The main goal of the hearing conservation program is to eliminate noise induced hearing loss.
Engineering Controls
Every reasonable effort will be made to eliminate or control excessive noise generation by using engineering controls. General engineering principles used to reduce noise levels include maintenance, substitution of machines, parts of processes, isolation of the employee (booth), reduction of the fluid flow or turbulence, reduction of sound wave transmission through solids (flexible mounting, shaft coupling, lagging pipes and ducts, etc.) and reduction of sound wave transmission through air (insulate or enclose machines, baffles, etc.).
Administrative Controls
Administrative controls can be used in some instances to reduce employee exposure to noise. Administrative controls include rotation of personnel in job locations having high noise levels, limitation of personnel stay times, limited operation of equipment, etc. If engineering measures are not feasible, each station/location will be evaluated on the feasibility of administrative controls to reduce employee exposure.
Identification of noise hazard areas: There are no work areas with noise levels that are constantly at or above 85 dBA TWA for 8 hours.
Link to decibel readings on campus
But there is equipment that operates at or above the 85dBA level during use.
Carpenter Shop: Powered table saws, miter saws, chop saws, grinders, and lathes.
Grounds crew: lawn mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, and tractors.
Tradesmen: chop saws, impact tools.
Hearing protective devices should be used when operating equipment that produces more than 85 decibels of noise.
Noise in the workplace and at home can pose serious hazard to employees.
Noise is measured in decibels and decibel readings are taken throughout campus as needed.
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Hazards of over exposure to noise are:
· Temporary/permanent hearing loss
· Fatigue and stress
· Failure to hear directions and warnings
When information indicates that any employee’s exposure may equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, the employer shall develop and implement a monitoring program.
Employees in the following departments are in our hearing conservation program and will undergo yearly audiometric testing and training:
· Grounds
· Boiler
Types of personal protective equipment provided include earplugs and ear muffs.
Link for instructions and proper use of hearing protective devices
