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Noise at Work

Scope of the Problem. In the UK there are over 170,000 people with significant work-related hearing damage14,200 are serious enough affected to receive disablement benefit. Noise is an ancient problem!. Roman poets complained about the racket of iron cart-wheels on the cobbles. What is noise?. Unpleasant or unwanted soundWhen unwanted noise gets loud enoughIt is unpleasantIt is distractingIt is tiring

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Noise at Work

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    1. Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the University of Sheffield

    2. 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

    3. Noise is an ancient problem! Roman poets complained about the racket of iron cart-wheels on the cobbles

    4. 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

    5. Likelihood of Damage Depends mainly on: Volume (loudness) Frequency (pitch) Exposure time Can be work exposure, social exposure or both

    6. 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

    7. 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

    8. 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

    9. Frequency of Sound

    10. Noise Levels Ear is most sensitive to normal frequency sound The dBA scale takes this into account when measuring noise levels

    11. Measurement of Noise Loudness is measured in decibels 170 dB Jet airliner 120 dB Riveting hammer 110 dB Shouting loudly 70 dB Street sounds 38 dB Quiet bedroom This is a logarithmic scale – an increase of 1dB means about 30% more noise

    12. 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

    13. Risk Assessment Observe procedures Refer to standard data If necessary, measure noise levels Compare with action levels Identify control measures

    14. 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

    15. 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

    16. Your employer must: Try to reduce noise at source Provide hearing protection & insist 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)

    17. 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

    18. Control of Noise Preferably eliminate or reduce it at source eg Maintenance & lubrication Anti-vibration mounting Sound absorbing materials Enclosure Reducing exposure time

    19. Hearing protection Ear 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

    20. 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

    21. Hearing protection Ear 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

    22. 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

    23. 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

    24. Hearing protection Try to limit your time in noisy areas Remember the effect is cumulative

    25. Hearing protection Protect your hearing in a social context too eg: Loud music Personal stereos Car entertainment DIY & garden tools

    26. Don’t take noise for granted! Hearing damage creeps up on you Once it has happened, there is no cure

    27. 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

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