Hearing Protection

Paul to edit Click Reuter Master subtitle style

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Personal Protective Equipment

Definition: Devices used to protect workers from injury or illness resulting from contact with chemical , radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. The need for PPE and the type of PPE used is based on the hazard present; each situation must be evaluated independently.

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Personal Protective Equipment

PPE

is used as a last resort. The use of PPE signifies that the hazard could not be controlled by other methods, such as:

Engineering controls Administrative controls

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Personal Protective Equipment

Head

protection Eye and Face protection Hearing protection Respiratory protection Arm and Hand protection Foot and Leg protection Protective clothing

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Code of Federal Regulations

The

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is a codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the Executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government.

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Hearing Protection

CFR 1926.101

1926.101(a)
Wherever it is not feasible to reduce the noise levels or duration of exposures to those specified in Table D2, Permissible Noise Exposures, in 1926.52, ear protective devices shall be provided and used.

1926.101(b)
Ear protective devices inserted in the ear shall be fitted or determined individually by competent persons.

1926.101(c)
Plain cotton is not an acceptable protective device.
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Noise levels versus Duration

Sound Level (dBA) 90 92 95 97 100 105 110 115 Exposure (hours) 8 6 4 3 2 1 0.5 0.25

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Hearing Protection Basics

Noise

induced hearing loss can occur with exposures >90 dBA A hearing conservation program becomes a requirement at exposures >85dBA Higher levels of noise exposure have shorter allowable exposure times

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Hearing Protection Basics

F(e)=(T(1)divided

by L(1))+(T(2)divided by L(2))+ ... + (T(n) divided by L(n)) where:

F(e) = The equivalent noise exposure factor. T = The period of noise exposure at any essentially constant level. L = The duration of the permissible noise exposure at the constant level (from Table D-2). If the value of F(e) exceeds unity (1) the exposure exceeds permissible levels.

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Hearing Protection Basics

Example: 110

db A 1/4 hour. 100 db A 1/2 hour. 90 db A 1 1/2 hours. F(e) = (1/4 divided by 1/2)+(1/2 divided by 2)+(1 1/2 divided by 8) F(e) = 0.500+0.25+0.188 F(e) = 0.938

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Hearing Protection
Rule

of Thumb - if you cannot carry on a conversation in a normal tone of voice with someone at arms length, you are likely near 90dBA All hearing protection devices should have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) = # of decibels they will reduce noise levels Be conservative when using NRRs

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Hearing Protection
Example1

Earplugs with NRR of 25 dBA Exposure= 105 dBA 105 minus 25 = 80 dBA therefore okay

Example

Same plugs exposure= 125 dBA 125 minus 25 = 100 dBA not acceptable; must be below 90 dB

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Noise Exposures
Source
Whisper Refrigerator Conversation Average TV Blender Ipod Woodworking Gun Shot Riding Motorcycle Snow Mobile Rock Concert

dBA
20 40 60 74 80 90 93-120 130-140 90 120 140

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Noise Control Measures

Identify

noise hazardous equipment. Modify the noise source so it is quieter. Increase distance between the employee and the noise hazard. Limit exposure time. Use hearing protection devices when the above measures are not feasible and/or do not decrease noise levels below 85 dBA.

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Hearing Protection Devices

Purpose

of Hearing Protectors

Hearing protection devices include ear plugs (premolded, foam rubber, custom molded), ear muffs and canal caps. The purpose of hearing protection devices is to reduce the harmful auditory and/or annoying effects of sound.

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Hearing Protection Devices (HPD)

Noise

Reduction Rating (NRR)

HPDs have an NRR that is used to determine how effectively HPDs reduce employee exposure by subtracting the NRR from the employees exposure. However, the NRR does not accurately reflect attenuation and a safety factor of 7 should be used.

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Hearing Protection Devices

Fitting

If devices are uncomfortable or problematic, see a supervisor for replacement or alternative devices. It may also be necessary to see the contracted physician for re-fitting. Never alter or modify HPDs.

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Hearing Protection - Types

Ear

Plugs - less expensive, disposable, good ones have fairly high NRRs sometimes difficult to tell if workers are wearing them Ear Muffs - more expensive, more durable, typically higher NRRs than plugs, more obvious

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The Effects of Noise

Psychological

can startle, annoy, and disrupt concentration, sleep, or relaxation. Interference with communication, resulting in interference with job performance and safety. Physiological noise induced hearing loss, aural pain, or even nausea.

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The Effects of Noise

Types

of Hearing Loss

Conductive: A hearing problem involving the outer or middle ear. Sensorineural: A hearing problem involving the inner ear. Tinnitus: Often occurs in conjunction with hearing loss.

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Factors Affecting Hearing Loss

Noise

Intensity or Sound Pressure Frequency or Pitch Length of Daily Exposure Duration of Exposure in Years Individual Susceptibility Other Factors (disease, genetics, lifestyle, age, etc.)

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Hearing Protection Devices

Selection

Instructions

Employees shall be given the opportunity to select their hearing protection from a variety of suitable types. As with any personal protective equipment (PPE) careful consideration must be given to comfort and fit. Employees are more likely to wear PPE that fits correctly. Contact Environmental Health and Safety before ordering HPDs.

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References
Fundamentals

Health Certified Occupational Safety Specialist www.osha.gov www.buildsafe.org www.constructionsafety.org www.constructionsafetycentral.com

of Occupational Safety &

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