HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Workers can permanently damage their hearing if exposed to an average of greater than 90 dB during an 8-hour work day. There is no cure for hearing loss due to noise exposure. Once hearing is damaged, it does not return to normal. Workers do not adjust to noise; hearing is simply lost, nor does noise need to be painful to induce hearing loss. Hearing loss can occur quickly or slowly over time. Even noise levels that are below legal limits can be stressful resulting in fatigue, and decreased productivity in workers. Symptoms associated with hearing loss include ringing in the ears, difficulty in hearing and understanding normal speech, inability to hear soft or high-pitched sounds, and temporary hearing loss that returns to normal away from the job.
Hearing damage can be prevented by proper engineering and administrative controls, or by using hearing protective devices. Examples of engineering controls include placing noisy machinery in a separate area or isolating the equipment in sound proof cages. Administrative controls include arranging work schedules to reduce the time workers spend in a high noise area. If these controls are not practical, then employees must use hearing protective devices. There are several different types of hearing devices and employees should know the advantages and limitations of each type.
2.0 PROCEDURES
1. Limits. Personal protective equipment shall be provided and used by employees to reduce sound levels when the following levels are exceeded:
2. Hearing Conservation Program. Radford University will develop a hearing conservation program including monitoring and audiometric testing whenever employee noise exposure exceeds an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 85 dB. Employees exposed to noise over 85 dB TWA shall be enrolled in a hearing conservation program. Audiograms will be repeated annually.
3. Hazard control. Noise shall be controlled to less than 85 dB by engineering or administrative controls whenever technically or economically feasible.
4. Training. Employees exposed to noise levels in excess of 85 dB TWA will receive annual training conducted by the Safety Office in the harmful effects of noise and noise reduction techniques.
5. Hearing protection devices. Hearing protective devices are mandatory for employees exposed to noise levels above 90 dB TWA. Hearing protection will be provide and encouraged for employees exposed to noise levels between 85 and 90 dB TWA. Hearing protection devices must be approved by the Safety Office. Several different types of hearing devices will be made available to employees. The Safety Office will instruct employees in the proper care and use of the devices.
6. Ear Plugs. Ear plugs are inserted into the outer portion of the ear canal and effectively seal the inner ear. They are made of rubber or plastic and may come with or without strings. Strings are useful to prevent loss and help keep the plugs clean. Some come in standard sizes that fit most ears and others are moldable to conform to the ear canal. Ear plugs are small, comfortable, and inexpensive. Because of their comfort, ear plugs are generally recommended in areas that require all day protection. However they can work loose, may not always fit properly, and protection may vary among individuals. Workers should always use clean hands to insert the plugs because they can introduce dirt into the ear canal possibly leading to infections. Disposable ear plugs should be thrown away after use. Reusable ear plugs should be cleaned each day with soap and water.
6. Canal Caps. Canal caps seal the entrance to the ear canal with soft pads connected to a headband. Workers who find ear plugs annoying may prefer canal caps. They are comfortable, more sanitary than ear plugs, and inexpensive but may not effectively seal the ear canal.
7. Ear Muffs. Ear muffs consist of ear cushions, head band, and ear cups. They fit over the outer ear and provide the greatest protection against high frequency sounds. Ear muffs seldom come loose, can be adjusted for comfort and are more sanitary than other hearing protective devices. Ear muffs are generally worn by workers who frequently move in and out of high noise areas. However, they may not be as comfortable as ear plugs and canal caps, especially in hot weather. They are more expensive and may be difficult to wear with other protective equipment. For noise levels above 105 dB ear muffs should be worn with ear plugs.
8. Surveys. The Safety Office will conduct periodic surveys of the workplace to identify noise levels and employee exposure. Surveys will be conducted within 30 days of start-up of new equipment or process modifications that may exceed 85 dB. Records of surveys will be maintained by the Safety Office. Instruments used to monitor noise exposure will be calibrated before use.
9. Signs. All areas exceeding 90 dB will be posted as high noise areas and hearing protection required.
10. Impact noise. Exposure to impact noise shall not exceed 140 dB.