1. Hearing Conservation Program P2S-EHS-003
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

2. Agenda Objectives and Responsibilities The Effects of Noise
Factors Affecting Hearing Loss
Hearing Conservation Program
Noise Hazard Assessments
Noise Exposure and Monitoring Results
Audiometric Testing
Noise Control Measures
Hearing Protection Devices
Recordkeeping and Employee Training
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

3. Objective
The objective of the program is to identify and control noise hazards and protect all employees who have a potential to develop noise induced hearing loss.
This program involves all Pro2Serve employees exposed to noise hazards or who have a potential to develop noise induced hearing loss.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

4. Responsibilities Corporate ES&H Contracted Audiologist/Physician
Supervisors
Employees
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

5. Responsibilities Corporate ES&H
identifying employees whose position contains potential noise hazards;
conducting noise surveys and dosimetry;
coordinating the Hearing Conservation Program; and
providing appropriate hearing conservation training
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

6. Responsibilities Contracted Audiologist/Physician
performing audiogram evaluations and identifying any anatomical factors that might interfere with the use of the protector or medical condition that might be aggravated;
maintaining audiometric test records and;
managing the Audiometric Testing Program.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

7. Responsibilities Supervisors
ensuring that all employees with potential for hazardous noise levels have their work area assessed for noise hazards;
ensuring that noise hazard equipment/areas (greater than or equal to 85 dBA operating noise level) are properly labeled or posted;
ensuring that all employees who are included in this Hearing Conservation Program undergo initial audiometric testing, at the designated provider, and annually thereafter;
issuing hearing protection devices, and providing employees with the manufacturer’s instructions for use, care, limitations, and warnings;
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

8. Responsibilities Supervisors (Continued)
ensuring that new employee orientation/training and annual refresher training of employees are provided;
enforcing the Hearing Conservation Program by ensuring that all employees comply with all facets of the program, including proper use and care for hearing protection devices; and
providing a copy of the Hearing Conservation Program (P2S-EHS-003) upon their request.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

9. Responsibilities Employees
participating in the audiometric testing program and following the instructions regarding noise exposure prior to testing;
attending the hearing conservation training initially and annually thereafter; and
properly using and caring for hearing protective devices where these devices are required and following the hearing conservation program requirements.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

10. The Effects of Noise
Psychological – can startle, annoy, and disrupt concentration, sleep, or relaxation.
Interference with communication, resulting in interference with job performance and safety.
Physiological – noise induced hearing loss, aural pain, or even nausea.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

11. The Effects of Noise Types of Hearing Loss
Conductive: A hearing problem involving the outer or middle ear.
Sensorineural: A hearing problem involving the inner ear.
Tinnitus: Often occurs in conjunction with hearing loss.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

12. Factors Affecting Hearing Loss
Noise Intensity or Sound Pressure
Frequency or Pitch
Length of Daily Exposure
Duration of Exposure in Years
Individual Susceptibility
Other Factors (disease, genetics, lifestyle, age, etc.)
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

13. Hearing Conservation Program
When employee noise exposures equal or exceed a time weighted average sound level of 85 dBA, a hearing conservation program must be implemented.
No exposure to continuous, intermittent, or impact noise of a peak C-weighted level of 140 dB shall occur.
No exposure shall exceed a time weighted average of 115 dBA for continuous noise.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

14. Hearing Conservation Program
Introduction
Noise Hazard Assessment
Employee Inclusion
Noise Control Measures
Employee Education and Training
References
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

15. Noise Hazard Assessment
Noise exposed workers and/or noise hazards will be identified in the PPE Program through the hazard assessment.
Noise monitoring will be completed when a potential noise hazard is identified on the PPE Hazard Assessment.
If you feel the need to shout to be heard 3 feet away, the noise level is approaching 85 dBA.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

16. Noise Exposures Source dBA Source dBA Whisper 20 Refrigerator 40
Conversation 60
Average TV 74
Blender 80
Source
dBA
Walkman 90
Woodworking
93-120
Gun Shot
Riding Motorcycle
Snow Mobile
120
Rock Concert
140
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

17. Noise Monitoring Results
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

18. Audiometric Testing
All University employees included in the Hearing Conservation Program must undergo initial and annual audiometric testing.
These tests are used to gauge hearing loss in affected employees and will be provided at no cost to the employees.
The initial test is used as a baseline and the annual test is used to determine if hearing loss has occurred.
Results of the exam are discussed on page 9 of the written program.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

19. Audiometric Testing Purpose Audiometric exams serve as
a monitoring function to determine if an STS has occurred;
an educational and motivational tool and;
a tool for assessing overall program effectiveness.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

20. Audiometric Testing Test Procedures
The audiometric testing procedure tests the employees hearing threshold at a range of different frequencies.
The hearing threshold is the lowest level at which the employee is able to detect the test tone at each frequency and is determined by employee response.
Tests are performed in both ears.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

21. Noise Control Measures
Identify noise hazardous equipment.
Modify the noise source so it is quieter.
Increase distance between the employee and the noise hazard.
Limit exposure time.
Use hearing protection devices when the above measures are not feasible and/or do not decrease noise levels below a TWA-8 of 85 dBA.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

22. Hearing Protection Devices
Purpose of Hearing Protectors
Advantages and Disadvantages
Attenuation of Various Types
Selection Instructions
Fitting
Use
Care
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

23. Hearing Protection Devices
Purpose of Hearing Protectors
Hearing protection devices include ear plugs (pre-molded, foam rubber, custom molded), ear muffs and canal caps.
The purpose of hearing protection devices is to reduce the harmful auditory and/or annoying effects of sound.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

24. Hearing Protection Devices
Advantages and Disadvantages
Simplified overview of comparative features of earplugs and earmuffs
Reference
Berger, E.H., L.H. Royster, J.D. Royster, D.P. and Driscoll, M. Layne. The Noise Manual. AIHA Press. May 2000.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

25. Hearing Protection Devices
Attenuation
The process of reducing noise to acceptable levels.
Attenuation of Various Types
Attenuation is different for different types and styles of hearing protection devices.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

26. Earplugs
National Institute for Occupational Safety.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

27. Earmuffs
National Institute for Occupational Safety.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

28. Hearing Protection Devices (HPD)
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
HPD’s have an NRR that is used to determine how effectively HPD’s reduce employee exposure by subtracting the NRR from the employees exposure.
However, the NRR does not accurately reflect attenuation and a safety factor of 7 must be used.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

29. Hearing Protection Devices
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
Estimated A-weighted TWA under Hearing Protection
Employee TWA (dBA) – (NRR - 7dB)
A combination of ear muffs and earplugs or other HPD provides greater protection than either device alone.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

30. Hearing Protection Devices
Selection Instructions
Employees shall be given the opportunity to select their hearing protection from a variety of suitable types.
As with any personal protective equipment (PPE) careful consideration must be given to comfort and fit.
Employees are more likely to wear PPE that fits correctly.
Contact Environmental Health and Safety before ordering HPD’s.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

31. Hearing Protection Devices
Fitting
Reseat HPD’s throughout the work shift if they become loose or break their seal.
Replacement HPD’s must be obtained from the supervisor when damaged or deteriorated.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

32. Hearing Protection Devices
Fitting
If devices are uncomfortable or problematic, see your supervisor for replacement or alternative devices. It may also be necessary to see the contracted physician for re-fitting.
Never alter or modify HPD’s.
Reference
Berger, E.H., L.H. Royster, J.D. Royster, D.P. and Driscoll, M. Layne. The Noise Manual. AIHA Press. May 2000.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

33. Hearing Protection Devices
Use and Care
Proper fit, use and maintenance instruction are included in the manufacturers recommendations.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

34. Recordkeeping
A copy of the Hearing Conservation Program and standard is available to all employees through Environmental Health and Safety or through your supervisor.
The contracted audiologist/physician will maintain records of all audiometric tests.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

35. Employee Training
Training is required annually for all Pro2Serve employees included in the Hearing Conservation Program.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

36. Summary Objectives and Responsibilities The Effects of Noise
Factors Affecting Hearing Loss
Hearing Conservation Program
Noise Hazard Assessments
Noise Exposure and Monitoring Results
Audiometric Testing
Noise Control Measures
Hearing Protection Devices
Recordkeeping and Employee Training
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program

37. Where to Get More Information
National Institute for Occupational Safety.
Safety and Health Administration.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program