1. NOISE 1

2. Noise - what is it? Unwanted sound Unwanted sound sound is vibrations in airsound is vibrations in air Sound Pressure Level Sound Pressure Level decibels (dB) - sound loudnessdecibels (dB) - sound loudness Frequency Frequency hertz (Hz) - vibrations per secondhertz (Hz) - vibrations per second Good human ears hear sounds between Good human ears hear sounds between 20 to 20,000 Hz. 2

3. 3 Types of Noise Continuous Continuous same noise level over long periodssame noise level over long periods Intermittent Intermittent periods of quiet interrupted by noiseperiods of quiet interrupted by noise most noise exposures are intermittentmost noise exposures are intermittent Impact or impulsive Impact or impulsive nail gun nail gun Most jobs have combinations of all noise types Most jobs have combinations of all noise types

4. 4 Is noise a big problem? 28 Million Americans affected 28 Million Americans affected NIOSH says 2.5 million workers/year are affectedNIOSH says 2.5 million workers/year are affected Over 500,000 construction workers are overexposed.Over 500,000 construction workers are overexposed. 50% of construction workers may have some job-related hearing loss 50% of construction workers may have some job-related hearing loss 33% of hearing loss is from NIHL 33% of hearing loss is from NIHL A 25 year old construction worker has the hearing of a 50 year old without noise exposure A 25 year old construction worker has the hearing of a 50 year old without noise exposure Once hearing is gone, it is lost forever Once hearing is gone, it is lost forever

5. Source: Construction Safety Association of Ontario

6. Construction Workers What does that mean to our workers What does that mean to our workers How do we protect them How do we protect them Hierarchy of controls Hierarchy of controls Common exposures Common exposures –jackhammer –power tools –heavy machinery 6

7. You What does that mean to you? What does that mean to you? Loss of hearing through aging (presbycusis) Loss of hearing through aging (presbycusis) Born with ~ 40,000 cilia in ear canal Born with ~ 40,000 cilia in ear canal Common Exposures Common Exposures –iPods, headphones –loud music/concerts –hunting –other 7

8. 8 Decibels Noise levels are measured in decibels (dBA) A small increase in decibels equates to a large increase in noise (logarithmic)A small increase in decibels equates to a large increase in noise (logarithmic) An increase of just 3 dB doubles the amount of sound 88 dB can do twice as much harm to your ears as 85 dB. An increase of 10 dB means it is 10 times louderAn increase of just 3 dB doubles the amount of sound 88 dB can do twice as much harm to your ears as 85 dB. An increase of 10 dB means it is 10 times louder Typical levels:Typical levels: 65- normal conversation 65- normal conversation 75- busy street corner 75- busy street corner 85- background noise on a construction site 85- background noise on a construction site

9. 9 How Do We Hear? Outer ear collects sound and vibrates eardrum Outer ear collects sound and vibrates eardrum Eardrum vibrates bones in middle ear Eardrum vibrates bones in middle ear Bones transmit vibrations to cochlea (inner ear) Bones transmit vibrations to cochlea (inner ear) Cochlea hair cells are connected to auditory nerve that runs to the brain Cochlea hair cells are connected to auditory nerve that runs to the brain

10. 10 Effects of Noise Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS) Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS) temporary hearing losstemporary hearing loss early sign of a hearing problemearly sign of a hearing problem recovery within hours after exposurerecovery within hours after exposure

11. 11 Effects of Noise Permanent Threshold Shift Permanent Threshold Shift permanent hearing losspermanent hearing loss destroys hair cellsdestroys hair cells no treatment or cureno treatment or cure gradualgradual

12. 12 Effects of Noise Tinnitus - ringing in the ears Tinnitus - ringing in the ears Non-auditory problems Non-auditory problems Constant state of “alert”Constant state of “alert” Disturbed sleeping patternsDisturbed sleeping patterns Increased blood pressureIncreased blood pressure Presbycusis Presbycusis hearing loss from aginghearing loss from aging may be compounded by excess noisemay be compounded by excess noise

13. 13 Effects of Hearing Loss Hearing loss makes it harder to communicate on the job, with friends and family, especially in noisy places like jobsites and restaurants Hearing loss makes it harder to communicate on the job, with friends and family, especially in noisy places like jobsites and restaurants Hearing loss can make it difficult to hear warning signs like back up alarms or traffic on a street Hearing loss can make it difficult to hear warning signs like back up alarms or traffic on a street

14. Other Health Effects Make you feel tired/fatigued Make you feel tired/fatigued Heighten nervousness Heighten nervousness Raise in blood pressure Raise in blood pressure Increase risks of heart problems Increase risks of heart problems May also effect sense of balance May also effect sense of balance These effects are permanent These effects are permanent 14

15. What can you do? Turn down the volume Turn down the volume –When listening to music on earphones at a medium volume, the noise generated reaches up to 100dBA –Loud enough to cause permanent damage after just 15 minutes/day Use hearing protection Use hearing protection Walk away Walk away 3 Foot Rule 3 Foot Rule 15

16. OSHA Requirements Construction 90 dBa Construction 90 dBa General Industry 85 dB General Industry 85 dB Hearing Conservation Program (1926.52) Hearing Conservation Program (1926.52) 16

17. OSHA Table D-2 Permissible Noise Exposures Duration per day, hours Sound Level dBA (slow response) 890 692 495 397 2100 1.5102 1105.5110.25 or less115 17

18. Task-Based Method ANSI A10.46- ANSI A10.46- Hearing Loss Prevention in Construction and Demolition Workers When equipment or tasks expose workers to sound levels exceeding 85 dBA, engineering or administrative controls should be implemented When equipment or tasks expose workers to sound levels exceeding 85 dBA, engineering or administrative controls should be implemented Where controls are infeasible or fail to reduce sound levels below 85 dBA, HPD’s shall be provided and used by employees Where controls are infeasible or fail to reduce sound levels below 85 dBA, HPD’s shall be provided and used by employees 18

19. Effective Hearing Conservation Program 1. Monitoring of employees’ noise exposures, 2. Engineering, work practice, and administrative controls, 3. PPE 4. Employee training and education 5. Baseline and annual audiometry, 6. Procedures for preventing further occupational hearing loss 7. Recording Keeping 19

20. 20 Hearing Protectors Ear Plugs Ear Plugs Semi-Inserts Semi-Inserts Ear Muffs Ear Muffs Attenuation Attenuation

21. 21 Ear Plugs Formable Formable Pre-molded Pre-molded Custom-molded Custom-molded Pros Pros cooler in hot weather, cheapercooler in hot weather, cheaper Cons Cons attenuation varies with fitattenuation varies with fit easier to loseeasier to lose hygiene problemshygiene problems

22. 22 Ear Plugs To fit correctly, ear plugs must be inserted snugly into the ear canal. To fit correctly, ear plugs must be inserted snugly into the ear canal. Make sure the foam plugs are rolled up tight and is crease free. Use the Roll model for practicing. Make sure the foam plugs are rolled up tight and is crease free. Use the Roll model for practicing. Pull back gently on the ear with your opposite had to straighten out the canal while inserting the plug. Pull back gently on the ear with your opposite had to straighten out the canal while inserting the plug.

23. 23 Proper Fit Ear plug is snug in the ear canal Ear plug is snug in the ear canal

24. 24 Incorrect Fit Ear plug is not in snug and protection level is much lower Ear plug is not in snug and protection level is much lower

25. 25 Semi-Inserts Ear plug connected by headband Ear plug connected by headband Insert into the canal or cap over it Insert into the canal or cap over it Intended to be worn for short duration Intended to be worn for short duration Pros Pros easier to take on and offeasier to take on and off Cons Cons uncomfortable for extended useuncomfortable for extended use smaller attenuationsmaller attenuation

26. 26 Ear Muffs Plastic cups attached by headband Plastic cups attached by headband Pros Pros easier to fit to most people, more consistent attenuation than plugs, can be fitted hardhatseasier to fit to most people, more consistent attenuation than plugs, can be fitted hardhats Cons Cons heavier/hotter than plugs,heavier/hotter than plugs, headband pressure can make long wear uncomfortableheadband pressure can make long wear uncomfortable