Hearing and noise Safety training .pptx

Hearing and noise Safety training .

1. Protecting workers from Noise Induced hearing loss BY PARABAKARAN

2. Instructor Introduction 2 Professional Summary: With over 15 years of comprehensive experience in Environmental Safety and Health (HSE), Parabakaran Balasubramaniam is a seasoned professional with specialized expertise in delivering impactful training programs. He holds a Master's Degree in Environmental Safety and Health from the University Malaysia Pahang and has dedicated 5 years specifically to the field of HSE training and consultancy. Key Skills and Competencies: Extensive knowledge in environmental safety regulations and compliance standards. Proven track record in designing and delivering engaging and effective HSE training modules. Strong understanding of risk assessment methodologies and hazard control strategies. Skilled in conducting safety audits and implementing corrective measures. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective training delivery

3. Worldwide, 360 million people today have moderate to profound hearing loss due to various causes, such as noise, genetic conditions, complications at birth, certain infectious diseases, chronic ear infections, the use of particular drugs, and ageing . It is estimated that half of all cases of hearing loss are avoidable. World Health Organization “ ”

4. Noise induced hearing loss is the most common permanent and preventable occupational injury in the world. World Health Organization “ ”

5. Occupational Noise induced hearing loss Usually from long-term exposure Temporary or permanent Initially effects high frequencies Speech recognition Cannot be treated or corrected NIHL is permanent, but it is preventable

6. What is sound? Vibrations transmitted through air, water or other material that the ear and brain can respond to Large range of frequencies and pitches

7. Sound and Noise Sound is a pressure change detectable by the human ear: Frequency range between 20 – 20, 000 Hz Loudness range between 0 – 140 dB Noise is a type of sound Generally described as unwanted or undesirable sound

8. Occupational Safety & Health (Noise Exposure) Regulations 2019 These regulations may be cited as the Occupational Safety and Health (Noise Exposure) Regulations 2019 under Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514). These Regulations come into operation on 1 June 2019

9. EMPLOYERS' RESPONSIBILITIES 3 Employers shall ensure that─ statutory requirements are complied with; a noise control plan and programmed of action are developed; all levels of management and employees are aware of the control measures to reduce exposure to noise; all employees cooperate in using agreed safe work practices; information on noise, the risks of exposure to noise and the appropriate control measures are disseminated in a manner appropriate to the place of work; a comprehensive personal hearing protection programmed, including the selection of personal hearing protectors (PHP), and instruction to employees in their correct use and maintenance, is implemented; and employees receive appropriate training and education when it is required Employers shall recognize the role of Hearing Conservation Administrator (HCA) in the management of noise and the protection of hearing at work.

10. COMPONENT : HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAMME (HCP) Noise risk assessment Noise control measures Audiometric testing Information, instruction and training Recordkeeping Identify workers exposed to hazardous noise Identify noisy areas Administrative Control Personal hearing protectors Engineering Control Conducted annually for all workers exposed to NEL All employees shall be provided with information and training about the importance of protecting their hearing Establish proper recordkeeping to document HCP activities 4

11. IDENTIFICATION OF EXCESSIVE NOISE 5 Employer shall identify whether his employee may be exposed to excessive noise in the place of work in the manner as determine by DG. Can’t hear instruction

12. REIDENTIFY OF EXCESSIVE NOISE 12 When change in machinery, equipment, process, work, control measures or operation; after 1 year from the date of the previous identification ( if the previous result shows no exposure to excessive noise) if directed by Director General

13. NOISE HAZARD IDENTIFICATION CHECKLIST 13

14. NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT 14 The employer shall appoint a noise risk assessor (NRA) who is registered with the Director General (DG) within one (1) month of the identification of excessive noise. Objective identify all employees likely to be exposed to excessive noise; obtain information on noise sources and work practices that will help in the formulation of new measures that shall be taken to reduce noise; check the effectiveness of existing measures taken to reduce noise exposure; help in the selection of appropriate PHP; demarcate hearing protection zones; and determine the need for establishing and implementing HCP

15. NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT 15

16. NOISE EXPOSURE LIMIT (NEL) 16 Employer shall ensure, nobody is allowed to be exposed exceeding :- (a)Daily Noise Exposure Level - 85dB(A) / Daily Personal Noise Dose – 100% Maximum SPL - 115dB(A) at any time Peak SPL - 140dB(C) Daily Personal Noise Dose means cumulative noise exposure of an employee corrected for a normal working day of 8 hours . If exposed to an excessive noise exceeding NEL, the employer shall take such measures to reduce the excessive noise.

17. REDUCTION OF NOISE EXPOSURE EXCEEDING LIMIT 17 The employer shall, before taking the measures, make an assessment whether it is practicable to reduce such excessive noise by way of engineering control or administrative control:- It is practicable (Eng. Control) – noise reduction by engineering control It is not practicable (Eng. Control) – noise reduction by engineering and administrative control It is not practicable (Eng.& Administrative Control) – noise reduction by administrative control It is not practicable (Administrative Control) – other effective measures to reduce such noise The employer shall make a report on the assessment, and shall, upon request in writing from the Director General, give the Director General a copy of that report within thirty days after the request is received.

18. AUDIOMETRIC TESTING EMPLOYER Cause an audiometric testing to be carried out on such employee (exposed to NEL) annually Appoint an approved Audiometric Testing Centre (ATC) to carried out audiometric testing Notify employee of the audiometric testing result within 21 days after receiving the report. If temporary STS occurred:- Cause a retest to be carried out by ATC on such employee within 3 months after the previous testing take such measures to protect the hearing of such employee from further deterioration. When the result of audiometric testing shows any Occ. Related NIHL, Hearing Impairment or PSTS, employer shall: notify Director of nearest DOSH office within 7 days after receiving report from ATC provide a PHP to such employee if no PHP is provided previously train such employee on the usage of PHP 12

19. AUDIOGRAM (Normal) - 10 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 500 1000 Frequency, Hz 2000 3000 4000 6000 8000 dB A chart, graph or table resulting from an audiometric test showing an employee's hearing threshold levels as a function of frequency AUDIOMETRIC TEST RECORDS Name & job location , date audiogram, name of person conducting the test , model , make & serial number of equipment, date of last calibration Retain as long as the employee is employed and five years thereafter. 19

20. AUDIOGRAM (Hearing Impairment) - 10 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 20 500 1000 2000 3000 4000 6000 8000 dB Frequency, Hz RIGHT EAR Date Hz 500 1000 2000 3000 Avg 0.5- 3kHz 5/3/2012 dB 25 30 25 40 30.0 shifted by 25 dB or more

21. AUDIOGRAM (Standard Threshold Shift) ≥ 10dB 21

22. DUTY OF EMPLOYER WHEN AUDIOMETRIC TESTING IS CARRIED OUT 16 Employer shall ensure:- no cost to the employee Baseline audiogram be carried out within 3 months after employee commencing work at any area which exposed to NEL audiometric testing is only be carried out in quiet state of at least 14 hours without the aid of PHP “ quiet ”- absence of exposure to sound level exceeding 80 dB(A)

23. RECORD TO BE KEPT 23 Employer shall:- ensure report of noise risk assessment is kept and maintained for a period not less than 30 years keep and maintained audiometric testing report of his employee and for a period of 5 years after such employee is ceased hand over all records to other person who take over such business where an employer ceases to carry on business give the DG at least 3 months notice in writing of his intention to dispose of such records (at the expiration of the period). Transmit the records to DG if requested.

24. PENALTY 24 Fine not exceeding RM 50 0,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 year or BOTH

25. This presentation will cover the following topics: Identify potential sources of hearing loss Learn how to prevent hearing loss at work Meet regulatory requirements The purpose of audiometric testing and how it works

26. How is Noise Measured?

27. Effects of exposure to loud noise Exposure to loud noise will inevitably cause hearing loss over time. Once the nerves of the inner ear are destroyed or damaged from exposure to excessive noise, the damage is permanent Loud noise damages or destroys the nerves in the inner ear. Another effect can be “tinnitus” or permanent ringing in the ear.

28. Factors Affecting Hearing Loss The following factors can affect hearing loss: Noise Intensity or Sound Pressure Frequency or Pitch of sound Length of Daily Exposure Duration of Exposure in Years Individual Susceptibility Other Factors (disease, genetics, lifestyle, age, etc.)

29. When is Noise Too Loud? Noise is measured in units called “decibels” or “dB” If two people 3 feet apart must shout to be heard, the background noise is too loud (above 85 decibels). Noise above 140 decibels causes pain and immediate hearing loss.

30. Signs of Hearing Loss Difficulty hearing people speak. Inability to hear certain high-pitched or soft sounds. Noise or ringing in ears. Getting complaints that the radio or TV is too loud .

31. Long Term Exposure to Noise Our ears can recover from short exposure to loud noise, but over time nerve damage will occur. The longer and louder the noise, the greater chance permanent damage will occur. There is no such thing as “tough ears” or “getting used to it”.

32. Effects of noise to inner ear Normal hair cells Noise-damaged hair cells Hair cells in inner ear transmit noise signals to the brain

33. Tinnitus From Noise Exposure Exposure to high noise levels can also cause permanent ringing in the ear or “tinnitus”. Tinnitus sufferers usually complain of constant whistling, squealing, roaring or buzzing in one or both ears. Severe tinnitus may disrupt sleep, reduce concentration and cause irritability and depression.

34. What is Too Much Noise Exposure? Damage from noise exposure depends on the loudness and length of exposure. Scientific studies have shown that hearing loss can occur when 8-hour average noise exposure exceeds 85 decibels. The risk of hearing loss increases dramatically as noise levels increase. Exposure to noise levels above 115 decibels for even five minutes is very risky.

35. OSHA Standard

36. Daily Allowable Exposure Times to Noise The table below shows noise levels and how long a person can be exposed without hearing protection before there is damage to the ear. Noise Level Allowable Exposure Time 85 decibels 90 decibels 100 decibels 105 decibels 110 decibels 115 decibels 8 hours 4 hours 1 hour 30 minutes 15 minutes minutes

37. Examples of Noisy Equipment

38. Noise Levels and Permissible Exposure Levels Without Hearing Protection Below is the maximum amount of time a person can spend exposed to this equipment without hearing protection.

39. EAR SAFETY

40. THE EAR OUTER EAR - MIDDLE EAR - INNER EAR AUDITORY NERVE HAMMER ANVIL STIRRUP COCHLEA EAR CANAL EAR DRUM EUSTACHIAN TUBE

41. Noise Basics The two factors that determine how hazardous noise is are: Intensity (Loudness) measured in dBA Time of Exposure measured in Hours and Minutes The louder the noise, the more hazardous it is. Also, the longer the exposure time, the more hazardous the noise is. A “Noise Dose” combines both loudness and time and is a convenient way of describing the relative hazard of the noise.

42. Noise Basics Loudness is measured using a logarithmic scale. This means that a 10 decibel increase does not simply add 10 to the previous level. It multiplies the previous level by 10. Threshold of Hearing Quiet Room Conversation Car (50 mph at 50 ft) dBA 45 dBA 55 dBA = 45 dBA x 10 65 dBA = 45 dBA x 100 End Loader (In Good Cab) Haul Truck (In Good Cab) Crusher Old Dozer (No Cab) Air Track Drill (No Controls) 75 dBA = 45 dBA x 1,000 85 dBA = 45 dBA x 10,000 95 dBA = 45 dBA x 100,000 105 dBA = 45 dBA x 1,000,000 115 dBA = 45 dBA x 10,000,000 115 dBA has 10 million times more sound energy than 45 dBA and is capable of causing 10 million times more damage to hearing.

43. Human Hearing Ranges Noise destroys your hearing little by little. Exposure to noise occurs on and off the job. Your ears typically “recover” from exposures to low level noises. However, permanent damage may occur from even a single exposure to very loud noises. 20 Hz (low rumble) to 20,000 Hz (whine) Speech Between 500 Hz to 2000 Hz Average Hearing Loss at 4000 Hz and up dB (just audible) to 140 dB (causes pain) 80 dB(A) 8 hour TWA will affect some 100 dB(A) 8 hour TWA will affect all

44. Sources of Noise Work related noise from machinery, grinding, drilling and vibrating tools etc. Pumps, compressors, turbines. Blast Noise from firearms and bombs. Pleasure related musical noise in discos and earphones. Environmental noise pollution from generators, car horns, aircrafts, ships etc. House hold equipment like kitchen blender, lawn mower etc.

45. FACTORS AFFECTING HEARING WORK SOURCES & FACTORS AFFECTING HEARING: Age Pitch Loudness Surroundings Type of machines Position of source Length of exposure Previous ear trouble Distance from source Think about your personal work habits!

46. Hearing Loss THE COCHLEA AND THE INNER EAR A fluid filled sound reception chamber Contains thousands of tiny hair cells The cells respond to sound waves made in the fluid The cells pass the sensation on to the auditory nerve SENSORI- NEURAL HEARING LOSS Noise- induced hearing loss Damages the hair cells or auditory nerves If the noise is stopped hair cells can bounce back Damage can be temporary SENSORI- NEURAL HEARING LOSS If the noise continues hair cells can’t bounce back Damage can be permanent

47. SYMPTOMS OF HEARING LOSS Constant ringing in the ear (tinnitus) Difficulty hearing soft sounds, such as a child’s voice Complaints from others that you are talking too loudly or shouting unnecessarily Difficulty in separating speech from background noise Having to turn up the volume on TVs or radios

48. Engineering controls Isolate noisy machinery in a separate area Place machinery on rubber mountings Use sound- absorbing acoustical tiles Arrange work schedules to reduce employee exposure to noise Inform supervisors of unpleasant/unacceptable noise levels 3a

49. HEARING PROTECTION As with all personal protection – Ear protection is the last line in the hierarchy of control TYPES OF HEARING PROTECTION DEVICES Ear Muffs (Circumaural) Semi- Inserts (Semi- Aural) Inserts (Aural )

50. CONCLUSION HEARING LOSS HAPPENS! Noise induced hearing loss is 100% preventable Your hearing health starts with YOU while at work or home If YOU don’t protect it YOU will lose it

51. How we hear Conversion of vibrations to electrical impulses in nerves connected to the brain

52. A- weightING Provides a single number measure of noise level by integrating sound levels at all frequencies Gives a scale for noise level as experienced or perceived by the human ear LAeq , LAE, LAFmax

53. C- weightING C-weighting is used in noise assessment for the evaluation of impulse noise and for hearing protection devices LCeq , LCPeak

54. Z- weightING Z-weighting has been recently introduced and is a flat frequency response over the usual range of measurements for noise assessments LZeq , LZFmax , LZE

55. Working with decibels Change in dB Change in sound energy 3 dB increase Sound energy doubled 3 dB decrease Sound energy halved 6 dB increase Sound energy is quadrupled 9 dB increase Sound energy increased by factor of 8

56. Adding noise levels Numerical difference between two noise levels [dB] Amount to be added to the higher of the 2 noise levels [dB] 3.0 1 2.5 2 2.1 3 1.8 4 1.5 5 1.2 6 1.0 7 0.8 8 0.6 9 0.5 10 0.4 >10 Difference in Levels Amount to be added to the higher level 0, 1 +3 2, 3 +2 4 - 9 +1 10 +

57. Health effects The risks of hearing loss are often ignored by workers due to: Hearing loss causes no pain The loss can occur gradually, so that exposed workers do not notice the loss until significant damage has occurred or is picked up during a hearing test Hearing loss is permanent & non-reversible

58. Auditory Health effects Temporary or permanent Hearing loss – prolonged exposure to noise Usually bilateral and symmetrical Young and older workers

59. Non-auditory effects Social isolation Impaired communication Decreased ability to monitor the work environment Increased injuries & poor health Anxiety & irritability Decreased self-esteem Lost productivity Expenses for worker’s compensation & hearing aids

60. Noise in the Workplace Is my workplace too loud? Is the noise intrusive? Raise voice to communicate Noisy tools / machinery Noisy industry Noise due to impacts Worker’s experience temporary hearing loss when leaving work

61. How loud is too loud? Occupational exposure standards for noise exposure can vary by country and state / region In Australia: L Aeq,8h of 85 dB(A) L C,peak of 140 dB(C) In New Zealand: L Aeq,8h of 85 dB(A) Lpeak of 140 dB

62. Allowable levels and daily duration Noise OEL = 85 dB(A) 3 dB(A) Exchange Rate Allowable Level dB(A) Maximum Permitted Daily Duration (hours) 94 1 91 2 88 4 85 8 82 16

63. Noise and accidents Elevated noise levels may result in higher accident rates due to: Unable to hear warning alarms Interfere with ability to hear safety instructions Distractive, hamper ability to focus

64. Hearing conservation program Identify Noise Hazards Exposure Monitoring Assessment and Corrective Actions Hazard Communication Training Periodic Review

65. Hearing conservation program Noise Measurement / Exposure Monitoring Noise Control Engineering / Administrative / PPE Hazard Communication Hearing Protection Devices Education and Training Health effects of noise Use, care and fit of hearing protection Procedures and policies Audiometric Testing Annual program review

66. Hearing conservation program Review work areas, processes and operations Observe workers and tasks completed during shift Identify areas in the workplace where high noise levels exist Identify workers that may be exposed Document assessments Identify Noise Hazards => Qualitative Assessment for Noise

67. Managing workplace exposure

68. Exposure monitoring Identify and monitor areas with high noise levels Identify employees who may be exposed to levels exceeding OEL

69. Exposure monitoring Identify areas with high noise levels Review equipment specs Review historical data Talk to workers Observe tasks Walk-through survey

70. Noise Measurement Map noise sources Note equipment on and off at the time of the survey

71. Exposure monitoring Area Noise Level Measurements: Indicate level of noise in the area at the time of the measurement Sound Level Meter (SLM) **NOTE – take more than one reading as sound levels may vary under different conditions

72. Exposure monitoring Personal Exposure Measurements Track exposure to noise over time Noise Dosimeter **NOTE – take more than one reading – sound levels may vary

73. Octave band analysis Assist in selecting the appropriate engineering controls to reduce noise levels

74. Assessment of occupational exposures Start Basic Characterisation Exposure Assessment Unacceptable Exposure Uncertain Acceptable Exposure Reassessment Control Further Information Gathering

75. Exposure monitoring Any employee exposed to the noise OEL or higher must be enrolled in the HCP Re-assess high level areas Each employee or, SEG dosimetry sampling Re-assess when significant change occurs Change of process Change of controls New piece of equipment

76. Similar exposure groups (SEGS) Identify workers to be included in Hearing Conservation SEG Track over time Set up recall for audiometric testing Noise monitoring results Hearing fit test results Training and education records

77. Similar exposure groups (SEGS) Eligibility Identification Enrollment Termination

78. Employee Notification Employees must be notified of their sample results in a timely manner Personal letters Posting results

79. equipment Care and maintenance of equipment Calibration before and after use Annual calibration: Certificates of calibration

80. Noise controls Hierarchy of controls

81. Engineered noise controls Noise can be reduced or eliminated by implementing engineering controls Substitution Modification Isolation Maintenance

82. Administrative noise controls Rotation Procedural changes

83. Control implementation All assessments conducted and actions taken should be documented: Monitoring data Controls PPE SEG enrollment Risk Assessments

84. Hearing protection devices Last option to control noise exposure Must be made available to employees Must be properly fitted and used Use must be enforced in required areas

85. Hearing protection devices Classification Method, Sound Level Conversation, & Octave Band Method Use the AS/NZS Classification Method when choosing hearing protectors Simple 5 class system Wearing time is important in obtaining protection, as well as comfort, fit, care, maintenance, and applicability to the work area, processes and tasks NOTE: Sound Level Conversion (SLC) rating was used until 2005.

86. As/NZS Class Hearing Protection LAeq,8h dB(A) Class SLC80 Less than 90 1 10 – 13 90 to < 95 2 14 – 17 95 to < 100 3 18 – 21 100 to < 105 4 22 – 25 105 to < 110 5 > 26 110 or greater Requires specialist advice (i.e. double hearing protection)

87. Training of the workforce Hazards and health effects of noise Control measures in place to reduce exposure Reasons for Hearing Fit Testing and Audiometric Testing Proper use of PPE Review of HCP Annual sessions

88. Hazard communication Areas above OEL - warning signs should be posted A noise hazard exists Hearing protection must be worn

89. Audiometric testing Ensures your program is effective Identify when hearing loss has occurred Baseline and annual audiograms Standard Threshold Shifts Provide education

90. Threshold shifts Temporary Threshold Shifts (TTS) Hearing returns to normal after time once removed from the source Permanent Threshold Shifts (PTS) Progresses constantly as exposure continues over time Standard Threshold Shifts (STS) >10 dB average loss in 2, 3, or 4 kHz in either ear Significant Threshold Shift Intervention

91. Record keeping Access to Records & Documents Risk Management Plan Hazard Identification and Hazard Control Assessments Exposure Measurements Hearing Protection Program Audiometric Test Records Document Retention Periods

92. Program Audit Annual review Effectiveness of program Each component of program Third party

93. BUY quiet Prevention initiative Purchase or rent quieter equipment and tools Encourages manufacturers to design quieter equipment Create a demand Buy Quiet

94. Buy quiet Different noise levels from different manufacturers – same equipment Manufacturer A 107 dB(A) Manufacturer B 96 dB(A)

95. Buy quiet Benefits: Reduce risk of hearing loss Reduce long-term costs of audiometric testing, PPE, workers compensation Comply with noise regulations Protect your workers

96. Buy quiet Implement a “Buy Quiet” program Educate buyers on NIHL Develop a Noise Buying Procedure Engineering noise controls should be considered in the design phase of new plant and processes Encourage buyers to seek out equipment with lower dBs Lobby manufacturers for quieter equipment

97. Summary Key to protecting your workers is to know the exposures Develop a “HCP” Educate your workforce Keep detailed records

98. Noise-induced hearing loss Causes no pain Causes no visible trauma Leaves no visible scars Is unnoticeable in its earliest stages Accumulates with every overexposure Takes years to notice a change Is Permanent & Preventable

99. To find out more about protecting your workers from noise induced hearing loss, follow this link