Noise is Difficult to Define - Part 3
Part One
Part Two
Workplace Noise
Many people are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work, including
firefighters; military personnel; disc jockeys; subway workers;
construction workers; musicians; farm workers; industrial arts teachers;
highway workers; computer operators; landscapers; factory workers; and
cab, truck, and bus operators, to name a few. And, they number nine
million according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Continued exposure to more than 85 decibels (dBA) of noise may cause
gradual but permanent damage to hearing. Hearing loss is accelerated by
louder noises. Noise can also hamper job performance, increase fatigue,
and cause irritability.
Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
regulations require that, when engineering controls and/or
administrative controls cannot reduce noise levels in industry to an
eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA) level of less than 85 dBA, a
hearing protection (or conservation) program must be established. A
successful hearing loss prevention program benefits both the employee
and the employer. Employees are spared disabling hearing loss and may
experience less fatigue and better health in general. Employers benefit
from reduced medical expenses and worker compensation costs. Overall,
there is improved morale and work efficiency in the workplace.
OSHA requires a five phase hearing conservation program for industry:
1. Noise Monitoring
Sound levels must be measured. Results are used to decide: (a) which
employees need to be in the hearing conservation program, (b) whether
hearing protection devices must be used or be available on an optional
basis, (c) which hearing protection devices are appropriate for
different noise levels of the facility.
2. Audiometric (Hearing) Testing
All employees in a hearing conservation program must have baseline and
annual hearing tests.
Baseline audiometric testing helps the employer to determine the
presence or absence of a pre-existing hearing loss and may assist the
employer in determining job placement for the employee.
Annual audiometric testing assesses the effectiveness of the hearing
conservation program. Each annual audiometric test is compared with the
employee's baseline test to determine if there has been any
deterioration in the employee's hearing. There are no better
alternatives than quality audiometric testing to determine if workers
are protected from the damaging effects of noise.
3. Employee Training
Employees involved in a hearing conservation program must receive annual
education and training on (a) the effects of noise on hearing, (b)
hearing protection devices (their availability to employees, their
advantages and disadvantages, techniques for proper selection, fit, use,
and care) and, (c) the purpose and procedures of audiometric testing. By
being involved in education, employees learn how to protect their
hearing when exposed to loud noise, both on and off the job.
4. Hearing Protectors
Hearing protection devices should be made available to all employees.
Mandatory versus optional use is determined by noise exposure
monitoring. Hearing protection devices must be worn by employees whose
eight hour TWA is 90 dBA or greater and by employees whose TWAs are
between 85-90 dBA if they display standard threshold shifts in hearing
levels. A standard threshold shift is defined by OSHA as "a change
in hearing threshold relative to the baseline audiogram of 10dB or more
for the frequencies 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear." Hearing
protection devices must meet sound reduction levels required by OSHA.
5. Recordkeeping
Sound measurement results, equipment calibration results, and
audiometric test records of employees must be maintained for specific
periods of time.
The skills of a knowledgeable professional are essential to assure an
effective and successful hearing conservation and protection program.
For the audiometric testing phase, OSHA specifically requires
supervision by an audiologist, otolaryngologist, or physician. As a
professional with specialized training and expertise in all areas of
hearing, the audiologist is able to assist and guide industry for better
hearing health of employees.
Home, Community, and Recreational Noise
Exposure to damaging noise does not come only from the workplace. If
you use stereo headsets, operate power tools for yard work, have a long
daily commute in heavy traffic, or use a number of household appliances,
you still may be exposed to potentially damaging noise.
Recreational activities such as hunting, target shooting,
motorboating, waterskiing, jetskiing, snowmobiling, motorcycle riding,
woodworking, rock music, or stereo headsets are sources of hazardous
noise. So are some movie theaters, home entertainment centers, car
stereo systems, health clubs, dance clubs, bars, and amusement centers.
Just in our day-to-day living activities we can also be exposed to
damaging noise when we use lawnmowers, hairdryers, blenders, power saws,
weed-wackers, leaf blowers, food choppers/processors, and other
convenience appliances.
Children's toys can also be hazardous, e.g., toys with horns and
sirens, toy vacuum cleaners and vehicles, musical instruments, talking
dolls, squeeze toys, and battery-operated toys that emit sounds.
Dealing with noise and its effects is a personal responsibility, a
work-place responsibility, and a community responsibility. The first and
obvious rule is avoid loud noise whenever possible. A good rule of thumb
is to remember that if you must shout to be heard, then you should be
avoiding the situation or using ear protection.
Visit our news room for more information about the dangers of
environmental noise and hearing health.
Links
www.lhh.org/noise
www.nidcd.nih.gov/
www.hearnet.com
www.nonoise.org
www.cdc.gov/niosh/noisepg.html
www.safe-at-work.com
Part One
Part Two
