MSHAs Occupational Noise Exposure Standard Sampling and Compliance

MSHA’s Occupational Noise Exposure Standard Sampling and Compliance Randy E. Newcomer Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist Copyright 2011 RENewcomer LLC

Why is everyone always shouting at me?

Exposure Assessment • Establish a system of monitoring to determine continuing compliance • Determine a miner’s noise dose using – A dosimeter – Or D = 100(C 1/T 1 + C 2/T 2 +. . + Cn/Tn).

Exposure Assessment • Noise dose determination must be made – No adjustment for hearing protection – Integrate all sound levels within range – Reflect workers full shift – Use A-weighting / slow response settings – 90 d. B criterion level / 5 d. B exchange rate.

5 d. B Exchange Rate d. B 85 90 95 100 105 hrs 16 < criterion level 8 4 2 1

Exposure Assessment • Affected workers must have opportunity to observe monitoring and given prior notice • Within 15 dayes of determination orkers must be notified of exposure to various levels in writing within 15 days – Exposure – Corrective action taken • Copy maintained for duration of exposure above action level plus 6 months

Action Level • An 8 -hour time-weighted average sound level (TWA 8) of 85 d. BA • or equivalently a dose of 50% • integrating all sound levels from 80 d. BA to at least 130 d. BA.

Action Level – 50% dose d. B 85 90 95 100 105 hrs 16 8 4 2 1 50% 8 4 2 1 ½

Action Level • If during any work shift a miner's noise exposure equals or exceeds the action level the mine operator must enroll the miner in a hearing conservation program

Hearing Conservation Program • • • System of monitoring Provide and use hearing protection Audiometric testing Training Recordkeeping.

Permissible Exposure Level • A TWA 8 of 90 d. BA • or equivalently a dose of 100% of that permitted by the standard • Integrating all sound levels from 90 d. BA to at least 140 d. BA.

Permissible Exposure Level – 100% dose d. B 85 90 95 100 105 hrs 16 8 4 2 1 50% 8 4 2 1 ½

Permissible Exposure Level – 100% dose d. B 85 90 95 100 105 hrs 16 8 4 2 1 50% 8 4 2 1 ½ Europe 50% 85 – 4 hrs 88 – 2 hrs 91 – 1 hr 94 – ½ hr 97 – ¼ hr

Permissable Exposure Limit • If exposed during any work shift to noise that exceeds the permissible exosure level: – All feasible engineering controls – All feasible administrative controls* – Enroll worker in hearing conservation program * When used, procedures must be posted and copy provided to affected workers.

Dual Hearing Protection Level • A TWA 8 of 105 d. BA • or equivalently, a dose of 800% of that permitted by the standard • integrating all sound levels from 90 d. BA to at least 140 d. BA.

Dual Hearing Protection Level • All previous requirements PLUS • Provide and ensure the use of ear plug and muff

Summary of Actions Required • Exposure is less than the action level • No action required

Summary of Actions Required • Exposure equals or exceeds the action level • Hearing conservation program – System of monitoring – Voluntary , with two exceptions, use of operator-provided hearing protectors – Voluntary audiometric testing – Training – Record keeping

Summary of Actions Required • Exposure exceeds the Permissible Limit (PEL) • All previous actions PLUS • Uses/continues to use all feasible engineering and administrative controls • Ensured use of operator-provided hearing protectors • Posts administrative controls and provides copy to affected worker.

Summary of Actions Required • Exposure exceeds the dual hearing protection level • All previous actions PLUS • Ensures concurrent use of earplug and earmuff.

If you lose your good hearing you may not miss me speaking about yet another safety or health concern. But what WOULD you miss? ? ?

The splash of a leaping trout?

The snap of a twig?

The snap of the ball?

The harmony of chords?

A child’s whisper?

What would you miss? Protect your hearing.

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