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Hearing Conservation Safety Orientation

Hearing Conservation Safety Orientation. What training is required & why

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Hearing Conservation Safety Orientation

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  1. Hearing Conservation Safety Orientation

  2. What training is required & why Employee training is very important. Workers who understand the reasons for Trussway’s Hearing Conservation Program and the need to protect their hearing will be more motivated to wear their protection and take audiometric tests. Trussway trains employees exposed to TWAs of 85 dB and above at least annually. Training includes: the effects of noise; the purpose, advantages and disadvantages of various types of hearing protectors; the selection, fit and care of protectors; the purpose and procedures of audiometric testing.

  3. WHY You are taking this training: • Several production work areas are noisy • High noise can cause hearing damage or loss • Trussway wants you to know how to prevent hearing injury & loss • You need to understand how hearing conservation – protecting YOUR hearing – is part of Trussway’s overall safety & health program

  4. Temporary affects of noise on hearing: • Hearing can be “burned” by high noise • To heal, ears need quiet! • You might have a “hear-burn” if hearing is muffled or ears ring after exposure to loud noise from a car radio, music performance, or any other high-noise situation either on or off the job

  5. Permanent affects of high noise on hearing: • Anyone can lose their hearing! • More noise = worse hearing loss • Small “hear-burns” add up slowly • Tinnitus = noise in your ears; sensation of constant “ringing” or high-pitched noise • Tinnitus cannot be controlled or cured • Makes it difficult to sleep & concentrate • Remember: Hearing aids can’t fix hearing loss

  6. Limit noise exposures On & off the job • Doesn’t matter where noise comes from – if it’s too loud, it can hurt your hearing • Limit time in high noise – on & off the job

  7. HOW LOUD is YOUR work situation? • Under 85 decibels = OK • 85 decibels for 8 hours = NOT OK • 100 decibels for 1 hour = NOT OK • 115 decibels for 15 minutes = NOT OK • If NOT OK, reduce noise level or exposure time to get below 85 decibels on average

  8. Hearing Conservation Program PREVENTS hearing loss by: • Training employees about how to protect their hearing • Reducing noise levels & exposure time in high noise • Providing hearing protectors at no cost to employees • USING hearing protection properly & as instructed • Testing noise levels & hearing • Informing employees of testing results

  9. Different types of PROTECTION : • Needed above 85 decibels • Like shoes - one size won’t fit all! • Roll-down earplugs • Pre-molded earplugs • Earmuffs • Banded ear caps

  10. BENEFITS of using hearing protection correctly: • Reduces noise to safe levels • Can make it easier to hear machinery, forklifts & other types of traffic • Easier to talk to co-workers & hear emergency info • Reduces background noise • Keeps dirt, water out of ears

  11. HOW TO CHOOSE your hearing protection: • Roll-down earplugs must be worn at all times in production areas • Should be comfortable & fits well • Easy to use properly • Blocks enough noise (check Noise Reduction Rating) • It is NOT cotton, wax or headphones • The hearing protection lets you communicate

  12. REMEMBER about Noise Reduction Ration: • Higher NRR blocks more sound • Lower NRR blocks less • If the NRR is too high. It may block too much sound

  13. Roll-Down Earplugs Pros & Cons: • What’s good about them: • Can be very comfortable • Can you find the NRR? • Disposable • What’s bad about them: • Hardest to wear correctly • Need clean hands • May not fit all ear canals

  14. 4-STEPS insert roll-down hearing protection: 2 1 3 4

  15. Pre-Molded Earplugs Pros & Cons: • What’s good about them: • Easy to insert, different sizes • Can be used with dirty hands • Disposable & re-usable types are available • What’s bad about them: • Good fit may be difficult • May be uncomfortable

  16. Banded Ear Caps Pros & Cons: • What’s good about them: • Very easy to put on & take off • Can be used with dirty hands • Reusable • What’s bad about them: • Can be hard to get a good fit • Band may “squeeze” your head • Your voice may sound loud to you

  17. Ear Muffs Pros & Cons: • What’s good about them: • Easiest protector to use • Can attach to hardhat • Reusable Earplugs ANDear muffs must be worn when working with powered saws • What’s bad about them: • Can be uncomfortable • May feel heavy or bulky

  18. How to tell if you’re wearing hearing protection PROPERLY : • Proper fit is really important! • Sounds change when they’re worn • Earplugs should feel snug & secure, not hang out of your ear / use clean ear plugs each time • Ear muffs should fit completely over ear with unbroken seal against skin

  19. WHEN to wear hearing protection: • When sign in area says hearing protection is required • If noise is over 85 decibels • If you have to shout to be heard • If you have a “hear-burn” tell your supervisor • Not sure if it’s too noisy? ASK!

  20. What if you DON’T use your hearing protection properly? • You may be above the safe level for noise exposure • You could damage or lose your hearing • You are not taking advantage of a valuable & important protection provided for your personal benefit • You are violating a Trussway safety requirement • You will be counseled or disciplined if observed violating a safety rule

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