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1. Who is required to be tested?

The Occupational Noise Exposure Standard requires us to test employees annually when their noise exposure levels equals or exceeds an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 decibels.The hearing test is conducted annually.

2. How do we measure noise levels in the workplace?

We measure noise levels in the workplace using a dosimeter and a sound level meter.A dosimeter measures noise levels over a period of time and provides us with a TWA. A sound level meter takes direct noise measurements from various distances from the noise source. If you would like a work area, process or piece of equipment tested, contact the safety office.

3. What are some locations and equipment that produce unsafe noise levels?

The following produce unsafe noise:

• Blowers
• Chain saws
• Emergency sirens
• Guns
• Jackhammers
• Lawn mowers
• Leaf loaders
• Pipe saws
• Power actuated tools
• Sewer jets
• Street vacuums
• Tamps
• Tractors
• Water and sewer plants
• Woodworking power saws

4. What effects does noise have on your hearing?

Prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels can cause noise-induced hearing loss. The first stage of hearing loss may be temporary hearing loss but over time the hearing loss can become permanent. Noise-induced hearing loss can occur at work or at home. Permanent hearing loss is irreversible.

5. How can your hearing be protected?

We can protect an employee's hearing by the following methods:

• Administrative Controls: Administrative controls means to reduce the amount of time a worker is exposed to the noise environment or take some other measures to limit or eliminate the exposure.
• Engineering Controls: Engineering control means you eliminate or reduce noise exposure by modifying the equipment, purchasing quieter equipment, enclose the equipment in a room or behind a wall, lubricate, tighten loose parts, install quieter mufflers, or other modifications as necessary to reduce level of noise exposure.
• Hearing Protection: Hearing protection is the most common method of protecting workers from noise exposure. Hearing protectors are either placed over the ear or inserted into the ear canal to block high-frequency noise and reduce noise to a level of what is considered safe. The effectiveness of hearing protectors depends upon whether they are the proper type and the user wears them properly.