Hazard noise

Title 29 CFR, Section 1910.95 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) pertains to the protection of workers from potentially hazardous noise. Table 8.7 shows OSHA permissible noise exposure levels. 

Assessing hazardous noise conditions in the workplace involve the following ... 

Hearing-impaired and deaf workers are still required to use hearing protection when exposed to hazardous noise levels. Several options are available ... 

Controlled risk assessment (4) Barriers adequate, isolation by distance acceptable, and insulated control panels further reduce risk of exposure to hazardous noise levels. A controlled RAC of 3E is assigned because, even if a relief did occur, the distance and isolation would create a marginal, rather than critical, risk. 

Personal protective device Examples include earplugs or earmuffs worn as protection against hazardous noise. 

Buy Quiet The GAO report noted some successes in the DoD s efforts to Buy Quief in its procurement of weapons systems to minimize hazardous noise exposure. Under a Buy Quief program. 

Training The number-one recommendation from the GAO report is about training specifically, instruction in the proper use of hearing protection before exposure to hazardous noise. The report also cited education and training during audiometric exams as lost opportunities for hearing loss prevention. ... 

Occupational hearing loss is the most common work-related injury in the United States. Approximately 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work and an additional 9 million exposed to ototoxic (toxic to the ear) chemicals. An estimated 242 million is spent annually on workers compensation for hearing loss disability. It s estimated that 200,000 of hearing loss costs (per individual) are due to lost work productivity over a worker s lifetime. Are your workers well-protected How often should you check on this ... 

There are also specialty earmuffs for different job requirements. Dielectric muffs have no metal parts for those workers exposed to high voltages. Electronic earmuffs reduce hazardous noise, but magnify wanted sounds like voices. Folding earmuffs are designed for use in situations where protection is not required full-time, but must be quickly available when needed. Cap-mounted muffs are attached directly to hard hats. 

Preformed or molded earplugs should be individually fitted by a professional. Waxed cotton, foam, or fiberglass wool earplugs are self-forming. When properly inserted, they work as well as most molded earplugs. Some earplugs are disposable. The nondisposable type should be cleaned after each use for proper protection. Plain cotton is ineffective as protection against hazardous noise. 

After identifying and prioritizing noise hazards, obtaining spectral or octave band data is helpful to determine the best control method. At the end of the day, having a better picture with very detailed information of hazardous noise sources will be critical in creating an action plan to reduce exposures. 

Occupational hearing loss is the most common work-related illness in the United States. Approximately 22 million U.S. workers exposed to hazardous noise levels at work, and an additional 9 million exposed to ototoxic chemicals. 

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