OSHA Workplace Hearing Safety and PPE Instructional Meeting

1. Identifying hazardous noise requires measuring potential sources with a Sound Level Meter (SLM). NIOSH has a SLM application that can be downloaded on a smart phone. Follow the instructions on how to conduct a Noise Survey. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/niosh-sound-level-meter/id1096545820.

2. Use the “Three Foot Rule” to identify the potential for hazardous noise until a Sound Level Meter can be used. When two people are within three feet of each other and have to raise their voices to hear each other, the environment most likely contains hazardous noise. Action needs to be taken to remove the hazardous noise or protect hearing by using ear plugs and/or ear muffs.

3. To understand if employees are exposed to hazardous noise above OSHA's Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), compare the 8 hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) measurements taken to the OSHA PEL at 29 CFR 1926.52(d)(1) Table D-2.

4. Examples of tools and typical noise levels. Circular saw: 108 dBA, Drill: 93.4 dBA, Grinder: 102 dBA, Hammer Drill: 105 dBA, Impact wrench 106 dBA, jig saw: 98.6, miter saw: 107 dBA, Orbital Sander: 89.2 dBA, Reciprocating Saw: 106 dBA.

5. Write the potential hazardous noise sources employees are exposed to on the job?

6. Controlling Noise exposure using the Hierarchy of Controls. 1. Eliminate the hazard: Remove the source of the noise; 2. Replace the hazard: Buy quiet equipment and tools; 3. Control the hazard: Isolate people from the source of the noise; 4. Limit exposure to the hazard: Change how long someone works near the source of the noise; 5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Give employees ear plugs and/or ear muffs.

7. Write the control methods used to protect employees from hazardous noise.

8. When employees are exposed to the OSHA Action Level of 85 dBA as an 8-hour time-weighted average they are required to be on a Hearing Conservation Program. This consists of a Monitoring Program, Audiometric Testing, Hearing Protectors (ear plugs and/or ear muffs) and Training.

9. Employers must monitor employees who are exposed to noise levels consistently at or above 85 dBA for 8 hours.

10. Audiometric testing monitors an employee’s hearing over time. It must be completed annually to ensure effectiveness of the Hearing Conservation Program.

11. Hearing protectors must be provided to all workers exposed to noise levels at or above 85 dBA consistently for 8hours. This requirement ensures that employees have access to hearing protectors before they can experience any hearing loss.

12. Training is required for workers exposed to noise levels at or above 85 dBA consistently for 8 hours at least annually in the following topics: Effects of noise; the purpose, advantages, and disadvantages of various types of hearing protectors; the selection, fit, and care of protectors; and the purpose and procedures of audiometric testing.

13. For ear plugs to be effective they need to be inserted into the ear is a specific manner. Try it now: ROLL, PULL and HOLD 1. ROLL the earplug up into a small, thin "snake" with your fingers. You can use one or both hands. 2. PULL the top of your ear UP AND BACK with your opposite hand to straighten out your ear canal. The rolled-up earplug should slide right in. 3. HOLD the earplug in with your finger until it expands to fill the ear canal. Your voice will sound muffled when the plug has made a good seal. Check the fit when you're all done. Most of the foam body of the earplug should be within the ear canal. Try cupping your hands tightly over your ears. If sounds are much more muffled with your hands in place, the earplug may not be sealing properly. Take the earplug out and try again.

14. Write Comments or Remarks here:

Additional Comments