protecting workers from hearing impairment. objectives to train employees on the hearing...

Protecting workers from hearing impairment

Objectives

• To train employees on the Hearing Conservation Program and the testing requirements for all employees exposed to high noise levels in the workplace

• To discuss possible warning signs of hearing loss and proper employee PPE use

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Background

• OSHA’s Hearing Conservation Program is designed to protect workers with significant occupational noise exposure from hearing impairment even if they are subject to such exposure over their entire working lifetimes


Background

• Sustained 85-decibel noise can damage hearing

• Employees with this exposure must have annual training on the following:

• The purpose of audiometric testing

• The importance of hearing protectors

• How to use hearing protectors properly


Noise exposure

• Noise-induced hearing loss can be temporary or permanent

• Temporary

• Short-term noise exposure

• Normal hearing returns after period of rest


Noise exposure

• Noise-induced hearing loss can be temporary or permanent

• Permanent

• Prolonged exposure to high noise levels over a period of time can cause permanent damage


Noise exposure

• Other possible effects from noise exposure and hearing loss

• Difficulty concentrating• Absenteeism• Stress• Muscle tension• Ulcers• Increased blood pressure• Hypertension


Warning signs

• Noise may be a problem in your workplace if:

• You hear ringing or humming in your ears after you leave work

• You have to shout to be heard by a co-worker an arm's length away

• You experience temporary hearing loss when leaving work or have headaches


Noise monitoring

• The Hearing Conservation Program requires employers to monitor noise exposure levels in a way that accurately identifies employees exposed to noise at or above 85 decibels (dB) averaged over 8 working hours, or an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA)


Audiometric testing

• Monitors an employee’s hearing over time

• Provides an opportunity for employers to educate employees about their hearing and the need to protect it


Audiometric testing

• Program includes:

• Baseline audiograms

• Annual audiograms

• Training


Audiometric testing

• Audiometric testing must be available at no cost to all employees who are exposed to an action level of 85 dB or above, measured as an 8-hour TWA

• Two types of audiograms required in the hearing conservation program:

• Baseline

• Annual


Baseline audiogram

• The first audiogram against which future audiograms are compared

• Employers must provide within 6 months of an employee’s first exposure

• Exception: when employer uses a mobile test van for audiograms, the baseline audiograms must be completed within 1 year


Annual audiogram

• Annual audiograms must be provided within 1 year of baseline audiogram

• Annual tests identify deterioration in hearing ability as early as possible


Annual audiogram

• Employers must compare annual audiograms to baseline audiograms to determine whether:

• the audiogram is valid

• the employee has lost hearing ability or experienced a standard threshold shift (STS)


Training

• Annual training for employees exposed to TWAs of 85 dB and above

• Effects of noise

• Advantages and disadvantages of various types of hearing protectors

• Proper selection, fit, and care of protectors

• Purpose and procedures of audiometric testing


Protection/prevention

• Employers must provide hearing protectors to all workers exposed to 8-hour TWA noise levels of 85 dB or above

• Ensures that employees have access to protectors before they experience any hearing loss



• The best way to prevent hearing loss it is to wear hearing protection when working around loud noises

• Earplugs

• Earmuffs

• Other hearing protection



• Stuffing cotton in your ears will not protect from hearing loss

• One of the first signs of hearing loss may be a ringing in your ears

• Ringing, hissing, roaring, whistling, or chirping sounds are called “tinnitus”

• Notify your supervisor if you have this issue


Using foam earplugs

• When earplugs are dry, roll each one between your fingertips so the thin part of the earplug is rolled into a thinner tube

• Gently place the earplugs into your ears, and press carefully


Using foam earplugs

• Don't press too hard or push the earplugs all the way into your ears

• Sit for several seconds until the earplugs expand to fill the rest of your ears

• To remove the earplugs, gently pull on the tip, which is usually slightly larger than the rest of the earplug


Review

• Employees must be protected from hearing loss by their employers

• Hearing loss could be permanent and irreversible

• Employees need to wear hearing protection to prevent any future hearing loss


protecting workers from hearing impairment. objectives to train employees on the hearing...

Documents

georgia urban ag council

noise exposure levels

decibel noise

high noise levels

period of time

objectivesto train employees

warning signsnoise

testing requirements