OCCUPATIONAL NOISE DID YOU KNOW Noise induced hearing

OCCUPATIONAL NOISE

DID YOU KNOW? Noise induced hearing loss is the most common occupational hazard for Russian workers. Hearing loss from noise is slow and painless; you can develop a disability before you notice it. If you must raise your voice to speak with someone only 3 feet away, you are in high (hazardous) noise. It is 100% preventable.

WHAT IS NOISE? Noise is defined as: • Sound or a sound that is loud, unpleasant, unexpected, or undesired. • By product of many industrial processes (ex. operating machinery) • Exposure to high levels of noise may lead to hearing loss

HOW MUCH NOISE IS TOO MUCH? 85 Decibels (d. B) - the "Action Level" where hearing protection is required. 90 d. B - the OSHA, 8 hour average exposure limit. 100 d. B - exposures longer than 15 minutes are not recommended. 110 d. B - regular exposure of more than 1 minute risks permanent hearing loss

NOISE PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LIMITS (PEL) • Utilize administrative or engineering controls when sound levels exceed Noise permissible Exposure Levels. (8 hours permitted duration per workday for 90 d. BA sound level) • Provide hearing protection if above controls fail to reduce sound levels within Permissible exposure levels

ELEMENTS OF HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM Noise Monitoring Hearing Protection Audiometric Testing Training Record Keeping HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM GUIDELINE OSHA Noise Standard and Hearing Conservation Amendment 29 CFR 1910. 95 www. amienvironmental. com

RULE OF THUMB When you feel the need to shout in order to be heard 3 feet away, the noise levels are probably 85 d. B or more and hearing protection is recommended.

SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL Definition: the local pressure deviation from the ambient (average, or equilibrium) atmospheric pressure caused by a sound wave. Sound waves are energy produced by vibrating objects The larynx vibrates to produce the voice The vibrations create a pattern, which the ear translates into sound As you double the distance from a noise source loudness decreased by half Strong vibrations from very loud noises can damage the ear

EFFECTS OF NOISE ON HEARING How quickly hearing loss takes place depends on the intensity of the noise, its duration, and how often the exposure occurs.

Effects of noise to inner ear Hair cells in inner ear transmit noise signals to the brain Noise-damaged hair cells Normal hair cells 5

SYMPTOMS OF OVEREXPOSURE TO NOISE Temporary Threshold Shift Muffled sound after noise exposure If continued overexposure, this can worsen and become permanent. Tinnitus Ringing in the ears If continued overexposure, this can become permanent.

HOW HEARING IS DAMAGED Hair like cells are flattened You don’t get used to noise; you gradually loose your hearing Once hearing is damaged it can not be repaired.

SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS Difficulty hearing people speak Inability to hear certain high pitched or soft sounds Noise or ringing in the ears Complaints that the radio or tv is too loud

TYPES OF HEARING LOSS Conductive Caused by something that stops sound from reaching the outer or middle ear (infection, foreign bodies, fluid, earwax, malformation of ear) Sensorineural Hearing loss that occurs when there is a problem with the nerve in the middle ear. Caused by birth injury, disease, noise exposure, trauma, and ageing Mixed Hearing loss that includes both conductive and sensorineural

NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS Noise induced hearing loss occurs from exposure to loud noises. Constant exposure over a period of time Exposed to sound levels over 140 d. BA Tinnitus Age induced hearing loss Hereditary Nerve damage Exposure to high sound levels

OCCUPATIONAL/NON OCCUPATIONAL HEARING LOSS Occupational Hearing Loss Results from constant exposure to sound levels above 85 d. BA TWA Damage to hair cells in cochlea Non-Occupational Hearing Loss Results from constant exposure to sound levels above 85 d. BA TWA Results from damage to outer, middle or inner ear, hereditary, ototoxic drugs

EFFECTS OF NOISE ON HEARING

RECOGNIZING OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDOUS NOISE Operating fork lift Cutting Wood Cutting Lawn Welding Grinding Chipping Concrete Working near Generator Operating Chop Saw Stationary Power Tools Screw Gun, Drill www. amienvironmental. com

RECOGNIZING NON OCCUPATIONAL NOISE Household Noises Vacuum Lawn mower Power tools Ipod Boombox Noisy Hobbies Loud music Firearms Car/motorcycle race track Sporting events Loud speakers

NOISE MONITORING Used to identify work locations where hazardous noise levels exist. Exposures to noise monitored periodically with: Sound level meter (area noise level) Noise Dosimeter (personal noise exposure level)

NOISE MAPPING (AREA MONITORING)

NOISE DOSIMETRY (PERSONAL MONITORING)

PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LIMITS

IMPACT OR IMPULSIVE NOISE Exposure to impact of impulsive noise should not exceed 140 d. B peak sound pressure level.

NOISE CONTROL Administrative Control Engineering Control Personal Protective Equipment (hearing protective devices)

ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL Operate noisy equipment on second or third shifts. Rotate employees through high noise areas. Modify existing machinery Place noise limit specs on new equipment Maintain equipment, keep in good condition Report noisy equipment to supervisor for repair.

ENGINEERING CONTROLS Reduce noise at the source Interrupt the noise path Reduce reverberation and structural vibration

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (HEARING PROTECTION DEVICES HPD) Employers shall provide employees exposed to 8 hr TWA of 85 d. B at no cost. Employers shall ensure being worn: By employees exposed to 8 hr TWA of 90 d. B or greater By employees exposed to 8 hr TWA of 85 d. B or greater and Whose baseline audiogram has not been established Who have experienced a threshold shift

HEARING PROTECTION DEVICE HPD NOISE REDUCTION HPD must reduce employee noise exposure below PEL (8 hr TWA of 90 d. B) Employees with standard threshold shift (STS) HPD must reduce employees noise exposure below an 8 hr TWA of 85 d. B.

HEARING PROTECTION USE Voluntary Use Exposed to an 8 hr TWA of 85 d. B Mandatory Use Exposed to an 8 hr TWA of 90 d. B Exposed to an 8 hr TWA of 85 d. B but have not had a baseline hearing test Employees who have suffered STS hearing loss an dare exposed to an 8 hr TWA of 85 d. BA

EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY Understand the need for hearing protection devices Wear HPDs and seek replacements Encourage co workers to wear HPDs Communicate problems to supervisors

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY Provide occupational noise training Provide hearing protection devices Demonstrate commitment (wear HPDs) Enforce the use of HPDS Keep up to date with HPD selection and use. Encourage questions and resolve problems.

PURPOSE OF HEARING PROTECTORS Reduction of sound waves traveling to the inner ear.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF HEARING PROTECTORS Earplugs Earmuffs Advantages Small & easily carried, convenient to use with other PPE, more comfortable in hot, humid work areas and convenient for use in confined work areas. Advantages Less attenuation variably among users, designed so that one size fits most hat sizes, may be worn with minor ear infections and not easily misplaced or lost. Disadvantages Require more time to fit, difficult to insert or remove, may irritate the ear canal, easily misplace, more difficult to see and monitor use, get dirty when your hands are dirty. Disadvantages Heavier, less portable, inconvenient for use with other PPE, uncomfortable in hot humid work areas, inconvenient for use in confined areas.

ATTENUATION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF HEARING PROTECTORS Ear Plugs Reduce noise by as much as 30 decibels Ear Canals Reduce noise by as much as 30 decibels Used when individual is unable to use traditional ear plugs Ear Muffs reduce noise by as much as 15 -30 decibels Use in conjunction with ear plugs when exposed to high noise levels (105+ decibels)

INSTRUCTIONS ON SELECTION, FITTING, USE, AND CARE OF HEARING PROTECTORS Earplugs Keep clean and free of materials Wash in mild liquid detergent and warm water Squeeze excess water and air dry Discard plugs when hardened or do not re expand Ear Canals Clean like normal ear plugs Do not tamper with the headband the

Hearing Protection – Ear Plugs Earplugs are made of foam, rubber or plastic and are either one-sizefits-all or in sizes small, medium and large. Some are disposable, some are reusable. They are lightweight, and require no maintenance. They are inserted into the ear canal.

Ear Plug Comfort Some people may find ear plugs uncomfortable to wear for long periods at first. Ear plugs rarely cause infection or prolonged irritation of the ear canal. Most people can find a comfortable fit by trying several different sizes, types or brands. Custom-molded earplugs can be obtained for maximum comfort. custom molded earplugs

Inserting Foam Earplugs Foam type earplugs are one-size-fits-all and must be inserted properly into the ear. Roll earplug into small cylinder first, reach around head to pull ear canal straight, then insert in ear.

Inserting Foam Earplugs Earplug incorrectly inserted Earplug correctly inserted

INSTRUCTIONS ON SELECTION, FITTING, USE, AND CARE OF HEARING PROTECTORS Ear Muffs Keep clean and free of debris Clean cushions with warm soapy water Do not tamper with the acoustic seal between the cushions and the headband Do not modify the ear muffs in any way Do not stretch or abuse the headband

Ear Muffs Ear muffs cover the whole ear and are preferred by some people. They have replaceable pads and some high-tech styles filter out specific noise pitches. They last longer than most plugs.

Attached Earmuffs Some muffs are attached to hard hats. Some high-tech muffs can filter out certain frequencies or have radios inside for communication in high noise areas.

Ear Muff Comfort & Glasses Muffs can be uncomfortable in hot weather. Muffs don’t seal well for someone with glasses or heavy sideburns.

Ear Caps Ear caps are like earplugs, except they do not go into the ear canal, they only block it. They are good for occasional use or for people who find earplugs uncomfortable. They are not as protective as earplugs or muffs.

TRAINING Provide annually to employees who are exposed to noise at or above 8 hr TWA of 85 d. B. Topics must include Effects of Noise on Hearing Purpose of Hearing protectors Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Hearing Protectors Instruction on Selection, Fitting, Use, of Hearing Protectors Purpose of Audiometric Testing

AUDIOMETRIC TESTING Audiometric testing results can be used to check the following: If the hearing protection in use is adequate, If there is a change in noise exposure, If there is a medical condition of the ear unrelated to noise exposure.

How Does Audiometric Testing Work? When you are first hired, a baseline test is taken. The testing is repeated every year after that and compared to the baseline test result. If a hearing loss is detected, you will be referred to a doctor or audiologist.

AUDIOMETRIC TESTING Audiometric testing produces printed audiograms which show hearing ability at several pitches or frequencies. These frequencies include those of the human voice. The second and following year tests are compared to the first year tests or baseline. If there is hearing loss of 10 decibels or more in the human voice frequencies, you will be sent to the doctor or audiologist.

What is an Audiogram? An audiogram is a printed chart of the results of the hearing test. They look similar to the results below. Normal hearing Severe hearing loss

Portable Radios/CD Players/i. Pods These devices do not provide protection from noise. The earphones are not earmuffs and the music only adds to other background noise. The music level in the earphones themselves can exceed 85 decibels and cause hearing loss.