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How can you consistently use hazard assessment tools to evaluate noise exposure hazards in the workplace?

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Noise exposure is one of the most common occupational hazards that can affect your hearing, health, and productivity. To prevent noise-induced hearing loss and other adverse effects, you need to consistently use hazard assessment tools to evaluate noise exposure hazards in the workplace. In this article, you will learn what are the main types of noise exposure hazards, how to use different hazard assessment tools to measure and control them, and how to follow the best practices for noise exposure management.

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1 Types of noise exposure hazards

Noise exposure hazards can be classified into two main categories: continuous and intermittent. Continuous noise is a steady sound that lasts for a long time, such as the noise from a machine or a fan. Intermittent noise is a sound that varies in intensity and duration, such as the noise from a hammer or a siren. Both types of noise can cause hearing damage if they exceed the safe exposure limits, which depend on the sound level and the duration of exposure. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for noise at 90 decibels (dBA) for an eight-hour workday, and requires employers to implement a hearing conservation program if the noise level exceeds 85 dBA.

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Mike Allocco, Emeritus Fellow ISSS

System Safety Engineering and Management of Complex Systems; Risk Management Advisor...Complex System Risks
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Define the system in detail (noise exposures) and decompose your system into parts, diagrams, flows, operations, tasks, procedures, links, technology, interfaces and interactions; Bound and scope the analysis; Develop system abstractions…Figure out how to conduct inclusive system hazard, threat, vulnerability analysis and risk assessment; (many papers are accessible via LinkedIn); Perturb the system and identify hazards, threats, vulnerabilities, develop adverse sequences, (including actions, decisions, inactions); Define risk criteria and identify current risks given minimal controls; Design controls to eliminate or control risks to acceptable levels...

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2 Hazard assessment tools for noise exposure

To evaluate noise exposure hazards in the workplace, you need to use appropriate hazard assessment tools, such as a sound level meter, a noise dosimeter, or an octave band analyzer. A sound level meter measures the sound pressure level (SPL) of a noise source in dBA or dB(C), which are weighted scales that reflect how humans perceive different frequencies of sound. This device can be used to identify the loudest noise sources and areas in the workplace, and to monitor the noise level over time. A noise dosimeter records the sound level and duration of noise throughout the workday to measure an individual's personal noise exposure. It can be worn by the worker or attached to the equipment, and can provide an average noise exposure level (LEX) or a percentage of the PEL for noise. An octave band analyzer measures the sound level of a noise source in different frequency bands, such as 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz. This device can help to select the most suitable noise control measures or hearing protection devices by determining the frequency spectrum of a noise source.

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3 Noise control measures

Once you have identified and measured the noise exposure hazards in the workplace, you need to implement noise control measures to reduce or eliminate them. The most effective way to control noise is to use the hierarchy of controls, which consists of four levels. Eliminating the noise source completely, such as by replacing a noisy machine with a quieter one or relocating a noisy activity to a remote area, is the most effective option. If this isn't possible, you can try substituting the noise source with a less noisy one, such as using a low-noise tool or material or changing the speed or mode of operation of a machine. Alternatively, you can modify the noise source or work environment to reduce the noise level by installing noise barriers, mufflers, dampers, or enclosures, or improving ventilation or insulation of the work area. Lastly, you can change work practices or policies to reduce the noise exposure by limiting the time or frequency of noisy tasks, rotating or scheduling workers, or providing training and education on noise hazards and prevention.

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4 Hearing protection devices

If the noise exposure hazards in the workplace cannot be adequately controlled, it is necessary to use hearing protection devices (HPDs) to protect your hearing. HPDs reduce the sound level that reaches your ears and have different noise reduction ratings (NRRs) which indicate how much they can attenuate the noise level in dBA. When choosing the right HPD for your work situation, you must consider the noise level and frequency of the noise source, as well as the comfort, fit, hygiene, compatibility with other PPE, communication and situational awareness needs of the worker. Additionally, you should be aware of the availability and accessibility of the HPD, as well as its maintenance and replacement.

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Liam DEE

Global health, safety and environment leader | Chartered health and safety professional | VP, Director, Head of HSE | HSE, Sustainability integration
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Fit testing and training in a choice of hearing protection devices means your people are more likely to use them properly. You know this risk, so mitigate. Maintenance of devices is best done at this time too. And then you’ll need to repeat this as often as necessary that the knowledge is demonstrated.

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5 Best practices for noise exposure management

For consistent use of hazard assessment tools to evaluate noise exposure hazards in the workplace, some best practices for noise exposure management should be followed. This includes conducting regular noise surveys and assessments with calibrated and reliable tools, as well as documenting and reporting the results. Additionally, noise control measures should be implemented and reviewed, using the hierarchy of controls, and their effectiveness and cost-benefit should be evaluated. Workers should be provided with and enforced to use HPDs, ensuring they are suitable, adequate, and available. Furthermore, hearing health of workers should be monitored and screened with audiometric tests and medical examinations, while any signs of noise-induced hearing loss should be identified and treated. Lastly, a hearing conservation program should be developed and implemented with involvement from management, workers, and health and safety professionals; this program must comply with relevant regulations and standards.

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Liam DEE

Global health, safety and environment leader | Chartered health and safety professional | VP, Director, Head of HSE | HSE, Sustainability integration
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The downside of uncontrolled exposure to noise is deafness, one of the most socially isolating illnesses. And humans are social. People, as they become deaf, cannot hear in crowds, so they don’t go. And lonely people are at higher risk for mental health problems. The stakes are high.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Liam DEE

Global health, safety and environment leader | Chartered health and safety professional | VP, Director, Head of HSE | HSE, Sustainability integration
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Hearing protection manufacturers and suppliers are really helpful. Our suppliers sent us a researcher to explain to our workers what deafness sounds like and how protection devices work. One demonstration was to read a paragraph with the harsh sounds missing (amongst the first symptoms of deafness) - none of us heard the ‘h’, ‘k’, ‘p’, ‘q’ sounds as he spoke. I am still affected by this simple example.

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David Brygider, MS

AVP at Cranemasters | Operational Risk Management | Environmental Health and Safety Expertise
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Audiograms provide a baseline measurement of an employee’s hearing ability at the time of their initial assessment, critical for comparing future audiograms to detect any changes or loss in hearing. Regular audiogram tests identify the onset or progression of noise-induced hearing loss By comparing audiograms over time, employers can assess the effectiveness of hearing protection and other noise control measures in the workplace. Regular audiogram testing is often a requirement under occupational health and safety regulations for workplaces with high noise levels. It helps in maintaining compliance and avoiding potential legal issues. If an audiogram indicates a significant shift in hearing ability, it can prompt immediate intervention

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How can you consistently use hazard assessment tools to evaluate noise exposure hazards in the workplace?

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2

3

4

5

6

1 Types of noise exposure hazards

2 Hazard assessment tools for noise exposure

3 Noise control measures

4 Hearing protection devices

5 Best practices for noise exposure management

6 Here’s what else to consider

Workplace Safety

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How can you consistently use hazard assessment tools to evaluate noise exposure hazards in the workplace?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Types of noise exposure hazards

2 Hazard assessment tools for noise exposure

3 Noise control measures

4 Hearing protection devices

5 Best practices for noise exposure management

6 Here’s what else to consider

Workplace Safety

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