Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.
-
Upload
janessa-silverstone -
Category
Documents
-
view
222 -
download
3
Transcript of Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.
![Page 1: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Noise at Work
Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the
University of Sheffield
![Page 2: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Scope of the Problem In the UK there are
over 170,000 people with significant work-related hearing damage
14,200 are serious enough affected to receive disablement benefit
![Page 3: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Noise is an ancient problem!
Roman poets complained about the racket of iron cart-wheels on the cobbles
![Page 4: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
What is noise? Unpleasant or
unwanted sound When unwanted noise
gets loud enough It is unpleasant It is distracting It is tiring & stressful Higher levels cause
permanent hearing damage
![Page 5: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Likelihood of Damage
Depends mainly on: Volume (loudness) Frequency (pitch) Exposure time
Can be work exposure, social exposure or both
![Page 6: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Damage can include: Temporary
hearing loss hearing returns
after a short period away from noise
Permanent hearing loss
Permanent damage or destruction of hair cells in the ears.
Hearing cannot be restored
![Page 7: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Signs of developing hearing loss
Inability to hear soft or high pitched sounds
Trouble understanding conversation at a distance or in a crowd
Ringing in the ears Others can hear
something you can’t
![Page 8: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
There is no cure for hearing damage!
Normal hearing can never be restored
Hearing aids do not restore noise-damaged hearing
At best, they help the person a little
![Page 9: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Frequency of Sound
Infra- Normal Ultra-
Sound Sound Sound
![Page 10: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Noise Levels
Ear is most sensitive to normal frequency sound
The dBA scale takes this into account when measuring noise levels
![Page 11: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Measurement of Noise Loudness is measured in decibels
170 dB Jet airliner120 dB Riveting hammer110 dB Shouting loudly 70 dB Street sounds 38 dB Quiet bedroomThis is a logarithmic scale – an increase
of 1dB means about 30% more noise
![Page 12: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
What Law applies?
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (Commencement date April 2006 except for music industry)
The Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974
![Page 13: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Risk Assessment Observe procedures Refer to standard
data If necessary,
measure noise levels
Compare with action levels
Identify control measures
![Page 14: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Action and Limit Values Lower action value (LAV)
80dBA – 8hrs Peak – 135dBA Upper action value (UAV)
85dBA – 8hrs Peak – 137dBA Exposure limit value (ELV)
87dBA – 8hrs Peak – 140dBA Can take account of hearing
protection
![Page 15: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
If your average daily exposure is over 80dB(A) The employer
must: Inform you of the
risks to your hearing from noise and how you can reduce those risks
Make hearing protective equipment available
![Page 16: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Your employer must: Try to reduce noise at
source Provide hearing protection
& insist on its useinsist on its use Identify & sign ear
protection zones Conduct noise assessments
& keep records of them Provide hearing checks if
requested
If your average daily exposure is over 85dB(A)
![Page 17: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
If your average daily exposure is over 87dB(A)
This is a maximum & must not be exceeded
Noise to the ear must be reduced Preferably at
source Otherwise by
hearing protection
![Page 18: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Control of Noise
Preferably eliminate or reduce it at source eg Maintenance &
lubrication Anti-vibration mounting Sound absorbing
materials Enclosure Reducing exposure time
![Page 19: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Hearing protectionEar Plugs Must be kept clean
(many are single use) Must be put in properly
(there is a special technique)
Generally comfortable to wear especially in hot weather
![Page 20: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Hearing protection
Canal Caps Like in-ear ear plugs on a headband Pleasant to wear Often do not completely seal in the
ear Generally not a good idea for >85dB
for prolonged periods
![Page 21: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Hearing protectionEar Muffs Must fit snugly – one size
fits most people Generally very effective if
worn properly – beware of glasses
Tend to be uncomfortable in hot weather
Special types available eg. for wearing safety helmets, for workers near high voltage
Can be shared but cleaning routine required
![Page 22: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Hearing protection The effectiveness of hearing
protection varies according to type, manufacture and correct wearing.
Most will reduce noise at the ear by about 15 - 20dBA
Don’t over-protect or warnings may not be audible
![Page 23: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Hearing protection
Ensure it is suitable for the job
Regular maintenance & record keeping required
Home-made protectors don’t work (eg cotton wool)
Wear it when you are supposed to – you MUST BY LAW
![Page 24: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Hearing protection
Try to limit your time in noisy areas Remember the
effect is cumulative
![Page 25: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Hearing protection
Protect your hearing in a social context too eg:
Loud music Personal stereos Car entertainment
DIY & garden tools
![Page 26: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Don’t take noise for granted!
Hearing damage creeps up on you
Once it has happened, there is no cure
![Page 27: Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield.](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022062404/551bfcdc550346ad4f8b4a0a/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Further Advice? Contact Safety Services The Health & Safety Executive
have a useful leaflet which can be found:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg362.pdf