Personal hearing protection

Many stone processing operations produce high sound levels. Operators exposure to noise is controlled by a combination of reducing/containing it at source, excluding it from control rooms, and the use of remote cameras with monitors in control rooms. Effective personal hearing protection is still required when operators are required to enter noisy areas. 

Noise is often a problem, so the workplace and machinery must be designed to reduce noise exposure (see Chapter 1). Where appropriate, personal hearing protection must be provided and worn. 

A last resort, after all other techniques have proved ineffective, is to provide personal hearing protection which ... 

It may be prudent to offer employees a choice of type of personal hearing protection, subject always to the chosen type providing adequate level of protection, i.e. a suitable level of attenuation and being compatible with other protective equipment that has to be worn. 

Ear-plugs are only generally effective up to noise levels of 100-105dBA while ear-muffs can provide protection at higher noise levels to meet a 90 dBA criterion, for noise received by the wearer. Comparative attenuation characteristics for various personal hearing protection devices are shown in Figure 20.15. 

If it is not reasonably practicable to reduce noise exposure levels to below 90dB(A) LEP,d then the employer is required to provide personal hearing protection (Reg. 8). An alternative to personal protection is the provision of hearing havens from which the worker can carry out his duties. Areas where there remains a hearing risk shall be designated ear protection zones and be identified as such (Reg. 9). 

Individual ear protectors sound-absorbing cotton wool, ear plugs, ear muffs, acoustic helmets, etc. VDI 2560 "Personal hearing protection gives information on all matters relating to the subject. A review of types, a list of suppliers and particulars of equipment are given in LSI 01 -830 (1978). 

Use of properly fitting and effective personal hearing protection devices. 

Common controls. Noise can be controlled in the work environment by isolation or enclosure of the source of the noise. Control rooms can be constructed in treatment plants to provide a low-noise environment for operators. If operators must enter high-noise areas they can be required to use personal hearing protection to protect against high noise levels. 

An extremely important safety issue with respect to ah. wood product manufacturing processes is personal worker safety. Ah of the processes use much moving machinery, usuahy including many saws or knives. Workers must continuahy remember the inherent dangers these machines involve as weh as other possible dangerous situations which could result from malfunctions or other errors. In addition, most processes are more or less dusty and noisy. Most employers require use of safety glasses and many require hearing protection, safety shoes, and hardhats as weh as other kinds of protection needed for Specific jobs. 

Basic workplace safety on 13 OSHA-required training issues. Chemical spills, fire protection, confined spaces, emergency plans, personal protective equipment, hazardous waste, lockout and tagout, safe lifting, housekeeping, labels, chemical handling, hearing protection, and respirators. 

The noise levels in most laboratories are usually not excessive, but there are laboratory facilities in which noise can reach levels forwhich hearing protection should be provided or the employees required to be involved in a hearing conservation program. It would be preferable, of course, if the noise levels could be lowered rather than to depend upon personal protective devices. 

New regulations introduced in 2006 reduce the first action level to 80dB(A) and the second level to 85dB(A) with a peak action level of 98dB(A) or 140 Pa of pressure. Every employer must make a noise assessment and provide workers with information about the risks to hearing if the noise level approaches the first action level. They must do all that is reasonably practicable to control the noise exposure of their employees and clearly mark ear protection zones. Employees must wear personal ear protection while in such a zone. 

A device or item to be worn, used, or put in place for the safety or protection of an individual or the public at large, when performing work assigmnents or in entering hazardous areas or under hazardous conditions. Common examples include hearing protection, respirators, barricades, traffic cones, lights, safety lines, and flotation devices. See also Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 

CFR 1926 subpart E — Personal protective and life saving equipment, including respiratory and hearing protection. 

Use personal protective equipment — Engineering controls are not always feasible or may not provide enough protection. That s where respiratory protection comes into play. An abrasive-blasting respirator must be NIOSH-approved and cover your head, neck, and shorilders to protect you from rebounding abrasive. In addition, other personal protective equipment, such as hearing protection, eye and face protection, helmet, leather gloves, safety shoes or boots, and fall protection may be needed. 

Hearing protection Provide hearing protection to reduce sound levels reaching the cochlea to within the limits specified In Table D-2. All insert hearing protectors must be fitted individually to each overexposed employee by a competent person, someone trained in ear protection fitting and able to recognize the difference between a good fit and a poor fit. 

Hearing protection — If exposure limits are exceeded even after engineering and administrative controls are implemented, your company will provide you with proper hearing protection. If you will be using insert hearing protectors, they must be fitted by a competent person. A competent person is someone who can tell the difference between a good fit and a poor fit. Plain cotton is not an acceptable protective device. 

Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, respirators and hearing protection. 

Your company s nail gun work rules and personal protective equipment, including hearing protection. 

Workers should typically be equipped with hard hats and steeltoed shoes. Other personal protective equipment (such as safety glasses and hearing protection) is also necessary in appropriate circumstances. It is up to the employer to ensure that appropriate PPE is provided. 

Elvex manufactures a wide range of personal protective equipment, including vision and hearing protection. 

Whether you are performing the cutting operation or assisting, wear appropriate personal protective equipment a hard hat, face shield, safety glasses, work gloves, steel-toe safety shoes, and if necessary, hearing protection and a respirator. 

Are hearing protection, safety glasses and goggles, hard hats, reflective safety vests, work gloves, work boots, and other personal protective equipment available and in good condition ... 

Always wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses or face shield, hearing protection, dust mask, and any gear that will prevent abrasive materials from causing an injury. 

---