hearing-conservation-english

PresentationSTOP THAT NOISE!

STOP THAT NOISE!1

You only get one chance…1. Noise by Aneta Sedlakova. Courtesy of the Occupational safety poster Competition organised by the Central Institute for labour Protection – National Research Institute Poland.

PresentationSTOP THAT NOISE!

What’s the Problem? Exposure to excessive level of noise can cause permanent damage to the hearing known as Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) There is no cure for hearing loss and hearing aids are of limited benefit. Noise control at work place is a Legal requirement as per MD 10/94.

PresentationSTOP THAT NOISE!

What’s the Impact?Fatigue: Noise makes it difficult to concentrate.

Communication: - Make it harder to hear and correctly. - Mask the sound of alarms. - Causes the distraction. STRESS: - Can raise blood pressure. - Can cause tensions and headaches. - Can damage team work.

PresentationSTOP THAT NOISE!

How does Noise Affect Hearing? Ears contain hair-like protrusions (called Cilia) that wave to and fro in the presence of sound waves. Loud noise flattens the hair, like strong wind can flatten long grass.

PresentationSTOP THAT NOISE!

How does Noise Affects Hearing? After repeated or prolonged exposure to loud noise, the hair no longer recovers, it stays flattened. As more of the hair becomes permanently flattened, more hearing loss occurs. Once the damage is done, there is no way to ‘undo’ it. Your hearing is damaged for LIFE.5

PresentationSTOP THAT NOISE!

Who is at Risk?Anyone who is exposed to noise is potentially at risk. The higher the noise level, and the longer you are exposed to it, the more risk you have of suffering harm from the noise.

PresentationSTOP THAT NOISE!

Are You at Risk?140 Decibels Immediate danger to hearing Gunshot, Jet engine at take off.120 Decibels Risk of hearing damage in 7 mins. Rock concert, Sand blasting 110 Decibels Risk of hearing damage in 30 mins. Snowmobile from Drivers seat. 125 Decibels Pain threshold Fire cracker, air raid siren 115 Decibels Risk of hearing damage in 15 mins. Baby’s cry, Jet skies 105 Decibels Risk of hearing damage in 1 hr. Jack hammer, helicopter. 95 Decibels Risk of hearing damage in 4 hrs. Motorcycle, Power saw 85 Decibels Beginning of PDO regulations

100 Decibels Risk of hearing damage in 2 hrs. Chain saw, Stereo head phones 90 Decibels Risk of hearing damage in 8 hours Lawn mover, Truck traffic

Ref: Sight and Hearing Association USA

30 Decibels Faint Sound whisper

PresentationSTOP THAT NOISE!

Why is it Important To Act Now?Every day you are exposed to excessive noise and some damage is done to your ear’s hair cells. It may be gradual, painless, and invisible, but...the damage is very real, it is progressive, and it is permanent. However, it is preventable.

PresentationSTOP THAT NOISE!

What are PDO Standards? 80 to 85 dB(A) Hearing defenders offered

85 dB(A) Mapping & Sign posting.>85 dB(A) Hearing defenders enforced.

>115 dB(A) Exposure to steady noise not allowed.> 135 DB(A) Personnel shall not enter areas irrespective of duration or the use of hearing protectors. Max exposure allowed without hearing defenders< 85 dB(A) (LAeq) 8 hrs per day, 2000 hrs

per year

PresentationSTOP THAT NOISE!

Noise ControlsIdentify High Noise work Areas. Prepare noise maps. Display warning signs. Carry out Job Rotation.

- Provide hearing Protection. - Ensure it is used. - Communicate to the staff.10

PresentationSTOP THAT NOISE!

Hearing Test

This is done by an audiogram. Done during two yearly medical examination. Records are maintained.

PresentationSTOP THAT NOISE!

Final Thoughts

Hearing loss is permanent. Hearing loss is avoidable. Hearing protection is readily available for your use. Ask if in doubt. Protect your Hearing.12

PresentationSTOP THAT NOISE!

Test Your Knowledge

PresentationSTOP THAT NOISE!

Test your knowledge.1. Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) has no signs of pain. True/False

2. Noise levels are measured in Decibels? True/False3. How noise effects your hearing depends on how old you are? True/False 4. Exposure to 85 dB(A) or more over an 8 hour workday can mean risk of hearing loss. True/False. 5. Type of hearing protection you wear depends on comfort. True/False.14

PresentationSTOP THAT NOISE!

Test your knowledge6. Proper hearing protection can reduce the incoming noise levels. True/False 7. If you have to shout to talk to someone who is just 2 or 3 feet away, the noise level at your work place is probably more than 85 dB(A). True/False. 8. Best method to measure hearing problem is by conducting audiometry test. True/FalseAnswer keys: True, 2. True 3. False Intensity and duration is what affects Your hearing. 4. True 5. False. The type depends upon noise and Jobs you do. 6. True. 7. True. 8 True