Hearing Conservation ProgramHearing Conservation ProgramAnnual TrainingAnnual Training

Objectives

Effects of Noise on HearingAudiometric Testing (Purpose &

Procedures)Hearing Protection Care and UseAdvantages/Disadvantages of

Ear Plugs & Ear Muffs

Elements of a Hearing Conservation Program

Noise MeasurementEngineering and Administrative ControlsProtective DevicesAnnual Audiometric TestingEducation and TrainingRecordkeeping

NOISEWhat is it?

Pressure Changes in a MediumCaused by Vibrations or TurbulenceUnwanted SoundCauses Harm

Types of Noise

Low frequency: 20-500 HzMid-to-high frequency: 500-1500 HzHigh frequency: 1500 Hz and above

Humans typically hear 16 Hz to 20,000 Hz

Human speech frequencies are typically

300 Hz to 3,000 Hz

OSHA Noise and Related Standards

Occupational Noise Exposure Standard May 29, 1971

(29 CFR 1910.95)

Hearing Conservation Amendment March 8, 1983

(29 CFR 1910.95)

Personal Protective Equipment July 5, 1994(29 CFR 1910.132)

Noise Standard

Monitor Noise Exposure Work Areas

Institute Control Measures Hearing Protection Engineering & Administrative

Hearing Conservation Amendment Monitor Noise Exposure Audiometric Calibration Test Room Conformance Audiogram Evaluation Hearing Protection (Standard Threshold Shift)

Training / Education Recordkeeping Employee Notification Access to Information

Noise in Your Work Environment

OSHA Designated Exposure Limits 85 dBA - Action Level for HCP 90 dBA - Permissible 8-hr. TWA

Two-Foot Rule

OSHA Noise Exposure TableNoise Noise

Level (dBA)Level (dBA)

90

92

95

97

100

102

105

110

115

Duration Duration (Hours)(Hours)

8

6

4

3

2

1.5

1

.5

.25 or less

140 120130 90 80 70 60100110

Gun Shot

ExplosionSnowmobile

Rock ConcertLeaf Blower

Chain Saw

Hair Dryer

Video Arcade

Jet Engine

Private Plane

Power Saw

Lawn MowerNormal Speech

Decibels

Common Decibel Levels

The Ear Humans typically can hear from 0 dB to 140 dB at 1,000 Hz.

Possible Effects of Noise on You

Temporary Hearing Loss Permanent Hearing Loss Low Birth Weight Premature Birth Anxiety Nervousness Sleep Loss Digestive Disorders Aggravation of Ulcers

Hypertension Increases Heart Rate Increased Blood Pressure Increase in Respiration

and Oxygen Consumption Increase in Sweating Disruption in

Communications

Noise Monitoring Equipment

Sound Level Meter

Octave Band (Frequency) Analyzer

Personal Dosimeter

Examples of Engineering and Administrative Controls (90 dBA)

Engineering Controls Mufflers Shields Booths Acoustic Materials

Administrative Controls

Work Schedules Job Rotations Intermittent Operation

of Machinery

Audiometric Testing(85 dBA)

Baseline TestingAnnual TestingSupporting

Information Current or Past

Medical Conditions History of Noise

Exposures

Procedure Silent Booth Headset Series of Tones

14 hours without workplace noise exposure prior to the audiometric examination.

Evaluation of AudiogramAudiograms are to be compared to baseline

audiograms.Standard Threshold Shift (STS)

10 dB Average from Baseline at:• 2,000 Hz• 3,000 Hz• 4,000 Hz

A Professional shall Review Problem Audiograms and Determine the Need for Further Evaluation.

Hearing Protection (85 dBA)

Purpose Prevent Hearing Loss by Reducing Noise

Exposure Types

Earplugs Earmuffs Semi-Aural Devices Double Protection (add 5dB)

EarmuffsAdvantages -Vs- Disadvantages

Advantages One Size Fits Nearly

All Good for Intermittent

Exposure Absorbs High

Frequency Energy (>2000 Hz)

Disadvantages Warm, Bulky & Heavy Other Protective

Equipment Interferes with the Seal

Glasses, Hair & Facial Hair Interferes with the Seal

Earplugs Advantages -Vs- DisadvantagesAdvantages

More Comfortable Can be Worn with Other Protective Equipment Not Affected by Glasses, Hair or Facial Hair More Convenient in Confined Spaces

Disadvantages More Detailed Insertion Procedure Mostly Disposable (More Costly) Not effective against Low Frequency Noise

Things to Think About When Selecting Hearing Protection

Your Work SituationComfort (Which do you Prefer?)Ease of UseAttenuation

NRRNoise Reduction Rating

EPA

Under Laboratory Setting

Formula: NRR-72

Hearing Protection Fitting

Proper Fit Ensures ProtectionMust Maintain a Good SealReadjust as Necessary

Hearing Protection Fitting

Earplug Insertion Procedures Clean Hands Use Opposite Hand Reach Behind Head - Over Top Pull Outward and Upward on Pinna (Outer-Ear) Push Earplug Upwards, Towards Front of Head

into Ear Canal

Re-usable Hearing ProtectionCleaning

Use Only Mild Detergent and Warm Water Earplugs - Wash and Dry Before Re-use or

Storage Earmuffs - Wipe Cushions Clean; Foam Liners

can also be Removed for Cleaning

Hearing Protection Replacement

Equipment Should be Replaced When: Manufacturer Recommends Single Use Cannot be Adequately Cleaned No Longer Retains Original Appearance or

Resiliency Recommended Replacement Schedule is Met

Summary

Effects of NoiseNoise MeasurementNoise ControlAudiometric TestingHearing Protection