Noise induced hearing loss in Humans.pptx

The effect of Noise on humans earing ability

1. Noise Induced Hearing Loss April 2012 Abu Dhabi

2. Toolbox presentation: How can we stop noise damaging hearing Why is protecting our hearing important? Terminology and setting the scene Signs of NIHL How much noise Managing noise PPE NIHL = noise-induced hearing loss Overview Frank Higgins - HSE Manager

3. Impacts of Noise Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Recognising NIHL Everyone appears to be mumbling Can’t hear conversations at home or work May misinterpret what many people say Have to ask people to repeat what they said – then they yell Consequences Hearing loss is insidious and irreversible Affects quality of life and is extremely isolating Increased opportunity for miscommunication (potential for poor outcomes)

4. Best Practice Elements Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Attitude Accurate diagnosis and costing of the options Simple engineering solutions to common problems Fans P neumatics Damping Isolation Buy Quiet purchasing policy This approach can produce noise control measures that actually improve productivity and reduce costs - in contrast to reliance on conventional enclosures and acoustic guarding.

5. Noise Frank Higgins - HSE Manager The noise levels are described in decibels (dB ) They can not be added or subtracted in the usual arithmetic way because the dB scale is logarithmic Two identical tools emitting noise of 90 dB(A) produce the combined noise level of 93 dB(A), not 180 dB(A ) 3 dB(A) increase corresponds to a doubling of sound energy 10 dB(A) increase corresponds to a 10 times increase of the sound energy 20 dB(A) increase corresponds to a 100 times increase of the sound energy

6. What Is Noise Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Noise is created when an object vibrates Air is compressed and expanded forming waves These varying pressure waves travel outward from source in all directions Noise waves have frequency and amplitude Frequency is measure of waves/sec Amplitude is the height of wave from trough Excessive noise can be damaging

7. Effects On Human Hearing Frank Higgins - HSE Manager We actually hear with our brains, not our ears Hair cells send impulses to brain Hair cells are extremely delicate Damage to hair cells can result in hearing loss Threshold shift-several hours Trauma-permanent Noise induced-gradually become permanent

8. Effects On Human Health Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Be a Disturbance Sleep-effect performance Workplace-lack of productivity Cause Stress Blood pressure / heart rate rise May cause cardiovascular diseases Due to both high and low levels of noise Has been linked to excessive use of alcohol, drugs, food Have also been linked to immune depression and problems with fetus development

9. Humans : Psychological Effects Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Annoyance-noise is uncontrollable Anxiety Aggression Depression Effect working conditions Effect social interaction

10. Noise Levels Frank Higgins - HSE Manager

11. Occupational Noise Standards Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Noise exposure — 85 dB(A) for 8 hours Peak noise level — 140 dB( lin ) If you can’t hear speech one metre from source then background noise is too loud – exceeds 85 dB(A)

12. Industrial Noise Levels - Operator Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Noise Source (Based on Industry Average) Noise Range dB(A) Haulage Truck 80 – 89 Dozer 82 – 85 Impact Wrench 97 - 103 Angle Grinder 92 - 106 Cement Mill 100 - 110

13. Sources – Noise Hazards Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Quarrying Angle grinding Ball mills Mobile plant Drilling causes greater high impact noise Impact Wrenches Pneumatic Drills

14. Sources – Noise Hazards Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Aerodynamic Fans Flow induced P neumatics i. nozzles ii. Exhausts C ombustion Mechanical Impacts i. Presses ii. Mechanical Handling Rotating Equipment i. Gears, Pump Motors ii. Bearings iii. Electrical Forces Friction Tools i. Cutting Tools, Brakes

15. Noise Control Audit Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Objectives • assess the noise control options across the company using the best of current technology • generate cost v noise reduction trade-offs for each item of noisy plan t • plan the most practical and cost effective noise control programm possible across the company The results of the Audit also take into account factors such as hygiene • access / maintenance • productivity There are several instances where implementing noise control measures will improve productivity and reduce costs - in contrast to conventional enclosures and acoustic guarding.

16. Noise Control Is Not ……… Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Noise control is an engineering problem that should be solved by engineering means, in particular through noise control at source. Effective noise control must be based on an accurate diagnosis and not on assumptions All the options must be considered, not just the conventional high cost palliatives of enclosures and silencers. These techniques should only be used where it can be proved that there is no engineering alternative.

17. Noise Control Audit Steps Frank Higgins - HSE Manager List all the potential noise sources on each piece of noisy plant Rank the sources Assess all the noise control options for the dominant source potential reduction in noise from this source operational , productivity, hygiene constraints operator acceptance cost If engineering control is not practical for the dominant source, then you have proved that screening / enclosure etc are the only options The results are used to generate cost v noise reduction trade-offs for each item of noisy plant and to plan the most practical and cost effective noise control program possible across the company.

18. Engineering Noise Control: Added Benefits Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Reduced Maintenance and Running Costs elimination of some existing enclosures - improved access; design-in features to reduce down-time Off-set against Maintenance Costs maintenance carried out as part of noise control implementation, off- setting noise control costs against maintenance Hygiene and Cleaning Upgrading materials / eliminating hygiene problems due to poor design Improved Productivity Noise control improved design modifications can increase productivity

19. Risk Factors Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Duration and frequency of exposure Tasks involving repetitive or sustained exposure to noise Peak noise Tasks with sudden loud noise (acoustic shock) Communication requirements Tasks that require communication between or to and from workers in noisy places

20. Addressing Risk Factors Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Employer’s responsibility to reduce noise as much as possible (ALARP) – assess workplace noise, develop and implement noise control plan Employee’s responsibility to comply with noise management procedures Control measures developed by consultative process Role of safety and health representatives

21. Hierarchy of controls Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Elimination Substitution Isolation Engineering Administrative PPE Ultimate aim of risk management is elimination of hazards, and PPE is used as a last resort More than one measure may be used to reduce exposure to hazard

22. Noise Hazards - Controls Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Undertake noise surveys of all equipment under usual operating conditions Noise footprint of equipment – show which parts should be avoided on a laminated A4 sheet Implement engineer controls prior to commissioning equipment Appropriate PPE can be supplied based on noise survey Consulting employees on their preferences on fit and comfort will improve their effectiveness as they will be used properly

23. Noise Reduction Measures Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Design options – do it right from the start ‘Buy Quiet’ programs – look for good noise and vibration characteristics Workshop layout Doubling distance from noise will halve noise level received by ear Substitution , isolation and engineering options Use damping materials and sound barriers Change activity (e.g. reduce fan speed)

24. Hearing Protection - Considerations Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Chosen for task – beware under- and over-protection issues Fit tested – wearer to be trained in use & care Provide information and instruction Maintained – and replaced as necessary Worn before entering noisy area – and left on Used correctly Address communication issues – workers should not be removing protection in noisy areas to talk to each other or speak on radios or phones Re-usable Disposable

25. Hearing Protection Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Effectiveness of SNR (Single Number Rating) of 30 dB for an exposure time of one hour – Noise in Mills 110 -30dB from ear protection = 80dB If earmuff removed or lifted to speak to fellow worker for total of 5 minutes in the one hour period, effective attenuation is 11 dB ! SNR Ratings are available for all types of Ear Defenders & Ear Plugs

26. Practical Frank Higgins - HSE Manager Demonstrations Correct Way to Insert & Wear Hearing Protection Maintenance of Hearing Protection

27. Test Frank Higgins - HSE Manager