Noise and Sound Noise and Sound Safety Safety

ManagementManagement

Health, Safety & Health, Safety & Wellbeing Wellbeing

School of Agriculture, Food and WineSchool of Agriculture, Food and Wine

Did You Know?

Here are some important statistics Here are some important statistics on hearing loss in Australia: on hearing loss in Australia: 1 in 6 Australians is affected by hearing loss.1 in 6 Australians is affected by hearing loss. 3.55 million Australians are Deaf or have a 3.55 million Australians are Deaf or have a

hearing loss.hearing loss. Nearly half the people who are Deaf or have Nearly half the people who are Deaf or have

a hearing loss are of working age (15-64 a hearing loss are of working age (15-64 years).years).

Hearing loss from noise is slow and painless; Hearing loss from noise is slow and painless; you can have a disability before you notice ityou can have a disability before you notice it

If you must raise your voice to speak with If you must raise your voice to speak with someone only 3 feet away, you are in high someone only 3 feet away, you are in high (hazardous) noise. (hazardous) noise.

It is It is 100%100% preventable preventable

Noise and Sound Safety Noise and Sound Safety ManagementManagement

University of Adelaide HSW Handbook ChapterUniversity of Adelaide HSW Handbook Chapter Noise and Sound Safety ManagementNoise and Sound Safety Management http://www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/hsw/handbook/noise/http://www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/hsw/handbook/noise/

Australian Standards govern the implementation Australian Standards govern the implementation of programmes to prevent hearing loss of programmes to prevent hearing loss associated with high noise levels at workassociated with high noise levels at work

AS/NZS 1269.1 Measurement and assessment of noise immission and exposure

AS/NZS 1269.3 Occupational noise management –hearing protector program

AS/NZS 1270 Acoustics – hearing protectorsAS/NZS 1269.4:2005 - Occupational noise management -Auditory

assessment

Employer Responsibility

Employers are responsible for the Employers are responsible for the following:following: Provide occupational noise training.Provide occupational noise training. Provide hearing protection devices.Provide hearing protection devices. Demonstrate commitment – wear hearing Demonstrate commitment – wear hearing

protection devices, or PPE, when required.protection devices, or PPE, when required. Reinforce the need to use PPE.Reinforce the need to use PPE. Keep up to date with PPE selection and use.Keep up to date with PPE selection and use. Encourage questions and resolve problems.Encourage questions and resolve problems.

Training Training is required for employees who are Training is required for employees who are

exposed to noise at or above 8 hr TWA of exposed to noise at or above 8 hr TWA of 85 dB.85 dB.

Topics must include:Topics must include: Effects of Noise on HearingEffects of Noise on Hearing Purpose of Hearing ProtectorsPurpose of Hearing Protectors Advantages and Disadvantages of Advantages and Disadvantages of

Different Types of Hearing ProtectorsDifferent Types of Hearing Protectors Attenuation of Different Types of Attenuation of Different Types of

Hearing ProtectorsHearing Protectors Instructions on Selection, Fitting, Use, Instructions on Selection, Fitting, Use,

and Care of Hearing Protectorsand Care of Hearing Protectors Purpose of Audiometric TestingPurpose of Audiometric Testing

Employee Responsibility

Employees are responsible to:Employees are responsible to: Understand the need for personal Understand the need for personal

protective equipment and audiometric protective equipment and audiometric testing.testing.

Wear PPE and seek replacements when Wear PPE and seek replacements when needed.needed.

Encourage co-workers to wear PPE.Encourage co-workers to wear PPE. Communicate problems to supervisors.Communicate problems to supervisors.

Noise Exposure At WorkNoise Exposure At Work

1. Identify potential sources of 1. Identify potential sources of hearing losshearing loss

2. Learn how to prevent 2. Learn how to prevent hearing loss at workhearing loss at work

3.3. Meet regulatory Meet regulatory requirementsrequirements

4.4. The purpose of audiometric The purpose of audiometric testing and how it workstesting and how it works

This presentation will cover the following topics:

Noise Exposure at Work

How is Noise Measured?

Noise levels are measured in Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB)decibels (dB)

Decibels are not linear Decibels are not linear measurementsmeasurements

The difference in energy The difference in energy between 100 decibels and between 100 decibels and 110 is not 10% - actually is 110 is not 10% - actually is 100 times the sound level 100 times the sound level pressurepressure

Effects of exposure to loud noise

Exposure to loud noise will Exposure to loud noise will inevitably cause hearing loss inevitably cause hearing loss over time.over time.

Loud noise damages or destroys Loud noise damages or destroys the nerves in the inner ear.the nerves in the inner ear.

Once the nerves of the inner ear Once the nerves of the inner ear are destroyed or damaged from are destroyed or damaged from exposure to excessive noise, the exposure to excessive noise, the damage is permanentdamage is permanent

Another effect can be “tinnitus” Another effect can be “tinnitus” or permanent ringing in the ear.or permanent ringing in the ear.

Factors Affecting Hearing Loss

The following factors can affect hearing loss:The following factors can affect hearing loss: Noise Intensity or Sound PressureNoise Intensity or Sound Pressure Frequency or Pitch of soundFrequency or Pitch of sound Length of Daily ExposureLength of Daily Exposure Duration of Exposure in YearsDuration of Exposure in Years Individual SusceptibilityIndividual Susceptibility Exposure to OTOTOXIC substances or vibrations Exposure to OTOTOXIC substances or vibrations

in conjunctionin conjunction with noise can further increase with noise can further increase hearing losshearing loss

Other Factors Other Factors (disease, genetics, lifestyle, age, etc.)(disease, genetics, lifestyle, age, etc.)

When is Noise Too Loud?

• Noise is measured in units called “decibels” or “dB”

• If two people 3 feet apart must shout to be heard, the background noise is too loud (above 85 decibels).

• Noise above 140 decibels causes pain and immediate hearing loss.

Signs of Hearing Loss

Difficulty hearing people speak.Difficulty hearing people speak. Inability to hear certain high-pitched or soft Inability to hear certain high-pitched or soft

sounds.sounds. Noise or ringing in ears.Noise or ringing in ears. Getting complaints that the radio or television is Getting complaints that the radio or television is

too loudtoo loud..

Long Term Exposure to Noise

• Our ears can recover from short exposure to loud noise, but over time nerve damage will occur.

• The longer and louder the noise, the greater chance permanent damage will occur.

• There is no such thing as “tough ears” or “getting used to it”.

Effects of noise to inner ear

Normal hair cells Noise-damaged hair cells

Hair cells in inner ear transmit noise signals to the brain

Tinnitus From Noise Exposure

• Exposure to high noise levels can also cause permanent ringing in the ear or “tinnitus”.

• Tinnitus sufferers usually complain of constant whistling, squealing, roaring or buzzing in one or both ears.

• Severe tinnitus may disrupt sleep, reduce concentration and cause irritability and depression.

What is Too Much Noise Exposure?

• Damage from noise exposure depends on the loudness and length of exposure.

• Scientific studies have shown that hearing loss can occur when the 8-hour average noise exposure exceeds 85 decibels.

• The risk of hearing loss increases dramatically as noise levels increase.

• Exposure to noise levels above 115 decibels for even five minutes is very risky.

WHS Standard

If the 8-hour average exceeds 85 dBA If the 8-hour average exceeds 85 dBA then the employer must:then the employer must:

1.1. Monitor (measure) exposure and notify Monitor (measure) exposure and notify employee of the resultsemployee of the results

2.2. Provide audiometric testingProvide audiometric testing

3.3. Provide hearing protectionProvide hearing protection

4.4. Provide trainingProvide training

5.5. Keep records of monitoring and Keep records of monitoring and audiometric testingaudiometric testing

Daily Allowable Exposure Times to Noise

The table below shows noise levels and how long a person can be exposed without hearing protection before there is damage to the ear.

Noise Level Allowable Exposure Time

85 decibels 8 hours

90 decibels 4 hours

100 decibels 1 hour

105 decibels 30 minutes

110 decibels 15 minutes

115 decibels 0 minutes

Examples of Common Noise Exposures

Source dBAWhisper 20

Refrigerator 40

Conversation 60

Average TV 74

Blender 80

Source dBAIpod 90

Woodworking 93-120

Gun Shot 130-140

Riding Motorcycle 90

Snow Mobile 120

Rock Concert 140

Examples of Noisy Equipment

EquipmentEquipment Noise LevelNoise Level

Back HoeBack Hoe 85-95 decibels85-95 decibels

Chain SawChain Saw 110 decibels110 decibels

Front-end LoaderFront-end Loader 90-95 decibels90-95 decibels

JackhammerJackhammer 112 decibels112 decibels

Lawn MowerLawn Mower 90 decibels90 decibels

TractorTractor 95-105 decibels95-105 decibels

Circular SawCircular Saw 90-100 decibels90-100 decibels

Below are some examples of noise levels of various Below are some examples of noise levels of various equipment used on campus.equipment used on campus.

Examples of Noisy Areas or Equipment at Waite Campus

Plant RoomsPlant Rooms Pressure equipmentPressure equipment WorkshopsWorkshops Operating heavy equipment, such as Operating heavy equipment, such as

tractors, harvesters, thresherstractors, harvesters, threshers Workshop equipment, such as: saws, Workshop equipment, such as: saws,

routers, belt sanders, drillsrouters, belt sanders, drills Landscaping equipment, such as Landscaping equipment, such as

chainsaws, lawnmowers and leaf chainsaws, lawnmowers and leaf blowers.blowers.

Noise Levels and Permissible Exposure Levels Without Hearing Protection

Router 97 dBARouter 97 dBA 3 hour3 hourRadial arm saw 105 dBARadial arm saw 105 dBA 1 hour1 hourTable saw 96 dBATable saw 96 dBA 3.5 hours3.5 hoursPortable belt sander dBA 100Portable belt sander dBA 100 2 hours2 hours

Below is the maximum amount of time a person Below is the maximum amount of time a person can spend exposed to this equipment without can spend exposed to this equipment without hearing protection.hearing protection.

Noise Control Measures The employer must take some steps to control noise The employer must take some steps to control noise

exposure in the workplace, such as:exposure in the workplace, such as: Identifying noise hazardous equipment.Identifying noise hazardous equipment. Using Engineering, Administrative and Hearing Using Engineering, Administrative and Hearing

Protection to minimize or eliminate noise Protection to minimize or eliminate noise exposure.exposure.

Modifying the source of the noise so it is quieter, Modifying the source of the noise so it is quieter, using engineering controls.using engineering controls.

Increasing distance between the employee and Increasing distance between the employee and the noise hazard.the noise hazard.

Limiting worker exposure time.Limiting worker exposure time. Requiring the use of hearing protection devices Requiring the use of hearing protection devices

when the above measures are not feasible and/or when the above measures are not feasible and/or do not decrease noise levels below a TWA-8 of 85 do not decrease noise levels below a TWA-8 of 85 dBA.dBA.

Engineering Controls

Engineering controls are Engineering controls are the most preferred option the most preferred option in reducing or eliminating in reducing or eliminating the noise hazard by:the noise hazard by: Reducing or eliminating noise Reducing or eliminating noise

at the source.at the source. Interrupting the noise path.Interrupting the noise path. Reducing reverberation and Reducing reverberation and

structural vibration.structural vibration.

Administrative Controls If engineering controls do not work to If engineering controls do not work to

completelycompletely eliminate the noise hazard, eliminate the noise hazard, then then addingadding administrative controls administrative controls should be considered:should be considered: Rotate employees through high-Rotate employees through high-

noise areas.noise areas. Modify existing machinery.Modify existing machinery. Place noise limit specifications on Place noise limit specifications on

new equip.new equip. Maintain equipment in good Maintain equipment in good

condition.condition. Use noise control when installed.Use noise control when installed. Reporting noisy equip. to supervisor Reporting noisy equip. to supervisor

for repair.for repair.

Personal Protective Equipment

If engineering and If engineering and administrative controls do administrative controls do not work to reduce the not work to reduce the noise hazard, then noise hazard, then personal protective personal protective equipment should be equipment should be considered as a last considered as a last resort.resort.

This includes using This includes using hearing protection, such hearing protection, such as ear plugs or ear muffs.as ear plugs or ear muffs.

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

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

Types of Hearing Protection

earmuffs

earplugs ear caps

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 stuffed in the ear.

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

Types of Hearing Protectors

Cotton doesn’t work!!

Earplugs are made of foam, rubber or plastic and are either one-size-fits-all or in sizes small, medium and large.

Some are disposable, some are reusable.

They are lightweight, and require no maintenance.

They are inserted into the ear canal.

Hearing Protection – Ear Plugs

Some people may find ear plugs uncomfortable to wear for long periods at first.

Ear plugs rarely cause infection or prolonged irritation of the ear canal.

Most people can find a comfortable fit by trying several different sizes, types or brands.

Custom-molded earplugs can be obtained for maximum comfort.

Ear Plug Comfort

custom molded earplugs

Foam type earplugs are one-size-fits-all and Foam type earplugs are one-size-fits-all and must be inserted properly into the ear.must be inserted properly into the ear.

Inserting Foam Earplugs

Roll earplug into small cylinder first, then insert in ear.

Inserting Foam EarplugsInserting Foam Earplugs

Earplug incorrectly inserted Earplug correctly inserted

Ear muffs cover the whole ear and are preferred by some people.

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

They last longer than most plugs.

Ensure they comply with Australian Standards

Ear Muffs

Some muffs are attached to Some muffs are attached to hard hats or goggles.hard hats or goggles.

Some high-tech muffs can filter Some high-tech muffs can filter out certain frequencies or have out certain frequencies or have radios inside for radios inside for communication in high noise communication in high noise areas.areas.

Attached Earmuffs

Muffs can be uncomfortable in hot weather.

Muffs don’t seal well for someone with glasses or heavy sideburns.

Ear Muff Comfort & Glasses

Ear caps 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 Caps

The “noise reduction rating” or “NRR” of hearing protection is measured in decibels.

The NRR is found on the earmuff or earplug package. The higher the number, the greater the protection.

Noise Reduction of Hearing Protection

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

They reduce overwhelming loud background noise.

They are similar to dark glasses that reduce the sun’s glare making it easier to see.

How can you hear anything with earmuffs on?

Earmuffs and plugs provide good protection only when used properly.

Sometimes people will remove hearing protection for “just a minute” in a noisy area.

In areas of very high noise exposure, this could result in noise overexposure.

Proper Use of Hearing Protection

It won’t protect your ears if it is around your neck!!!

Instructions on Selection, Fitting, Use, and Care of Hearing Protectors

Ear plugsEar plugs Keep clean and free of materialsKeep clean and free of materials

Wash in mild liquid detergent and warm Wash in mild liquid detergent and warm waterwater

Squeeze excess water and air drySqueeze excess water and air dry Discard plugs when hardened or do not Discard plugs when hardened or do not

re-expandre-expand Ear CanalsEar Canals

Clean like normal ear plugsClean like normal ear plugs Do not tamper with the headband and Do not tamper with the headband and

the acoustic sealthe acoustic seal

Instructions on Selection, Fitting, Use, and Care of Hearing Protectors

Ear MuffsEar Muffs Keep clean and free of debrisKeep clean and free of debris

Clean cushions with warm soapy waterClean cushions with warm soapy water Do not tamper with the acoustic seal Do not tamper with the acoustic seal

between the cushions and the between the cushions and the headbandheadband

Do not modify the ear muffs in any Do not modify the ear muffs in any wayway

Do not stretch or abuse the headbandDo not stretch or abuse the headband

It takes just a few minutes of unprotected exposure at noise above 115 decibels to risk hearing damage.

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

Likewise, earmuffs not snug against the head will “leak” noise into the ear.

Proper Use of 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.

Hearing Aids Are Not Hearing Protection

Portable Radios/CD Players/iPodsPortable Radios/CD Players/iPods

• Generally these devices do not provide protection from noise.

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

• The music level in the earphones themselves can exceed 85 decibels and cause hearing loss.

Monitoring

Your HSW Officer can conduct noise Your HSW Officer can conduct noise monitoring to determine the level of monitoring to determine the level of noise exposure.noise exposure. Sound level meter - gives an instant Sound level meter - gives an instant

readingreading Noise hazard Survey – Work areaNoise hazard Survey – Work area Noise hazard survey - Worker Noise hazard survey - Worker

Work area profiling will record Work area profiling will record potential for noise hazards potential for noise hazards

Sound Level MeterSound Level Meter

Audiometric Testing All University employees All University employees

exposed to workplace noise exposed to workplace noise must undergo initial and annual must undergo initial and annual audiometric testing.audiometric testing.

These tests, which are done by These tests, which are done by trained audiologists, are used to trained audiologists, are used to gauge hearing loss in affected gauge hearing loss in affected employees and will be provided employees and will be provided at at no cost no cost to the employees.to the employees.

The initial test is used as a The initial test is used as a baseline and the annual test is baseline and the annual test is used to determine if hearing loss used to determine if hearing loss has occurredhas occurred..

Purpose of Audiometric Testing

The purpose of Audiometric Testing is The purpose of Audiometric Testing is to:to: Measure hearing by sending tones Measure hearing by sending tones

to each ear through headphones.to each ear through headphones. Show how one’s hearing compares Show how one’s hearing compares

to normal hearing based on age.to normal hearing based on age. Determine whether hearing is being Determine whether hearing is being

conserved.conserved. Alert employee and employer for Alert employee and employer for

noise, age or medical related noise, age or medical related hearing loss.hearing loss.

Audiometric TestingAudiometric Testing

Audiometric testing results can be used to check the following:

If the hearing protection in If the hearing protection in use is adequate,use is adequate,

If there is a change in noise If there is a change in noise exposure,exposure,

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

AA 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.

How Does Audiometric Testing Work?

Audiometric TestingAudiometric TestingAudiometric testing produces printed audiograms which show hearing ability at several pitches or frequencies.

These frequencies include those of the human voice.

The second and following year tests are compared to the first year tests or baseline.

If there is hearing loss of 10 decibels or more in the human voice frequencies, you will be sent to the doctor or audiologist.

An audiogram is a printed chart of the results of the An audiogram is a printed chart of the results of the hearing test. They look similar to the results below.hearing test. They look similar to the results below.

What is an Audiogram?

Normal hearing Severe hearing loss

Noise assessment - Work Area and Noise assessment - Work Area and Worker assessmentsWorker assessments

Noise hazard survey – is a simple survey using a checklist to identify noise

hazards

Noise assessment – an assessment which helps to:

• identify which workers are at risk of hearing loss • determine what noise sources and processes are causing that risk • identify if and what kind of noise control measures could be implemented • check the effectiveness of existing control measures.

Noise assessment

As part of this presentation and to ensure As part of this presentation and to ensure this information is acted upon, please fill out this information is acted upon, please fill out a a worker noise hazard survey worker noise hazard survey

Please go to Please go to Appendix A Appendix A of the HSW Handbook of the HSW Handbook Chapter: Chapter: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/hsw/handbook/noise/

Submit the completed form to your HSO via Submit the completed form to your HSO via AFW_support@adelaide.edu.auAFW_support@adelaide.edu.au

This will be followed up with a work area This will be followed up with a work area assessment.assessment.

Questions and AssistanceQuestions and Assistance

Please contact your AFW HSO for Please contact your AFW HSO for assistance with training, scheduling assistance with training, scheduling audiometric testing, monitoring or audiometric testing, monitoring or any other questions,any other questions,

or Visit the University HSW Team or Visit the University HSW Team web-site at web-site at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/hsw/http://www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/hsw/

Guidance and reference sourcesGuidance and reference sources

University of Adelaide HSW Handbook University of Adelaide HSW Handbook ChapterChapter Noise and Sound Safety ManagementNoise and Sound Safety Management http://www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/hsw/handbook/noise/http://www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/hsw/handbook/noise/

LegislationLegislation The WHS Act 2012 The WHS Act 2012 (The Act)(The Act)

The WHS Regulations 2012 The WHS Regulations 2012 (The Regulations)(The Regulations)

Code of Practice – Code of Practice – Managing Noise and Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work (Safe work Australia)Preventing Hearing Loss at Work (Safe work Australia)

AS/NZS 1269.1; AS/NZS 1269.3 ; AS/NZS 1270 ; AS/NZS 1269.4:2005