OCCUPATIONAL NOISE: OCCUPATIONAL NOISE


CONTENTS: CONTENTS Introduction What is noise How we hear Why a noise prevention program Signs and symptoms of hearing loss Effects of noise Noise level and the human response Employers responsibility European Community 1990 Regulations Hearing protection Audiometric testing Summary


INTRODUCTION: INTRODUCTION Loud noises can cause hearing loss Prolonged exposure to a harmless noise can cause hearing loss Damage from hearing loss is irreversible Noise induced hearing loss is preventable Prevention involves: noise controls safe work practices education


WHAT IS NOISE: WHAT IS NOISE Noise is an unpleasant / unwanted sound Hearing and how noise effects it Types of noise continuous impulse Side effects of noise loss of hearing stress accidents behavioral effects negative impact on health


HOW WE HEAR: HOW WE HEAR Ear Outer ear - directs sound waves Middle ear - eardrum - hammer, anvil, stirrup Inner ear - organ of corti, cochlea


WHY AN OCCUPATIONAL NOISE PROGRAM: WHY AN OCCUPATIONAL NOISE PROGRAM Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent Physical means No cure Inner ear cells cannot be replaced Hearing loss is gradual and painless Employee awareness


SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEARING LOSS: SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEARING LOSS Ringing / buzzing in the ears Difficulty with high pitched sounds Problems with conversing with others Inability to hear consonants Raising the volume on the TV / radio


THE EFFECTS OF NOISE ON HEARING: THE EFFECTS OF NOISE ON HEARING Sound - produced vibrations enter the inner ear as waves. Frequency - (pitch) number of vibrations per second; measured in hertz (Hz) Intensity - loudness of the sound; measure in decibels (dB).


NOISE LEVEL AND THE HUMAN RESPONSE: NOISE LEVEL AND THE HUMAN RESPONSE Pneumatic chipping and riveting 130dB(A) Automatic punch press 110 dB(A) Heavy lorries at 6m 90 dB(A) Construction site - pneumatic drilling 90 dB(A)


HEARING CONSERVATION: HEARING CONSERVATION Bulldozer: 85dBA Quite Room: 30 dBA Normal Conversation: 50 dBA Normal City Noises: 65 dBA Artillery/Good Rock Band: 120 dBA


EUROPEAN COMMUNITY 1990 REGULATIONS : EUROPEAN COMMUNITY 1990 REGULATIONS Objectives Protect workers from risks to their hearing caused by noise. Prevent hearing loss and deafness as a result of exposure to noise at work. Legal requirements placed on employers Identify noise problems and if noise levels are above 85dB(A), measurements must be taken and assessed by a competent person. Such measurements should be repeated at appropriate intervals.


EUROPEAN COMMUNITY 1990 REGULATIONS : EUROPEAN COMMUNITY 1990 REGULATIONS General duty to reduce the level of noise exposure by engineering or administrative means. If noise level is above 85dB(A): Inform employees of the noise levels present and measures taken to reduce exposure. Make ear protection available and provide training in its use Hearing checks must be made available to employees exposed to noise levels in excess of 85dB(A) over an 8 hour period


EUROPEAN COMMUNITY 1990 REGULATIONS : EUROPEAN COMMUNITY 1990 REGULATIONS If noise level is above 90dB(A) the noise requirements for 85dB(A) apply plus: Identify reasons for excess noise and put a plan in place to reduce. Identify and clearly designate hearing conservation zones. Ear protection must be worn and its use supervised. Employees must be trained in the hazards of noise and the correct use of hearing protection.


HEARING PROTECTION: HEARING PROTECTION Three ways to protect your hearing: Engineering controls Administrative controls Hearing protection


ENGINEERING CONTROLS: ENGINEERING CONTROLS Enclosure Sound barriers Complete enclosure Sound proof cabs Mufflers Equipment and exhaust


ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS: ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS Decreasing the exposure time Limiting the number of personnel exposed Arranging a work roster system


HEARING PROTECTORS“EAR PLUGS”: HEARING PROTECTORS “EAR PLUGS” Description How to fit and wear Care Advantages Disadvantages “EAR PLUGS”


HEARING PROTECTORS“EAR MUFFS”: HEARING PROTECTORS “EAR MUFFS” Description How to fit and wear Care Advantages Disadvantages “EAR MUFFS”


AUDIOMETRIC TESTING: AUDIOMETRIC TESTING Painless and short test to measure hearing Establishes a baseline Detects changes in hearing Employee’s with exposure in excess of 85dB(A) over an 8 hour period


SUMMARY: SUMMARY Know the source of harmful noise Use engineering and administrative controls to avoid exposure to noise Obey posted high noise area signs Wear hearing protection properly