Page 54 - OHS, October 2020

HEARING PROTECTION
In deciding how to minimize hearing loss amongst your workforce, employers should perform a three-step process in order to best determine how to mitigate potential hazards and implement safety protocol.
noted, that in order to determine accurate noise measurements, the measurements should be performed by a qualified professional such as a Certified Industrial Hygienist, Certified Safety Professional or other qualified health and safety professional.
When levels exceed 85 dBA as an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA), OSHA requires employers to institute a hearing conservation program. For the general industry, the Federal OSHA Standard on Occupational Noise Exposure is 29 CFR 1910.95. It sets the permissible exposure limit (PEL) at 90dBA as an 8-hour time weighted average TWA with an action level at 85 dBA.
Step 3—Control the Problem
Controlling the problem can be accomplished by using administrative controls, engineering controls, hearing protection devices or some sort of combination. Generally accepted practice dictates that administrative and engineering controls be exhausted before hearing protection is used. However, if neither administrative controls nor engineering controls can reduce the
noise level below the limit, hearing protection must be worn and employees should receive training on how to properly use the protection. There are many situations when the only practical means of noise control is through the use of hearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
The use of hearing protectors can preserve an employee’s hearing when noise cannot be engineered out of the workplace. Choosing the right hearing protector requires careful consideration.
Many types of hearing protectors are available to meet employee needs in terms of both compliance and user acceptance. For example, earplugs have varying NRR’s for different situations and come in many different colors and shapes. Selecting an appropriate device that does not overprotect the user can alleviate concerns about not being able to hear warnings and fellow employees. Adequate training and allowing the employee to get used to the device can also help.
Bands and earmuffs on the other hand can be useful in situations that require the employee to periodically leave a noisy environment, thus causing the employee to remove the device severaltimesthroughouttheday.Iftheemployeehastoweara hearing protector for extended periods of time, earplugs are often preferred.Theyarecomfortableandrequirelittlemaintenance.
Employers should also consider how the hearing protector interacts with other personal protective equipment such as hard hats, eye protection and welding hoods.
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