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A Refresher…

HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM

Presented By

Roger PigeonSafety and Occupational Health Manager

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Objectives…1. Explain how sound is created.2. Describe how the human ear receives and

interprets sound.3. Name 2 ways sound is measured.4. Describe at least 2 indicators of excessive

noise in the workplace.5. Identify the part of the human ear damaged

by excessive noise exposure.6. Identify medical test used to document

damage.7. Identify 5 key elements of the hearing

conservation program.

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Six Main Causes Of Hearing Loss

•Heredity•Infections•Acoustic Trauma•Prescription Drugs•Presbycusis•Hazardous Noise

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So What’s The Problem?1. Noise…too much of it !2. Noise and sound terms are used

interchangeably.3. Noise, in terms of occupational health is

any sound intense enough to damage hearing.

“One person’s music can be another’s racket”.

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Noise is a BIG problem•One of the most pervasive occupational health exposures.•#1 cause of nonfatal health problems in the USA.•Over 30 million affected with partial or total hearing loss.•10 million have suffered irreversible noise induced hearing loss.•Rate of hearing loss in increasing in US. •“Sneaky villain”…each repeated over-exposure to hazardous noise sources such as heavy construction equipment, air compressors, chainsaws, skid-steer loaders, water pumps, and the like add to the damage.•Nerve cells in your ears attempt to repair however repeated exposures will create permanent hearing loss.

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What Is Noise?

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Two Components Of Noise

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The Human Ear Is A Delicate Tool

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The Inner Ear

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Tinnitus

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In Addition To Hearing Loss Hazardous Noise Exposure Can…

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Noise Induced Hearing Loss…

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Noisy Hobbies…

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A Few Noisy FS Activities…1. Heavy construction equipment…such as dozers,

graders, backhoes, excavators, skid-steer loaders.2. Continuous use of chainsaws.3. Wood shop power tools…such as table saw, hand

held power saw, pay loaders, band saw, planer, air compressor, routers, large sanders, hand held and pedestal grinders, air-operated impact wrenches and tools.

4. Weed eaters, large lawn mowers, hedge trimmers.

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Typical Noise Levels…

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Communications In Noisy Environments

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How Do You Know You Are Exposed To Hazardous Noise?

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How Much Hazardous Noise Can You Be Exposed To?

Forest Service FSH 6709.11 Health & Safety Code Handbook Incorporates OSHA Standard by Reference.

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What Is A TWA ? (TWA = time weighted average)

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Fundamental Characteristics of Sound•Sound has two fundamental characteristics.•Loudness or Intensity – measured in “decibels”.•Frequency – measured in “Hertz” or cycles per second.

Sound Is Measured In Three Different Ways:1. Frequency (cycles per

second or hertz)2. Intensity (dbA or dbC)3. Duration (hours and

minutes)

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How Is Noise Measured?

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Determining Noise Exposures…

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Determining Noise Exposures…

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How Much Is Too Much?

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Taking Action For Hearing Health

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Controlling Workplace Noise•Five components of a hearing conservation program.•Exposure monitoring.•Audiometric testing.•Using engineering controls.•Using administrative controls.•Using hearing protection devices (HPD).•Education and training.•Recordkeeping.

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Hearing Conservation Program- Five Components -

1. Monitor noise levels.2. Perform audiometric testing.3. Apply engineering and administrative controls.

Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) as last option.

4. Educate and train affected employees.5. Develop and perform recordkeeping.

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Requirement for Establishing a Hearing Conservation Program- Monitoring Noise Levels -

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Requirement for Establishing a Hearing Conservation Program

- Test Employee Hearing -

Audiometric testing can be performed by Audiologist or technician certified by Council on Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation. May vary by State.

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How Do You Know How Well You Hear – Hearing Testing

(Audiometry)

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Audiograms

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Degrees Of Hearing Loss

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Example Of Hearing Loss

STS = Significant Threshold Shift

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Bad Hearing Test?

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Requirement for Establishing a Hearing Conservation Program- Managing Noise Exposure -

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Requirement for Establishing a Hearing Conservation Program- Managing Noise Exposure -

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Requirement for Establishing a Hearing Conservation Program

- Education & Training - 1. A training program is mandatory for all employees exposed at

or above the 85 dbA level.

2. Training must be provided at least once each year and must be updated to be consistent with changes in protective equipment and work processes.

3. Training topics must included:• Effects of noise on hearing.• Purpose of hearing protection devices.• Advantages and disadvantages of noise reduction ratings

(NRR) of various types of hearing protection.• Instructions on selecting, fitting and use and care of

devices.• Purpose of audiometric testing and explanation of test

procedures and results.

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Requirement for Establishing a Hearing Conservation Program

- Recordkeeping (OSHA 300 Log)-

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How To Prevent Further Hearing Loss…

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Questions?

Thanks for your attention…..