Effective Hearing Protection

Transcription

1 Agenda Effective Hearing Protection The Basics Introduction Noise Reduction Rating Hearing Protector Requirements Types of Hearing Protectors Timothy A. Swisher, MA, CCC-A HEARING SAFETY Pittsburgh, PA Fitting Tips Fit Testing

2 Introduction Noise induced hearing loss is the most common permanent and preventable occupational injury in the world (Source: World Health Organization). Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL)is( the most common occupational injury in the United States (Source: NIOSH). Introduction Elements of the Effective Hearing Conservation Program (CAOHC) Noise Measurement Noise Controls Audiometric Testing Hearing Protection Employee Training Record Keeping Program Evaluation

3 Introduction Rule of thumb Introduction Hearing protection used to be simple when standing one arm-length away from another person, If you must SHOUT to be understood over background noise that background noise is HAZARDOUS.

4 Noise e Reduction Rating (NRR) Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) A laboratory estimate of the amount of attenuation intended to help consumers choose a protector, when properly fit REAL WORLD VS LABORATORY ATTENUATION VARIOUS EARPLUGS AND MUFFS A population-based rating some users will get more attenuation, some will get less. The NRR is only a population estimate, not a predictor of individual attenuation Ultra Fit E-A-R Foam V-51R Triple Flange Laboratory Custom Molded Sound-Ban Real World MSA Mk IV Hellberg No Noise Bilsom UF-1 Peltor H9A

5 Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) Noise Level = 100 dba NRR = 30 db How much noise is reaching the inner ear of the worker? OSHA NRR - 50% Noise Reduction Rating De-Rating Methods MSHA FRA Earmuffs NRR 20% Formable Earplugs NRR 40% NIOSH Earmuffs NRR 25% Formable Earplugs NRR 50% That is completely unknown All Other Earplugs NRR 60% All Other Earplugs NRR 70%

6 Noise Reduction Rating EARPLUG Dual Protection + EARMUFF = Example: Earplug = NRR 33 Earmuff = NRR 25 Total Maximum NRR = 38 db DUAL PROTECTION For extreme noise environments, dual protection is often recommended ended to estimate the protected noise level, add 5 db to the higher NRR HPD Regulatory Requirements OSHA Optional for > 85 dba TWA. Mandatory for > 90 dba TWA. Mandatory for employees demonstrating STS. Variety must be offered 2 protectors of different types. Subtract NRR from dbc level to estimate amount of protection (seldom used). -77 db adjustment from NRR when using dba level to estimate amount of protection. Recommends 50% derating for field attenuation. For dual protection add 5 db to the field adjusted NRR. Required topic during employee training. Employer must ensure proper fit and supervise correct usage.

7 HPD Regulatory Requirements MSHA Optional for > 85 dba TWA. Mandatory for > 90 dba TWA. (same as OSHA) Mandatory for employees demonstrating STS. (same as OSHA) Dual protection (muffs/plugs) required for exposures > 105 dba TWA. Variety of choices must include 2 plugs and 2 muffs. Consider NRR and comfort/fit. Required topic during employee training. Employer must supervise usage. HPD Regulatory Requirements FRA Optional for > 85 dba TWA. Mandatory for > 90 dba TWA. (same as OSHA) Mandatory for employees demonstrating STS. (same as OSHA)..but shall consider an employee s s ability to understand and respond to communications and audible warnings. Variety of suitable HPD with range of attenuation levels. Always use NRR with -77 db correction and dba, and either derate by type (muffs 20%, formable plugs 40%, other plugs 60%), or use Method B data, or make objective measures. Required topic during employee training. Employer must supervise usage.

8 HPD Regulatory Requirements NIOSH Mandatory for > 85 dba TWA. Must protect to 85 dba. Dual protection recommended at exposures >100 dba TWA. Offer variety. Best Practice Derate muffs 25%, slow recovery plugs 50%, other plugs 70%. Required topic during employee training. Recommend employer/employee monitoring. Hearing Protectors Ear plugs Ear Muffs Semi Aurals (semi inserts, canal caps) Hearing protection is provided by the employer Should provide an air tight seal

9 Hearing Protectors - Ear Plugs General Characteristics Hearing Protectors - Ear Plugs General Characteristics (cont d) Variable attenuation. Cords and cases available. Very dependent on good fitting procedures. Can be difficult in intermittent noise areas. Some types may tend to work loose. May be more difficult to monitor usage. Insertion type devices. Cooler in hot weather. Made in variety of shapes, sizes, materials. Often more comfortable than other types. May, or may not, be the least expensive. Good for confined locations. Compatible with other types of safety gear.

10 Hearing Protectors - Ear Plugs Premolded / Reusable PRO Flexible and durable-made to be reused Detectability available Have tab or handle for ease with insertion/removal CON Must be kept clean Sizing may be an issue Easier to lose Need periodic inspection for dirt/cracks/hardness/damage Hearing Protectors - Ear Plugs Hand Formed/Roll Down PRO Very comfortable for extended use. Generally can fit all size ears. Can provide highest levels of attenuation. Disposable. CON Attenuation highly dependent upon good fit. Hygiene issues in dirty environments. Disposable (can be among the most expensive) not bio-degradable.

11 Hearing Protectors Hybrid Ear Plugs PRO Easy to fit sizing not a big issue. Have tab or handle for ease with insertion/removal convenient with gloved or dirty hand. CON Must be kept clean (if reused). More expensive than foam type. Hearing Protectors - Ear Plugs Custom PRO Durable and reusable. Custom made for individual ears and individual employees. May be easier to insert effectively. Situation appropriate filtering and detectability available. Can solve fitting problems. Employees may have more personal attachment. Radio /electronic options available. CON Initial cost expensive. Ear impression must be made by skillful individual.

12 Hearing Protectors Semi-Aurals Aurals/Inserts/Caps/Bands PRO Very convenient for intermittent noise. Readily available (around neck) when not in use. Ear pods usually can be replaced. CON May have lower attenuation than other types. Some noise transmission through band. Occlusion effect noticeable. Earmuffs PRO Easy to get proper fit, more consistent attenuation than earplugs. Good for intermittent noise. Radio & electronic options available. Cushions may be replaced. Compatible with other PPE. Easy to monitor usage. Can be used for dual protection. CON Can feel hot/heavy with extended wear. Constant headband tension.

13 Special Protectors Level Dependent Protectors Allow low/moderate levels of sound to enter the ear while attenuating high levels. Active - Use electronic circuitry for noise cancellation. Passive - Use holes/valves to attenuate high noise levels. Communication Headsets Designed for radio communication and noise attenuation. Fitting Tips General procedures for Ear Plugs 1. Prepare the ear plug. Reusable plugs- firmly hold handle. Hand formed roll down the plug. 2. Open the ear canal. 3. Insert the plug in the canal.

14 Fitting Tips Hand formed/roll down plugs Should be rolled to compress before inserting in ear canal. Smashing or twisting is not effective. Must be held with finger while plugs expands in canal. At least 2/3 must left in canal. Fitting Tips Visual Check The largest flange should close off the ear canal opening. Tug test is helpful. After expansion plug should sit well inside the ear canal and not stick out.

15 Fitting Tips Acoustical Check Cup hands over ears and release. Earplugs should block enough noise so that covering your ears with hands should not result in a significant noise difference. 1. Place earcups over each outer ear. Fitting Tips Muffs 2. Adjust the headband by sliding the headband up or down at the attachment buttons. 3. The ear cushions should seal firmly against the head.

16 Attenuation is significantly impacted by thick-framed eyewear. Fitting Tips Muffs Fitting Tips Semi-Aurals Aurals/Semi-Inserts/Caps/Bands With headband either under the chin or behind the head, ensure that tips (or pods) are well-seated in ear canal opening.

17 Fitting Tips Training is Essential Fitting Tips Hearing Protection Selection Factors Comfort Size Hygiene Communication Noise Reduction Job Requirements Use with Other PPE

18 Fitting Tips Common Objections to Wearing HPDs Fitting Tips Hearing protectors are uncomfortable. Won t I get an ear infection? Choosing a protector with an NRR higher than necessary may result in overprotection I don t need them! I ll get used to the noise. I already lost some of my hearing, so why should I wear them? I can t hear my co-workers if I wear them. Can I hurt my eardrums if I insert an earplug to deeply. Verbal communication may be hindered. Warning alarms may not be heard. Machine noises may be too diminished. HPD may be removed. My machine sounds different. I can always get fit with a hearing aid.

19 Provides an accurate, real-world picture of the employees hearing protector effectiveness. Beneficial for: Getting the right protection Need additional training Need different protector Random field sampling of protector Documentation of protector training. Fit Testing As a problem solver: Derating Schemes One-on on-one Training HPD Selection NRR PAR Personnel Attenuation Rating Fit Testing Definitions REAT Real Ear Attenuation at Threshold. The difference between the two sets of measurements, called (REAT), is an estimate of the protection provided by the ear plugs for the individual and the HPD fit under test. Loudness Balance -Loudness balance is a subjective approach that requires the user to consistently assess equal loudness between ears. Volume of tone in one ear is balanced to a tone in opposite ear at a known level. F-MIRE Field-Microphone In Real Ear. A direct microphone measurement inside and outside the ear plug, to address performance instead of relying on subjective responses to test tones.

20 Fit Testing 3M - EARfit Validation System Howard Leight/Honeywell - VeriPRO Michael and Associates FitCheck Solo NIOSH HPD Well-Fit PC based Workplace INTEGRA INTEGRAFit Now for ipad The Best Hearing Protector THE ONE THAT IS WORN EFFECTIVELY!

21 Questions/Comments Thank you for your attention