Transcript Hearing Protection Recommended

Employees who are exposed to hazardous levels of noise in the workplace
are at risk for developing noise‐induced hearing loss. Noise‐induced hearing
loss is 100% preventable, but once acquired, hearing loss is irreversible.
Noise‐induced hearing loss can easily be reduced or eliminated through the
successful application of workplace controls, and hearing conservation
programs, and PPE as described in the Colby’s written Hearing Conservation
Program.
Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) :
• Colby maintains a written HCP available
for review from your Supervisor or EHS
Director.
• All noise generating equipment is
monitored for sound level and marked
with “Hearing Protection
Recommended” or “Hearing
Protection Required.”
• Currently groundskeepers must get
annual audiograms to monitor any
potential hearing loss.
• Colby provides a variety of PPE to
protect employees from hearing loss.
Some signs that you should be wearing hearing protection include:
• If you have to raise your voice for someone 3 feet away to hear you, the site is
too noisy, and you need hearing protection. You need hearing protection also if
you’re operating on or near noisy equipment.
• If you have roaring or ringing noises in your ears at the end of the workday, you
are probably being exposed to too much noise.
• If speech or music sounds muffled to you after you leave work, but it sounds
fairly clear in the morning when you return to work, you are being exposed to
noise levels that are causing a temporary hearing loss. In time, this can become
permanent if you do not take care.
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Hearing Devices Protection At Colby:
Ear Plugs are the most common hearing protection
devices available to Colby employees. There are a
number of types available to fit your needs.
To wear properly:
 Roll the plug into a tight cylinder
 Pull up and back on the top of you ear and
insert the ear plug
 Hold the plug in place and allow it to expand
to its original size.
Earmuffs are also available at the College.
When wearing earmuffs, be sure that you have a
good seal around each ear.
Music earbuds may not be worn under the earmuff.
By the Numbers:
0
The number of acceptable
excuses for not wearing your
hearing protection
60 dBA sound level of normal
conversation
140 dBA or higher can cause
immediate and permanent
hearing
100%
of hearing loss injuries that
could be prevented
1.
2.
3.
4.
Review / Discussion Questions:
What are some activities you do at Colby that require hearing
protection?
Do you always wear your hearing protection? If no, why not?
What are some activities or hobbies you do on your personnel time may
be impacting your hearing?
Why do you think employees frequently do not wear their hearing
protection? (Supervisor hint: hearing loss is painless, take years to
develop, hearing protection is uncomfortable, symptoms aren’t noticed
until it’s too late)
Printed Name
Signature
Questions, concerns or comments contact the EHS Director at extension
5504 .