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Hearing Protection

National Institute Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that over 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise on the job. Approximately 34% of the workers surveyed indicated hearing protectors were not used in noisy environments.

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Hearing Protection

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  1. National Institute Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that over 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise on the job. Approximately 34% of the workers surveyed indicated hearing protectors were not used in noisy environments. Approximately 3.3 million workers are considered to have occupational hearing loss. Failure to use Hearing Protection is in the “Top 10” of all Questionable Items for Loss Prevention Observations Companies are required to assess the noise exposure to their employess As noise level increase, exposure time must decrease It is recommended companies institute a Hearing Conservation Program Hearing Protection

  2. Just How Loud Is It? Exposure > 85 dB may cause hearing loss The goal of hearing protection is to reduce technician exposure to less than 85 dB.

  3. Just How Loud Is It? 95 – 105 dba 92 – 95 dba 95 – 100 dba 100 – 110 dba 85 – 95 dba

  4. Just How Loud Is It?

  5. How Loud Did You Say? 90 – 105 dba! • As a general rule, as the distance from the noise source is doubled the dB level decreases by 6 dB. • Example: Ear distance to machine is 106 dB at .5 feet • At 1 foot dB is 100 • At 2 feet dB is 94 • At 4 feet dB is 88 • This rule applies to open outdoor conditions where obstructions (i.e. walls) are minimal. Always verify sound level readings with a dB meter.

  6. Types of Hearing Protection Earplugs – pre formed (latex) Earplugs – pre formed (latex) Single hearing protection: use of one type of hearing protection (i.e. earplugs or ear muffs) Double hearing protection: use of two types of hearing protection (i.e. earplugs and ear muffs) When using hearing protection, it is essential to determine the NRR for each protection type to be used.

  7. Muffs and Canal Caps Canal Caps • Ear Muffs: • Better suited to higher frequencies Single hearing protection: use of one type of hearing protection (i.e. earplugs or ear muffs) Double hearing protection: use of two types of hearing protection (i.e. earplugs and ear muffs) When using hearing protection, it is essential to determine the NRR for each protection type to be used.

  8. How to Select Hearing Protection • Select hearing protection that will reduce your exposure below 85dB • All Hearing Protection Devices are assigned a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) • This Rating is used to determine the effectiveness of a hearing protection device

  9. Calculating NRR • Two convenient methods to calculate using noise data from monitors using noise weighted data: • Single Hearing Protection • Estimated Exposure (dBA) = SoundLevel(dBA) - (NRR - 7) • Double Hearing Protection • Estimated Exposure (dBA) = SoundLevel(dBA) - [(NRRh- 7) + 5]

  10. Example of Using NRR • Noise coming from a piece of equipment was measured at a level of 98 dBA. Available hearing protection (ear muffs) has NRR of 19. • Calculate • Estimated Exposure (dBA) = SoundLevel(dBA) - (NRR - 7) • Estimated Exposure = 98dba –(19-7) = 86 • Hearing protection would not be adequate because the result is above the 85 dBA threshold.

  11. ExxonMobil Requirements • Hearing protection is required to be available while working on site. • Single level hearing protection is required to be worn when noise levels are 85dB-95dB. • Examples of common tools/equipment in this range include skid steer loader, excavator, circular saw, reciprocating saw, electric drill, gas powered blowers, weed trimmers, etc. • Double Hearing Protection is required when noise levels are equal or above 95dB. • Examples of common tools/equipment in this range include reciprocating saw (cutting metal), concrete saws, pneumatic hammers, side grinders, etc.

  12. Conclusion • No one wants to lose their hearing • Noisy work environments should be evaluated to determine adequacy of hearing protection • Hearing protection will not protect you if you do not wear it. • Failure to wear the proper hearing protection in noisy environments could lead to a permanent hearing loss.

  13. Questions for Hearing Protection • Which of these tools is/are likely to create noise levels which require hearing protection? • Circular saws (120v) • Power drills (Rechargeable) • Leaf Blower (Gasoline Powered) • A and C are correct • For noise levels over 95 decibels, hearing protection should take the form of: • Ear plugs • Ear muffs • Both • Neither • The Noise Reduction Rating or NRR is used to determine: • The effectiveness of a hearing protection device • What type of hearing protection is needed • How long hearing protection must be worn • How often hearing protection must be worn • Hearing protection is most effective when: • Kept on your person at all times • Worn • Ear plugs are hanging from your hard hat • Earmuffs are attached to your hard hat • Hearing protection must be worn when noise levels exceed: • 85 decibels • 90 decibels • 95 decibels • 105 decibels

  14. Questions for Hearing Protection Answer Key • Which of these tools is/are likely to create noise levels which require hearing protection? • Circular saws (120v) • Power drills (Rechargeable) • Leaf Blower (Gasoline Powered) • A and C are correct • For noise levels over 95 decibels, hearing protection should take the form of: • Ear plugs • Ear muffs • Both • Neither • The Noise Reduction Rating or NRR is used to determine: • The effectiveness of a hearing protection device • What type of hearing protection is needed • How long hearing protection must be worn • How often hearing protection must be worn • Hearing protection is most effective when: • Kept on your person at all times • Worn • Ear plugs are hanging from your hard hat • Earmuffs are attached to your hard hat • Hearing protection must be worn when noise levels exceed: • 85 decibels • 90 decibels • 95 decibels • 105 decibels

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