Hearing Conservation Standard

Explain the basic requirements for OSHA s Hearing Conservation Standard. 

Duration is another key factor in determining the safety of workplace noise. The regulation has a 50 percent 5 dBA logarithmic tradeoff. That is, for every 5 decibel increase in the noise level, the length of exposure must be reduced by 50 percent. For example, at 90 decibels, the sound level of a lawnmower, the limit of safe exposure is eight hours. At 95 dBA, the limit on exposure is four hours, and so on. For any sound that is 106 dBA and above (sandblaster or rock concert) exposure without protection should be less than one hour. Figure 8-1 shows the basic requirement of OSHA s Hearing Conservation Standard. 

The following bullets explain the requirements of the hearing conservation standard ... 

Although not all of the standard s requirements are pertinent to oil and gas drilling operations, the basic requirements of OSHA s hearing conservation standard are explained here (LaBar, 1989) ... 

Noise monitoring is usually located in the HASP as part of the monitoring program. Noise monitoring should be performed in accordance with acceptable practices. Typically, noise levels are monitored in the field with either a Type I or Type II sound level meter (SLM). Noise dosimeter readings can also be obtained to determine the percent (%) noise dose. Noise levels and % doses measured are then compared to limits listed in OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.95, Hearing Conservation [3]. 

OSHAhas estimated a safe maximum noise level of 85 dB. The time-weighted average (TWA) is an exposure for an 8-h to a noise level not exceeding 90 dB. If this level exceeds 85 dB, OSHA requires the employer to institute a hearing conservation program (HCP). Therefore, if a company wants to avoid loss claims under worker compensation laws, it must not only meet the prescribed legal standards, but also attempt to reduce noise to the lowest possible level (< 80 dB). 

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) (1987), Assessment Noise-Exposure During Work for Hearing Conservation Purposes, ISO, Geneva. 

Noise/hearing conservation — Occupational exposures to noise levels in excess of the current OSHA standards places hundreds of thousands of workers at risk of developing hearing impairment, hypertension, and elevated blood pressure levels. Workers in construction are not fully covered by the current OSHA standards and lack the protection of an adequate program. OSHA has designated this issue as a priority for rulemaking action to extend hearing conservation protection to the construction industry. 

Many workers receive noise exposures that vary a lot during a workday. In 1981, OSHA required hearing conservation programs for workers exposed to TWAN levels greater than 85 dBA. Noise dose, D, measures varying exposures over a time period. A TWAN level is equivalent to an exposure of 90 dBA for an 8-hr period. OSHA exposure standards in... 

Q. What constitutes a hearing conservation program under the construction standard for occupational noise exposure, 29 CFR 1926.52 ... 

Levels -All areas and equipment are posted with caution or dango signs that describe the potential hazard and measures to be tak. Signs are highly visible and positioned at entrances and on the paiphay of potential noise-hazardous areas. The Occupational Noise Exposure Standard and Hearing Conservation Amendment are posted in all potential noise-hazardous areas. Applicable 85 dBA and 140 dBP contours are established. 

In addition to the Table 4.71 noise exposure hmits, OSHA Safety and Health Standards provide the requirement that employers administer an effective hearing conservation program to protect employees who may receive 8-h TWA noise exposures exceeding 85 dBA (a noise dose exceeding 50 percent). The 8-h TWA of 85 dBA is considered the action level at which... 

The Standard also includes many appendices providing detailed information on the required audiometric testing of employees, including computations, measurements, calibrations, record keeping, and qualifications. People responsible for administering hearing conservation programs must be familiar with and understand the requirements contained in the... 

This systematic review starts to question the basis of the occupational noise safety, the exposure limits values, as the key to preventive programs and also the approach of ISO 1999 standard. Are this values the safety barrier to ensure hearing protection What are the main concerns The Hearing Conservation Programs (HCP) are mainly based on that issues. 

---