Transcript Noise Regulations

Organization of 30 CFR
The Mine Health and Safety Act
A Look at General Provisions
Part 62 Noise Regulation
©Feb 2003 Dr. Bradley C Paul
CFR Structure
Coal Mines
Chapter
H
Education
And
Training
Chapter
M
Uniform
Mine Health
Regs
Metal-Non Metal
Quarry/Gravel
Part 48 Miner Training
Part 49 Mine Rescue Teams
Part 47 Hazard Communications (HAZCOM) (June 2002)
Part 46
Miner
Training
Part 62 Occupation Noise Exposure
Background on Sound Levels
• Measured with logarithmic scale called dB
(decibels)
– Can detect sound around 10 db
– Audible at 40 db
– Typical Conversation is 60 db / Dishwasher
running
– Vacuum, TV, Radio about 70 db
• Side of a Freeway about 76 db
Continued Sound Levels
• Things around 85 dB
– Garbage Disposal (80) Food Blender (88)
– Diesel Trains (83) and Trucks (84)
• Things around 90 dB
– Car Wash Jets (89) / Motorcycle (90)
– Power Mower (96)
• Things around 105 dB
– Jet Flyovers and Landings (103-106)
– Riveting Machine (110)
• Things around 115 db
– Rock Band (108-114)
– Turbo Aircraft at take-off and 200 feet (118)
Part 62 Noise Regulations
• In 2000 new standards took effect
• Standard is built around 3 levels
– Permissible Exposure limit remains 90 db
• Change Action Level is set at 85 db (50% of limit)
– Need to enroll in Hearing Conservation Program
• Must offer hearing protection
• Must provide training
• Must offer hearing tests and monitoring
– If loss of 10 db or more is found then hearing protection
becomes mandatory
– If 25 db of loss then loss is a reportable medical problem to
MSHA
More Changes
• At 90 db the operator must take all technical
means possible to reduce exposure
– Not enough anymore to provide and require hearing
protection
– Still have to offer protection, but only if attempts to
reduce do not work
• At 105 db must go to double hearing
protection
– Means both ear plugs and ear muffs
Ultimate Limits
• No exposure to 115 db allowed
– Violation for too loud a noise
– And for MSHA inspector yelling at 120 db
• MSHA is providing guidance documents on
how exposures may be reduced
• Must monitor work place for noise level
– Miners must be allowed to witness the tests
– Results must be reported
Performance Base
• Standard requires testing be done and time
disclosed but not how often rechecked
– Standard enforcement is based heavily on results on
miners hearing
• At least yearly hearing monitoring required by Hearing
Conservation Program standards
• Results of all workplace monitoring, corrective
actions must be reported to miners
• Individual results must be reported to the
individual