Protect Your Hearing 🔊

Introduction

Hearing damage is irreversible, so protecting against hazardous noise is essential. Unlike other injuries, hearing loss cannot be repaired once it occurs. Whether from prolonged industrial noise or sudden loud sounds, prevention should be a priority in noisy environments.

How to Identify Hazardous Noise

Hazardous noise is determined by three factors.

1 - Intensity refers to sound strength, measured in decibels (dB). Noise above 85 dB is hazardous, with prolonged exposure increasing the risk of permanent hearing loss.

2 - Exposure time is crucial, as even moderate noise can cause damage if experienced for extended periods. For instance, 8 hours at 85dB can be harmful, while just 15 minutes at 100dB can lead to damage.

3 - Frequency matters because high-frequency sounds are more damaging than low-frequency ones, even at the same intensity, with alarms and machinery posing particular risks.

How to assess Hazardous Noise

To quickly assess hazardous noise exposure, ask yourself

1 - How strong is the noise? If it's above 85 dB or you need to raise your voice to speak to someone nearby, it's likely too loud.

2 - How long is the exposure? Longer exposure increases the risk of damage.

3 - How close are you to the source? The closer you are, the greater the intensity and risk of hearing damage.

Maximum Permissible Sound Pressure Levels

Threshold limits for hazardous noise exposure are defined by noise intensity (in decibels) and exposure duration, as per the Factories Ordinance Amendment No. 2142/90 (27.09.2019). These represent the maximum permissible sound pressure levels.

Sample Risk Analysis for Hazardos Noise Exposure

In this scenario, the risk of hearing damage varies based on noise exposure and duration.

Operator (A) (85 dB, 8 hours/day) : At the maximum allowable noise level, the operator is at potential risk of hearing damage, especially without protection.

Other Worker (B) (70 dB, 8 hours/day) : Exposure at 70 dB is below the hazardous threshold, posing no risk of hearing damage.

Pedestrians (C) and (D) (85 dB, few minutes) : Both are exposed to this noise for a short time, which is not enough to cause hearing damage. No significant risk is expected.

Control Measures for High Noise

Controlling noise hazards in the workplace is crucial for preventing hearing damage of employees. In here I will suggest 03 strategies to manage noise exposure.

1 - Engineering Controls

Modify or Replace Equipment : Use quieter machinery (Example : replacing noisy pneumatic tools with quieter electric models)

Noise Barriers or Enclosures : Install barriers around noisy machinery, such as enclosing a drilling machine in soundproof casing.

Maintenance of Equipment : Regular upkeep ensures quieter operation (Example : lubricating and tightening machinery)

Damping Materials : Apply noise-absorbing materials to reduce sound, like installing acoustic panels.

Isolate the Noise Source : Move noisy equipment away from work areas, (Example : setting up heavy machinery in a separate room)

2 - Administrative Controls

Limit Worker Exposure Time : Reduce time spent in noisy areas (Example : job rotation schedules)

Schedule Maintenance During Off Days : Perform noisy tasks when fewer workers are present

Training and Awareness : Educate workers on noise hazards and hearing protection importance.

3 - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Earplugs : Earlugs that reduce noise entering the ear canal.

Earmuffs : Cover the entire ear for higher protection, e.g., heavy-duty earmuffs for industrial environments.

Hearing Conservation Programs

In workplaces where noise hazards are significant, a hearing conservation program should be implemented. Its include

1 - Regular Noise Monitoring : Measure and record noise levels

2 - Audiometric Testing : Periodic hearing tests to detect early signs of hearing loss in workers.

3 - Record-Keeping : Maintain records of noise monitoring, worker exposure, and hearing test results.

4 - Enforcing Use of PPE : Ensure that workers are consistently using hearing protection in high-noise areas.

Download Resources

1 - Factories Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 128 (No. 2142/90 - 27.09.2019)