Hearing Conservation Program Annual Training

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Hearing Conservation ProgramAnnual
Training
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Objectives

• Effects of Noise on Hearing
• Audiometric Testing (Purpose Procedures)
• Hearing Protection Care and Use
• Advantages/Disadvantages of
• Ear Plugs Ear Muffs

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Elements of a Hearing Conservation Program

• Noise Measurement
• Engineering and Administrative Controls
• Protective Devices
• Annual Audiometric Testing
• Education and Training
• Recordkeeping

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NOISEWhat is it?

• Pressure Changes in a Medium
• Caused by Vibrations or Turbulence
• Unwanted Sound
• Causes Harm

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Types of Noise

• Low frequency 20-500 Hz
• Mid-to-high frequency 500-1500 Hz
• High 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

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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)

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Noise Standard

• Monitor Noise Exposure
• Work Areas
• Institute Control Measures
• Hearing Protection
• Engineering Administrative

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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

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Noise in Your Work Environment

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

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OSHA Noise Exposure Table

• Noise Level (dBA)
• 90
• 92
• 95
• 97
• 100
• 102
• 105
• 110
• 115

• Duration (Hours)
• 8
• 6
• 4
• 3
• 2
• 1.5
• 1
• .5
• .25 or less

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Common Decibel Levels
Jet Engine
Private Plane
Power Saw
Chain Saw
Leaf Blower
Hair Dryer
Rock Concert
Video Arcade
Snowmobile
Explosion
Gun Shot
Lawn Mower
Normal Speech
140
120
130
90
80
70
60
100
110
Decibels
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The Ear Humans typically can hear from 0 dB to
140 dB at 1,000 Hz.
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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

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Noise Monitoring Equipment

• Sound Level Meter
• Octave Band (Frequency) Analyzer
• Personal Dosimeter

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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

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Audiometric Testing(85 dBA)

• Baseline Testing
• Annual Testing
• Supporting 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.

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Evaluation of Audiogram

• Audiograms 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.

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Hearing Protection (85 dBA)

• Purpose
• Prevent Hearing Loss by Reducing Noise Exposure
• Types
• Earplugs
• Earmuffs
• Semi-Aural Devices
• Double Protection (add 5dB)

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EarmuffsAdvantages -Vs- Disadvantages

• Advantages
• One Size Fits Nearly All
• Good for Intermittent Exposure
• Absorbs High Frequency Energy (gt2000 Hz)

• Disadvantages
• Warm, Bulky Heavy
• Other Protective Equipment Interferes with the
  Seal
• Glasses, Hair Facial Hair Interferes with the
  Seal

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Earplugs Advantages -Vs- Disadvantages

• Advantages
• 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

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Things to Think About When Selecting Hearing
Protection

• Your Work Situation
• Comfort (Which do you Prefer?)
• Ease of Use
• Attenuation

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NRR

• Noise Reduction Rating
• EPA
• Under Laboratory Setting
• Formula NRR-7
• 2

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Hearing Protection Fitting

• Proper Fit Ensures Protection
• Must Maintain a Good Seal
• Readjust as Necessary

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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

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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

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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

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Summary

• Effects of Noise
• Noise Measurement
• Noise Control
• Audiometric Testing
• Hearing Protection

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Wear Your Hearing Protection