Noise and Vibration

How the Ear Works

Causes of Hearing Loss Hair cells stop sending signals to the brainHair cells stop sending signals to the brain Chronic exposureChronic exposure One-time exposureOne-time exposure

Noise Induced Hearing Loss Hearing loss from exposure to soundHearing loss from exposure to sound TimeTime Sound intensitySound intensity

Sound Measured in decibels (dB)Measured in decibels (dB) Sounds over 85 decibels can cause hearing lossSounds over 85 decibels can cause hearing loss Equipment with noise levels over 85 dBEquipment with noise levels over 85 dB –Farm tractors –Skid steers –Chain saws –Grain dryers –Lawn mowers

Intensity and Time 85 decibels for eight hours85 decibels for eight hours For each 5 dB increase in intensity, the exposure limit is cut in halfFor each 5 dB increase in intensity, the exposure limit is cut in half 90 dB – 4 hours90 dB – 4 hours 95 dB – 2 hours95 dB – 2 hours 110 dB – 15 minutes110 dB – 15 minutes

Protect Your Hearing 1.Eliminate the source of the noise (or turn it off) 2.Stay away from the noise source 3.Use personal protective equipment when you have to be near the noise source

Help your hearing Replace old or damaged mufflersReplace old or damaged mufflers

Vibration Equipment vibration passes to the operatorEquipment vibration passes to the operator Can cause health problems like back aches, finger numbness and moreCan cause health problems like back aches, finger numbness and more

Controlling Vibration Keep machines tuned and running wellKeep machines tuned and running well Replace old and worn out seatsReplace old and worn out seats Limit the amount of time of exposure to excessive vibrationLimit the amount of time of exposure to excessive vibration

Summary Noise and vibration are common hazards on farmsNoise and vibration are common hazards on farms Too much noise can cause hearing lossToo much noise can cause hearing loss Excessive vibration can cause back pain and other health problemsExcessive vibration can cause back pain and other health problems