Transcript The Ohio State University Hearing Conservation Program

The Ohio State University
Office of Environmental Health
and Safety
Hearing Conservation Program
Annual Training
Objectives
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Effects of Noise on Hearing
Audiometric Testing (Purpose & Procedures)
Hearing Protection Care and Use
Advantages/Disadvantages of
Ear Plugs & Ear Muffs
Elements of a Hearing
Conservation Program
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Noise Measurement
Engineering and Administrative Controls
Protective Devices
Annual Audiometric Testing
Education and Training
Recordkeeping
NOISE
What is it?
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Pressure Changes in a Medium
Caused by Vibrations or Turbulence
Unwanted Sound
Causes Harm
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
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)
Noise Standard
 Monitor Noise Exposure
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Work Areas
 Institute Control Measures
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Hearing Protection
Engineering & Administrative
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
Noise in Your Work Environment
 OSHA Designated Exposure Limits
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85 dBA - Action Level for HCP
90 dBA - Permissible 8-hr. TWA
 Two-Foot Rule
OSHA Noise Exposure Table
Noise
Duration
Level (dBA)
(Hours)
90
8
92
6
95
4
97
3
100
2
102
1.5
105
1
110
.5
115
.25 or less
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
140 130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60 Decibels
The Ear
Humans typically can hear from 0 dB to 140 dB at 1,000 Hz.
Possible Effects of Noise on You
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Temporary Hearing Loss
Permanent Hearing Loss
Low Birth Weight
Premature Birth
Anxiety
Nervousness
Sleep Loss
Digestive Disorders
Aggravation of Ulcers
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Hypertension
Increases Heart Rate
Increased Blood Pressure
Increase in Respiration
and Oxygen Consumption
 Increase in Sweating
 Disruption in
Communications
Noise Monitoring Equipment
 Sound Level Meter
 Octave Band (Frequency) Analyzer
 Personal Dosimeter
Examples of Engineering and
Administrative Controls (90 dBA)
 Engineering Controls
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Mufflers
Shields
Booths
Acoustic Materials
 Administrative
Controls
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Work Schedules
Job Rotations
Intermittent Operation
of Machinery
Audiometric Testing
(85 dBA)
 Baseline Testing
 Annual Testing
 Supporting
Information
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Current or Past
Medical Conditions
History of Noise
Exposures
 Procedure
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Silent Booth
Headset
Series of Tones
 14 hours without
workplace noise
exposure prior to the
audiometric
examination.
Evaluation of Audiogram
 Audiograms are to be compared to baseline
audiograms.
 Standard Threshold Shift (STS)
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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.
Hearing Protection (85 dBA)
 Purpose
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Prevent Hearing Loss by Reducing Noise
Exposure
 Types
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Earplugs
Earmuffs
Semi-Aural Devices
Double Protection (add 5dB)
Earmuffs
Advantages -Vs- Disadvantages
 Advantages
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One Size Fits Nearly
All
Good for Intermittent
Exposure
Absorbs High
Frequency Energy
(>2000 Hz)
 Disadvantages
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Warm, Bulky & Heavy
Other Protective
Equipment Interferes
with the Seal
Glasses, Hair & Facial
Hair Interferes with the
Seal
Earplugs
Advantages -Vs- Disadvantages
 Advantages
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More Comfortable
Can be Worn with Other Protective Equipment
Not Affected by Glasses, Hair or Facial Hair
More Convenient in Confined Spaces
 Disadvantages
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More Detailed Insertion Procedure
Mostly Disposable (More Costly)
Not effective against Low Frequency Noise
Things to Think About When
Selecting Hearing Protection
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Your Work Situation
Comfort (Which do you Prefer?)
Ease of Use
Attenuation
NRR
Noise Reduction Rating
EPA
Under Laboratory Setting
Formula: NRR-7
2
Hearing Protection Fitting
 Proper Fit Ensures Protection
 Must Maintain a Good Seal
 Readjust as Necessary
Hearing Protection Fitting
 Earplug Insertion Procedures
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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
Re-usable Hearing Protection
Cleaning
 Use Only Mild Detergent and Warm Water
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Earplugs - Wash and Dry Before Re-use or
Storage
Earmuffs - Wipe Cushions Clean; Foam Liners
can also be Removed for Cleaning
Hearing Protection Replacement
 Equipment Should be Replaced When:
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Manufacturer Recommends Single Use
Cannot be Adequately Cleaned
No Longer Retains Original Appearance or
Resiliency
Recommended Replacement Schedule is Met
Summary
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Effects of Noise
Noise Measurement
Noise Control
Audiometric Testing
Hearing Protection