Safety1st

Course Objectives

Occupational Noise ExposureWhat is it?

Monitoring RequirementsNoise Levels

Dosimeter TypesEar AnatomyNoise MakersPotential High Hazard Areas

Course Objectives

Audiometric TestingTypes of AudiogramsAudio EvaluationsHearing Protectors

Requirements & TypesTrainingRecordkeeping

Occupational Noise Exposure

Noise, or unwanted sound, is one of the most pervasive occupational health problems.

By-product of many industrial processes.Sound consists of pressure changes in a

medium (usually air) caused by vibration or turbulence.

Pressure changes produce waves emanating away from the turbulent or vibrating source.

Occupational Noise Exposure

High level exposure causes hearing loss and may cause other harmful health effects.

Extent of damage depends on intensity of noise and duration of exposure.

Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent.

Monitoring

Required program to monitor employees if exposure is at or above 85 decibels (dB) averaged over 8 working hours or an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA).Repeat monitoring is required when

changes in production, process or controls increase the noise exposure.

Monitoring

Employees are entitled to observe monitoring procedures.

Employees must be notified of the results of monitoring.

Monitoring methods are left to the discretion of the employer.

Monitoring

Instruments must be carefully checked or calibrated.

Employers have the duty to ensure measuring instruments are properly calibrated.

Dosimeter Types

Noise DosimeterAnalog Sound

Level

Dosimeter Types

Digital Sound

Level Meter

Digital Sound

Level Meter

Dosimeter types

Sound Level

DataLogger

Integrating Sound

Level Meter

Ear Anatomy

Potential High Hazard Areas

Print ShopsBoiler RoomsMotor PoolsLaundry AreasKitchen areasExposure To High Speed Hand ToolsAircraft’sMaintenance Shops

Audiometric Testing

The employer shall establish and maintain an Audiometric testing program.

Elements include:Baseline audiogramsAnnual audiogramsTraining Follow-up procedures

Audiometric TestingTesting is at no cost to all employees

who are exposed to an action level of 85 dB or above, measured as an 8-hour TWA.

Follow-up testing should indicate whether the employer’s hearing conservation program is preventing hearing loss.A licensed or certified audiologist, an

otolaryngologist or a physician must be responsible for the program.

Audiometric Testing

Professionals and trained technicians may conduct audiometric testing.

The professional in charge does not have to be present when technicians conduct the test.

Employee referralsTest results are questionable.Problems of a medical nature are

suspected.

Types of Audiograms

BaselineReference audiogram against which

future audiograms are compared.Provided within six months of

employees first exposure.» There are exceptions to the six

month time frame...

Types of Audiograms

Annual TestingWithin one year of the baseline and

annual to identify possible deterioration of hearing ability.

To initiate protective follow-up measures if hearing loss is progressing.

To determine if a Standard Threshold Shift (STS) has occurred .

Tests must be conducted in rooms meeting ANSI specifications of SC-1969

Audiogram Evaluation

If an STS is identified, employees must be fitted or refitted with adequate hearing protectors.

Employees must be notified within 21 days from the time the determination is made.

Some employees may need to be referred for further testing.If they have an ear problem of a medical

nature.If problem is thought to be caused or

aggravated by wearing hearing protectors

Audiogram Evaluation

If STS identified on previous audiogram is not persistent, employees whose exposure to noise is < a TWA of 90dB may discontinue wearing hearing protectors.

An annual audiogram may be substituted for the original baseline audiogram, if...

Hearing Protectors

Must be available to employees exposed to 8-hour TWA or 85dB or above.

Hearing protectors must be worn by:Employees exceeding 6 months

from the first time they are exposed.

Employees who have incurred standard threshold shifts, and

A PEL of 90 dB over an 8-hour TWA.

Hearing Protectors

Employees should decide which size and type protector is most suitable for their working environment.

Hearing protectors must adequately reduce the severity of the noise level for each employee’s work environment.

Hearing Protectors

If workplace noise levels increase, employees must be given more effective protectors.The protector must reduce the

employee exposure to at least 90 dB and to 85 dB when an STS already has occurred.

Types of Hearing Protection

Most Common TypesEar MuffCanal CapEar Plug

Ear Muff Excellent attenuation

at low and high frequencies.

Comfortable for continuous use.

Designed for maximum attenuation in severe noise environment

Simple height adjustment without projecting parts

NRR around 27 dB

Canal Cap The SWIVEL insures

alignment to your ear canal for maximum comfort.

Blocks noise at outer ear passage.

No plugs or foreign objects in ear canal

Weighs only 1-1/2 oz NRR18 dB - overhead,

NRR17 dB - behind head or under chin

Ear Plug

Very lightweight and soft

Very inexpensive Form fitting in the

ear canal One size fits most

ear canal sizes Disposable - one

time use NRR of 21dB

Ultra-Fit Ear Plug

Many of the same attributes as the disposable, except:Made from a

polymer material instead of foam

Much more expensive

Durable and long lasting

NRR 21dB

Training

Employees exposed to TWAs of 85 dB and above must be trained at least annually in:The effects of noise.The purpose, advantages and

disadvantages of various types of hearing protectors.

The selection, fit and care of protectors, and,

The purpose and procedures of audiometric testing.

Recordkeeping

Noise exposure measurements must be kept for 2 years.

Record of audiometric test results must be maintained for the duration of employment.

Audiometric test records must include:Name and job of employee.The date.The examiner’s name.

Recordkeeping

The date of the last acoustic or exhaustive calibration.

Measurements of the background sound pressure levels in audiometric test rooms.

The employee’s most recent noise exposure measurement.

Don’t End up Like This.