Lecture 12 Flashcards
Sound
Pressure waves above and below the atmospheric pressure
Noise
Wide range of frequencies
Narrow range of frequencies
Short duration pulses
Effects of Noise
Conductive Sensorineural Tinnitus (Ringing in ear) Stress Anxiety High Blood pressure Chronic fatigue
Hearing Sounds
Enter through ear canal
Strikes the ear drums
Tiny hair cells respond to vibrations and creates impulses
Brain interprets impulses as sound
Hearing Loss
Loud noises can destroy the hairs
Loss depends on intensity and duration of noise
Management Responsibilities
Provide noise training
Provide hearing protection devices
Supervisor Responsibilities
Measure exposure and notify employee of the results
Must enforce the use of protection devices
Employee Resposibilities
Report noise concerns to supervisor
Using PPE where required
Attending noise training workshops as required
PPE for Noise
Ear plugs
Ear muffs
Canal Caps
Dual Protection
Ear muffs + Earplugs
Audiometric Testing
Required for any employees exposed to excessive noise
Testing is repeated every year and compared to previous results
Sound Level Meter
Measures the sound for each octave
Works between 20Hz - 20kHz
Impulse Meter
For peak levels of transient sound
Provides levels in decibels
Administrative Controls
Limit worker’s time in noise
Post a warning sign for areas above 85dB
Frequency Analyzer
Measures the distribution of sound across one or more bandwidths.
Very helpful in assessing noise problems
