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Hearing Protection

This document discusses hearing protection and OSHA standards for noise exposure. It notes that prolonged exposure to noise levels above 90 dBA can cause hearing loss. It recommends using hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, when exposed to noise levels over 90 dBA for periods of 8 hours or more. However, some workers resist wearing protection because they are uncomfortable or workers think they don't need it. The document stresses that hearing loss occurs gradually and irreversibly, so protection is important. It provides tips for ensuring hearing protection fits correctly and signs that indicate a need for hearing protection.

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Robby Irmawan
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111 views1 page

Hearing Protection

This document discusses hearing protection and OSHA standards for noise exposure. It notes that prolonged exposure to noise levels above 90 dBA can cause hearing loss. It recommends using hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, when exposed to noise levels over 90 dBA for periods of 8 hours or more. However, some workers resist wearing protection because they are uncomfortable or workers think they don't need it. The document stresses that hearing loss occurs gradually and irreversibly, so protection is important. It provides tips for ensuring hearing protection fits correctly and signs that indicate a need for hearing protection.

Uploaded by

Robby Irmawan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SAFETY MEETING TOPIC:

Hearing Protection

OSHA Standard: 1910.95 Hearing Protection

Noise is unwanted sound that can effect job performance, safety, and your health. Psychological effects of noise include
annoyance and disruption of concentration. Physical effects include loss of hearing, pain, nausea, and interference with
communications when the exposure is severe.

Noise levels are measured in decibels (dBA). Normal conversation ranges between 60-65 dBAs. Decibels are measured on a scale
like the one for earthquakes. So as the decibels increase only slightly, the noise increases dramatically. Seventy-three decibels is
twice as loud as seventy. OSHA has standards that say how long you can be exposed to a particular noise level, before hearing
protection is required.

Allowed to be unprotected At this noise level


Up to 8 hours 90 dBA
Up to 4 hours 95 dBA
Up to 1 hour 105 dBA

Hearing protection is essential when noise exposures can't be controlled at their source or sufficient distance cannot be achieved
between you and the source. Both earplugs and earmuffs provide a physical barrier that reduces inner ear noise levels inner ear
and prevent hearing loss from occurring. However, people often resist wearing these or use them incorrectly.

Employees resist wearing hearing protection more than any other type of personal protective equipment. One reason is, they
don't think they really need it. But hearing loss occurs so gradually (even in intense exposures) that by the time you notice it,
irreversible damage has already occurred. Another reason for not wearing hearing protection is that it can feel uncomfortable.
Sometimes workers "spring" the muffs so they don't seal properly against the head, or snip off the inner portion of ear plugs
leaving only the outer end to fool their supervisor. If you feel the need to do this, see your supervisor about obtaining a different
type or style that fits you correctly and comfortably.

Slight initial discomfort may be expected when a good seal between the surface of the skin and the surface of the ear protector is
made. The amount of protection you obtain depends on obtaining a good seal and even a small leak can substantially reduce the
effectiveness of the protector. Remember to check the seal several times each day. Protectors - especially ear plugs - have a
tendency to work loose as a result of talking or chewing, and must be resealed occasionally.

Properly designed, fitted, and clean ear protectors will cause no more discomfort to most workers than wearing a pair of safety
glasses. Earplugs are made of soft material such a neoprene to prevent injury to the ear canal. Skin irritations, injured eardrums,
or other adverse reactions from using ear plugs are very rare if they are kept reasonably clean.

Some signs that you should be wearing hearing protection include:

1. If you have to raise your voice for someone 3 feet away to hear you, the site is too noisy and you need hearing protection.
You need hearing protection also if you’re operating on or near noisy equipment.

2. If you have roaring or ringing noises in your ears at the end of the workday, you are probably being exposed to too much
noise.

3. If speech or music sounds muffled to you after you leave work, but it sounds fairly clear in the morning when you return to
work, you are being exposed to noise levels that are causing a temporary hearing loss. In time, this can become permanent if
you do not take care.

Provided by: Hellman & Associates, Inc., www.ehscompliance.com, 303-384-9828


The information provided is intended for instructional use only and may not reflect the complete compliance requirements as
outlined by OSHA or other regulatory agencies.

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