1. Protecting against the hazards of unsafe noise levels
HEARING PROTECTION
Protecting against the hazards of unsafe noise levels
Information provided for UAC members by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and Snellings Walters Insurance Agency

2. Objective
To know the effect of noise on hearing and to practice proper protection against unsafe noise levels
Information provided for UAC members by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and Snellings Walters Insurance Agency

3. Why employees resist
Many employees think they just don’t need hearing protection.
Hearing loss is gradual.
By the time some hearing is lost, it may be too late.
They think the protection will be uncomfortable.
Information provided for UAC members by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and Snellings Walters Insurance Agency

4. Types of hearing protection
Formable Plugs
Spongy, soft compressed or shaped prior to insertion
Expandable to provide a snug fit
Disposable, not for reuse
Information provided for UAC members by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and Snellings Walters Insurance Agency

5. Types of hearing protection
Pre-molded Plugs
Soft flexible material preformed to fit
Must be fitted (sized) for each ear
Designed for reuse, must be washed
Good choice when protection is needed on a regular basis
Information provided for UAC members by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and Snellings Walters Insurance Agency

6. Types of hearing protection
Earmuffs
Adjustable headband with soft cups and cushions that seal around the ear
May be worn over plugs
May be more comfortable for longer periods, but should not be worn with eyeglasses or any other obstruction that will reduce their effectiveness
Information provided for UAC members by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and Snellings Walters Insurance Agency

7. How noise can hurt you
Too much exposure can result in stress, from constantly straining to listen and be heard
Can cause you to miss important safety instructions
Prolonged exposure can result in permanent hearing loss
Even if exposed for only a short time, you may temporarily lose your hearing
Information provided for UAC members by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and Snellings Walters Insurance Agency

8. Is noise hurting you? You may have a problem if:
You hear ringing or other noises
You have a hard time hearing people when they talk to you
You are unable to hear high pitched or soft sounds
If you experience any of these problems, tell your supervisor. Your hearing may need to be tested.
Information provided for UAC members by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and Snellings Walters Insurance Agency

9. IMPORTANT
Becoming accustomed to loud noise is a sign of gradual hearing loss
Information provided for UAC members by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and Snellings Walters Insurance Agency

10. What is noise? Noise is defined as sounds people prefer not to hear
Noise is dangerous in the workplace because it interferes with communication and concentration
Sound is measured by decibels
Noise that is 85 decibels or greater can affect your hearing if you work around it more than eight hours a day
Information provided for UAC members by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and Snellings Walters Insurance Agency

11. Examples of noise levels
Chicken coop
Conversational voices
60-70 decibels
Tractor idling
Conveyers
80 decibels
Diesel trucks
Power lawn mowers
95 decibels
Power tools
100 decibels
Information provided for UAC members by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and Snellings Walters Insurance Agency

12. Reducing noise levels
Protective covering or insertions in the ears reduces noise levels to the inner ear
Use hearing protection when noise exposure cannot be controlled adequately by environmental changes, such as moving farther away from the noise
Hearing protection should be worn when noise levels exceed 85 decibels
Information provided for UAC members by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and Snellings Walters Insurance Agency

13. Getting the best protection
Protection depends on the seal between the skin and the hearing protector
Caution: protectors can become loose and create leaks – even from just talking or chewing - resulting in no protection
Earplugs should be made of a soft material, such as neoprene
Earplugs should be properly designed, well-fitted, and clean
Information provided for UAC members by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and Snellings Walters Insurance Agency

14. Noise reduction rating (NRR)
Not all materials can block the same amount of sound
The manufacturer indicates how much noise (decibels) the hearing protection device blocks
This is called the noise reduction rating (NRR)
For general use, look for a NRR of 25 or greater
Information provided for UAC members by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and Snellings Walters Insurance Agency

15. Review Sound that exceeds 80 decibels can cause hearing loss
Protection depends on the seal between the skin and the ear protector
Hearing protection must be worn properly
Workers experiencing head noise or ear ringing might be exposed to too much noise and should take precautionary measures
Information provided for UAC members by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and Snellings Walters Insurance Agency