Hearing Conservation - Tool Box Talks

Download the RMA Sign In Sheet. DOC Format

Download the RMA Sign In Sheet. PDF Format

Overview
Noise is recognized by OSHA as a hazard that can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss, stress, and other physical problems.
 
What is noise?
NOISE is sound measured by its frequency (high or low pitch) and its intensity (loudness measured in decibels (dB)). High frequencies are most damaging. Workers may not be exposed to more than an average of 85 dB over an 8-hour period without hearing protection being provided. Noise has three types:
• Wide band: Wide frequency range (i.e., manufacturing engines).
• Narrow band: Narrow frequency range (i.e., power tools and saws).
• Impulse: Temporary "beating" (i.e. jack hammer or power punch presses).
Hearing protection devices
Hearing protection devices (HPDs) do not block out sound completely, but they give some protection by reducing the amount of sound reaching your ear. At the same time, you will be able to hear speech and important machinery sounds. Keep in mind, though, that HPDs are provided only after your employer assesses the noise, attempts to reduce it using engineering and administrative changes, and then finds that hazardous noise remains.
 
The list below compares the various hearing protection devices (HPDs) that your employer can provide you. It lists HPD types, a description of their construction and fit, the amount of dBs they can reduce, care procedures, and common advantages and disadvantages.

Hearing Protection Device Comparison:
• Enclosure - Surrounds your head, like an astronaut's helmet. Check with maker for dB reduction range. Follow maker's instructions for care. Costly. Uncomfortable due to its size and weight. Poor in confined spaces. Best used for impulse noise. Protects vibration-sensitive mastoid bone.
• Earplugs (aurals or inserts): Formable - Fit in the canal of all ears. Made of soft foam rubber. dB reduction range is 25-30. Follow maker's instructions for care and get training on how to insert; wash hands before inserting; dispose after using once. Inexpensive. One-time use only. Some ears won't accept these. Good for infrequent noise exposure. Used when higher dB reduction is needed.
• Earplugs (aurals or inserts): Custom-molded - Fits into the canal of the ear of a specific individual. Made of silicone rubber or plastic molding compound. The molding compound is placed in each ear and allowed to set; these may then be used directly as earplugs or serve as molds for the final plugs. dB reduction range is 25-30. Follow maker's instructions for care. Inexpensive. Six-month-average use only. Need trained personnel to make these. Good for infrequent noise exposure. Used when a higher dB reduction is needed.
• Earplugs (aural or inserts): Molded inserts (pre-molded) - Fit in the canal of all ears. Comes in a range of sizes. Made of soft silicone rubber or plastic. dB reduction range is 25-30. Follow maker's instructions for care, and use warm, soapy water to clean them after each use. Store them in a carrying case. Inexpensive. Six-month-average use only. Must fit snugly to work (this can be uncomfortable). Wrong size may be ordered resulting in inadequate protection. Some may shrink or harden over time. Good for infrequent noise exposure. Used when a higher dB reduction is needed.
• Canal Caps (Superaurals): Fit over the external edge of all ear canals. Made of soft, rubber-like substance held in place by a headband. dB reduction range is 17-25. Follow maker's instructions for care and use warm, soapy water to clean the caps. Good for those who can't use earplugs. Good for intermittent noise exposure. Best used for narrow-band low-frequency noise.
• Earmuffs (Circumaurals): Fit over the whole ear; fits all ears. Made up of three parts: cups, cushions, and headband. Available in many styles: (1) High voltage resistant, (2) Fold up for part-time use, or (3) Safety hat attached. dB reduction range 20-25. Follow maker's instructions for care and use warm, soapy water to clean the cups only. Replace cushions when worn. Must fit over the "whole" ear to work properly and comfortably. Sweat stiffens the seal, but seals or cushions can be replaced. Poor in confined spaces or with eye-protective devices. Good with frequent or intermittent noise exposure (easily removed). Many styles. Best used for impulse noise. Protects vibration-sensitive mastoid bone.

What must I do?
You are ultimately responsible for protecting your own hearing.
You have the most to lose if you suffer hearing loss as a result of on-the-job noise hazards. Here are a few points to remember about protecting your sense of hearing:
• Make sure earplugs fit properly.
• Have an annual hearing test.
• Keep HPDs in good operation.
• Don’t use homemade HPDs; they don’t work.
• Wear HPDs at work as required AND at home around noise.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency