide 31
Earplugs
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/default.htmlhttp://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/default.html.
National Institute for Occupational Safety.
Slide 32
Earmuffs
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/default.htmlhttp://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/default.html.
National Institute for Occupational Safety.
Slide 33
Hearing Protection Devices (HPD) Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
HPDs have an NRR that is used to determine how effectively HPDs
reduce employee exposure by subtracting the NRR from the employees
exposure. However, the NRR does not accurately reflect attenuation
and a safety factor of 7 must be used.
Slide 34
Hearing Protection Devices Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
Estimated A-weighted TWA under Hearing Protection Employee TWA
(dBA) (NRR - 7dB) A combination of ear muffs and earplugs or other
HPD provides greater protection than either device alone.
Slide 35
Hearing Protection Devices Selection Instructions Employees
shall be given the opportunity to select their hearing protection
from a variety of suitable types. As with any personal protective
equipment (PPE) careful consideration must be given to comfort and
fit. Employees are more likely to wear PPE that fits
correctly.
Slide 36
Hearing Protection Devices (Tab 5) Fitting Reseat HPDs
throughout the work shift if they become loose or break their seal.
Replacement HPDs must be obtained from the supervisor when damaged
or deteriorated.
Slide 37
Hearing Protection Devices (Tab 5) Fitting If devices are
uncomfortable or problematic, see your supervisor for replacement
or alternative devices. It may also be necessary to see the
contracted physician for re-fitting. Never alter or modify HPDs.
Reference Berger, E.H., L.H. Royster, J.D. Royster, D.P. and
Driscoll, M. Layne. The Noise Manual. AIHA Press. May 2000.
Slide 38
Hearing Protection Devices Use and Care Proper fit, use and
maintenance instruction are included in the manufacturers
recommendations.
Slide 39
Summary Objectives and Responsibilities The Effects of Noise
Factors Affecting Hearing Loss Hearing Conservation Program Noise
Hazard Assessments Noise Exposure and Monitoring Results
Audiometric Testing Noise Control Measures Hearing Protection
Devices Recordkeeping and Employee Training
Slide 40
Where to Get More Information
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/def ault.html. National
Institute for Occupational Safety.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/def ault.html
http://www.osha.gov/.Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
http://www.osha.gov/