Administrative noise controls

Noise controls—steps are to be taken to control noise at the source. Noise controls are required in situations where the noise level exceeds 90 dBA. Administrative controls are sufficient until noise levels exceed 100 dBA. Beyond 100 dBA, engineering controls must be used. 

Use of hearing protection in both occupational and non-occupational environments is intended to help reduce noise exposure levels and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In the absence of feasible engineering and administrative noise reduction control methods, use of earplugs or earmuffs is common practice. Unfortunately there are still many myths surrounding the use and effectiveness of hearing protection devices (HPDs). In this article, some of the more common myths and the realities are addressed. 

There are a variety of control techniques, documented in the literature, to reduce overall worker exposure to noise. Such controls reduce the amount of sound energy released by the noise source, divert the flow of sound energy away from the receiver, or protect the receiver from the sound energy reaching him or her. For example, types of noise controls include proper maintenance of equipment, revised operating procedures, equipment replacements, acoustic shields and barriers, equipment redesign, enclosures, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment. 

For example, types of noise controls include proper maintenance of equipment, revised operating procedures, equipment replacements, acoustical shields and barriers, equipment redesign, enclosures, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment. 

LVHV nozzles can create problems that may be sufficiently severe as to prevent their use, usually in the form of ergonomic encumbrances and excessive noise. These problems can be dealt with, to limited extents, and LVHV applications can be effective. It must also be understood that dust control by 1..VHV systems is ultimately limited. No ventilation control measure can ensure sufficient worker protection down to extraordinatily low acceptable dust levels. Worker protection must always be confirmed by industrial hygiene monitoring and evaluation, and administrative control measures such as respiratory protection may be necessary. 

Provides scientific and technical support for the Federal Environment Ministry, especially with the preparation of legal and administrative regulations in the fields of air quality control, noise abatement, waste management, water resources management, soil conservation, environmental chemicals, and health-related environmental issues. 

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Act, an employer who does not control noise so as to minimize fatigue and reduce the probability of accidents can be charged with a violation of the standard. Both employers and employees are obligated to observe existing noise standards. An employee who does not comply with previously described procedures for his or her welfare and suffers a loss of hearing can be charged with misconduct. 

Personal protective equipment (PPE)—specitied as the next level of protection when administrative and engineering controls do not reduce noise hazards to acceptable levels. It is to be used in addition to administrative and engineering controls. 

The limited effectiveness of administrative controls and testing has led many companies to the conclusion that engineering controls offer the most reliable and lasting way to reduce workplace noise. 

Use administrative controls such as scheduling to limit woiker exposure to many workplace hazards such as working in hot areas. However, OSHA prohibits employee scheduling to meet the requirement of air contaminant exposure limits. The scheduling of maintenance and other high exposure operations during evenings or weekends can reduce exposures. Use job rotation to limit repetitive motion tasks or reduce the exposure time to occupational noise hazards. Use a work-rest schedule for very hazardous or strenuous tasks. 

Engineering and administrative controls are good methods for minimizing worker exposure to noise. They include things like ... 

In fact, when your employees are exposed to more than the Permissible Noise Exposures (PNE) in the table to the left, you must attempt to reduce the level below the PNE with engineering or administrative controls. If that is impossible or inadequate, you must provide workers with hearing protection devices (HPDs). 

Ameliorate the effects. Example Incorporate administrative controls such as job rotation to reduce the duration of exposure to loud noise... 

The institution of engineering, work practice, and administrative controls for excessive noise. 

Reduce noise using engineering and administrative controls. 

Administrative controls aim to keep people at a safe distance from the noise source. Some examples include signs and notices, barricades, procedures, and training. 

Remember that the first priority is to reduce noise levels through engineering or administrative controls. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required if... 

There s been nary a peep out of OSHA regarding its plans for what the agency called a proposed "Interpretation of OSHA s Provisions for Feasible Administrative or Engineering Controls of Occupational Noise," which was published more than a year ago in the Federal Register on Oct. 19, 2010. 

Feasible administrative, scheduling, or engineering controls should be utilized to reduce TWA noise exposures to within the limits of Table 4.71. Hearing protection must be provided and used to achieve the TWA noise exposure limits of Table 4.71 whenever administrative, scheduling, or engineering controls fail to do so. 

---