Hearing Protection Training PART 2 – THE SOLUTION © Copyright SHS 2006.

HearingProtectionTraining

HearingProtectionTraining

PART 2 – THE PART 2 – THE SOLUTIONSOLUTION

© Copyright SHS 2006

How can you isolate the hazards?How can you isolate the hazards?

Step 1:Step 1: Identify the hazard

Step 2:Step 2: Remove or reduce the hazard

Step 3:Step 3: Wear personal protective equipment

When it comes to the point thathearing protectors are requiredWhen it comes to the point thathearing protectors are required

Understand your options Ensure proper fit & compatibility, Are suitable for the task and hazard Are compatible with other PPE Comply with the applicable AS/NZS Standard Are inspected and cleaned regularly Feedback: Regular (2yrs) audiometric testing

ChecklistChecklist

CompatibilityCompatibility

Other PPE Earplugs Ear Bands or

Caps

Headband

Earmuffs

Neckband

Cap-attach

Half/ Full- Face Respirator

Hood Respirator

Helmet Respirator

Safety Cap

Safety Glasses/ Goggles

Faceshield

Wearing Gloves

Hearing ProtectionHearing Protection

earmuffs

earplugs

ear bands or caps

Types of Hearing ProtectionTypes of Hearing Protection

There are three types of hearing protection – ear muffs, earplugs and ear bands or caps.

Ear muffs and earplugs provide about equal protection, ear bands somewhat less.


Types of Hearing ProtectorsTypes of Hearing Protectors

Cotton doesn’t work!!

All hearing protectors are designed to reduce the intensity (loudness) of noise to the inner ear.

They work much better than wads of cotton or bits of cloth placed in the ear.

All three types have advantages and disadvantages and people vary on which they prefer to use.

AS/ NZS Standards Rating SystemAS/ NZS Standards Rating System

Types of Hearing ProtectorsTypes of Hearing Protectors

The SLC80 is derived from a hearing protector’s octave band analysis and includes a correction to ensure that 80% of wearers obtain the stated degree of protection.

SLC80 #– Assigned protection factor for 8 hours

Sound Level Conversion (SLC80)

AS/NZS Standards Rating SystemAS/NZS Standards Rating System

Class, SLC 80 system, exposure. Class, SLC 80 system, exposure.

ClassClass 85dB(A)85dB(A) rangerange

11 >90>90 10-13dB10-13dB

22 90<9590<95 14-17dB14-17dB

33 95<10095<100 18-21dB18-21dB

44 100<105100<105 22-25dB22-25dB

55 105<110105<110 26+ dB26+ dB

Understanding Attenuation DataUnderstanding Attenuation Data

Frequency

125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000

SLC80

Class

Mean (or average)

28.7 34.6 42.1 39.1 42.1 50.7 39.9

Std Dev. (variation

around average)

5.4 5.4 5.9 7.7 4.7 4.1 4.7 30 5

Mean SD 23.3 29.2 36.2 31.4 37.4 46.6 35.2

Australian Standards Rating SystemAustralian Standards Rating System

Some practical applicationsSome practical applications

We will use the noise hazards we discussed earlier in your work

place as examples.

Measure Noise level = A -

Safe level for Shift = B

C

Equals SLC80 rating required = C


Earplugs are designed to fit into the ear canal and are made of foam, rubber or plastic, corded or cordless and are either one-size-fits-all or have size options.

Some are disposable, some are reusable.

They are lightweight, and require no maintenance.

They are inserted into the ear canal.Note: Ear plugs generally have lower attenuation than earmuffs and require re-fitting several times a day to maintain protection

Ear PlugsEar Plugs

Fitting Disposable Ear PlugsFitting Disposable Ear Plugs

3Pull ear upward

& outward to insert

2Compress earplug

by rolling it tightly

1Normal

Fit CheckFit Check

Earplug incorrectly inserted Earplug correctly inserted

Earplugs not well inserted into the ear canal will not provide complete protection

Inserting Foam EarplugsInserting Foam Earplugs


Ear bands are like earplugs, except they do not go into the ear canal, they only block it.

They are good for occasional use or for people who find earplugs uncomfortable.

They are not as protective as earplugs or muffs.

Ear BandsEar Bands

Care of Ear PlugsCare of Ear Plugs

Disposable ear plugsDisposable ear plugsDispose of the disposable ear plugs after use.

Reusable ear plugsReusable ear plugsWash the reusable ear plugs with warm soapy

water and dry thoroughly.Check regularly for cracks, shrinkage,

hardening, tearing or permanent deformities.Dispose of plugs if any signs of wear are

noticed.

Store ear plugs in a carry caseStore ear plugs in a carry case


Earmuffs cover the whole ear and are preferred by many people.

They have replaceable pads and some high-tech styles filter out specific noise pitches.

They last longer than plugs and are more likely to be fitted correctly.

Ear MuffsEar Muffs


Some earmuffs are attached to hardhats visors or brow guards.

Others are headband and neck band styles

Some high-tech earmuffs can filter out certain frequencies or have radios inside for communication in high noise areas. These are called level dependant or active muffs and electronic communication earmuffs.

Ear Muffs AccessoriesEar Muffs Accessories


Earmuffs can be less comfortable in very hot weather. Remember you can use sweat absorbing cushions

When wearing spectacles check cushion seal for best results

Earmuffs do require some maintenance. Cushions must be replaced every 6 months (AS/NZS1269.3:2005) to ensure the seal and acoustics are maintained. These kits are called Hygiene kits

Ear Muff Comfort and FitEar Muff Comfort and Fit

How do you properly fit earmuffs?How do you properly fit earmuffs?

HeadbandHeadband

Position earmuffs over the ears. Adjust height of cups

while holding headband down to fit.

Headband should sit straight on the head.

How do you properly fit earmuffs?How do you properly fit earmuffs?

NeckbandNeckband

Position earmuffs over the ears with the band

behind the neck.

Adjust height of cups with the head strap for a

tight, comfortable fit.

Fitting Safety CapFitting Safety Cap

1Insert headband into slots until it snaps in place

2‘Working’ or ‘In Use’ position

3‘Storage’ or

‘Parking’ position

How do you replace earmuff cushions? How do you replace earmuff cushions?

Replace with new parts.

Pull off ear cushion and

remove absorber.

Snap into place and press

firmly.

Care of Ear MuffsCare of Ear Muffs

Wash with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.

Check regularly for cracks, shrinkage, hardening, or permanent deformities.

Replace cushions and linings every six months or if any signs of wear are noticed.

Store ear muffs in a carry case

Ear MuffsEar Muffs

UniSafe Hearing ProtectionUniSafe Hearing Protection

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Plugs, & band

Zone series - Industrial -colour coded performance

UniTuneAM/FMTrades

Common QuestionsCommon Questions

Do HPD’s inhibit communication?

Do hearing aids work like a HPD?

Can portable music devices harm my hearing?

How is hearing tested?

If you wear a muff and a plug combined what sort of additional protection does it give?


How can you hear anything with Ear Muffs on?

How can you hear anything with Ear Muffs on?

Using earmuffs or plugs in noisy areas can make it easier to hear coworkers or machinery.

They reduce overwhelming loud background noise.

To help achieve this , it is critical to get the selection process right, and not over attenuate. The other alternative is “active” hearing protection products.


Hearing Aids are not Hearing ProtectionHearing Aids are not Hearing Protection

Hearing aids do not block out enough sound for most workplace noise.

Some hearing aids can actually increase the noise level at the ear.

Just turning off the hearing aids will not prevent further hearing loss from noise exposure.


Portable Radios/CD/MP3 PlayersPortable Radios/CD/MP3 Players

DO NOT provide protection from noise.

The earphones are not earmuffs and the music only adds to background other noise.

These products are often measure to >95+ decibels alone.

Audiometric TestingAudiometric Testing

What is Audiometric Testing?What is Audiometric Testing?

“Audiometric testing” is the same thing as “hearing tests”.

It is done by trained technicians to detect any hearing loss.

Audiometric testing is required by regulation and is recommended every 2 years


Purpose of Audiometric TestingPurpose of Audiometric Testing

Most of us develop a mild hearing loss as we age, especially in the higher pitches.

A severe or significant hearing loss at a younger age may mean you have had excessive noise exposure.

Audiometric testing done yearly /bi-yearly can detect early stages of hearing loss.


Purpose of Audiometric TestingPurpose of Audiometric Testing

If the hearing protection in use is adequate,

If there is a change in noise exposure,

If there is a medical condition of the ear unrelated to noise exposure.

Audiometric testing results can be used to check the following:


How does Audiometric Testing work?How does Audiometric Testing work?

When you are first hired, a baseline test is taken.

The testing is repeated every year after that and compared to the baseline test result.

If a hearing loss is detected, you will be referred to a doctor or audiologist.

Combining Ear Muffs and PlugsCombining Ear Muffs and Plugs

According to the national acoustic laboratory (March 1998) and AS/NZS 1269:2005:

The overall effect is 3-5dB One of our earmuffs & plug combined:

Frequency

125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000

SLC80

Class

Mean 28.7 34.6 42.1 39.1 42.1 50.7 39.9

Std Dev. 5.4 5.4 5.9 7.7 4.7 4.1 4.7 36 5

Mean SD 23.3 29.2 36.2 31.4 37.4 46.6 35.2

Noise QuizNoise Quiz

Stay Tuned for the final installment the Noise Quiz.

Hearing Protection Training PART 2 – THE SOLUTION © Copyright SHS 2006.

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Transcript of Hearing Protection Training PART 2 – THE SOLUTION © Copyright SHS 2006.