Noise Management Program and Government Regulations

Question 1

Main components of a noise management program

Answer 1

• exposure assessment
• noise measurement
• engineering and administrative controls
• personal protection
• audiometric testing
• worker education
• record keeping and evaluation
• OHS section 221

Question 2

When is noise a hazard?

Answer 2

• high levels can prevent normal conversation
• can be a hazard when after exposure the ears feel plugged, sounds are muffled, or high-pitched ringing in the ears

Question 3

Noise Measurement

Answer 3

• done with sound measurement equipment
• instrumentation, calibration, measurement parameters, and methods for data analysis must be clearly described
• done in accordance with CSA standards
• occupational hygienists and or acoustical engineers do the measurements
• must be done in all worksite areas where a potential noise hazard exists
• also must assess background noise levels

Question 4

Main purposes of noise control in the workplace

Answer 4

• identify workers who may be noise exposed
• quantify worker’s noise exposure
• assess noise for potential engineering and administrative controls
• assess background sound levels sound levels in audiometric testing areas

Question 5

Area noise measurement

Answer 5

• helps to identify potentially exposed workers and information about the magnitude and extent of the noise throughout the work site
• measured using a sound level meter which is portable and hand-held
• gives on the spot readings of a noise source in decibels on the A-weighted scale

Question 6

Detailed exposure assessment

Answer 6

• uses noise dosimeters to quantify noise exposures
• must be updated yearly whether or not there are changes in equipment or processes that can alter noise levels

Question 7

Noise dosimeters

Answer 7

• portable units that comprise a measuring unit and a microphone
• microphone is attached to the worker’s clothing close to the car
  -measuring unit is attached to belt/ in pocket
  -worker wears it the entire shift
  -machine automatically compares workers time-weighted avevage noise exposureto the permissible sounds in the area
• identifies workers who are noise exposed and determines which exposure exceeeds permissible sound levels

Question 8

Noise map

Answer 8

• a chart of the worksite that identifies noisy areas and areas where hearing protection is required

Question 9

Octave Band Analyzers

Answer 9

• measures noise levels of different frequencies and are used to measure back ground sound levels

Question 10

Engineering controls

Answer 10

• controls the source and the path of noise and the receiver’s environment
• long-term solution
• whether or not it is applied depends on the type of equipment/ processes involved, technology available, and the cost of implementation

Question 11

Considerations for implementing engineering controls

Answer 11

• a quieter method for processes
• substituting a quiet piece of equipment for a noisy one
• isolating a noisy machine
• placing workers in an enclosure
• barriers and sound absorbing materials to modify a noise source

Question 12

Administrative controls

Answer 12

• rotating workers from a noisy to quiet environment throughout a work shift so that the total noise exposure for a worker dues not exceed prescribed limits
• may also include implementing equipment maintenance programs und establishing/enforcing noise limits for new calipment + processes

Question 13

Personal protection

Answer 13

• should only be used where the noise exposure cannot be reduced by engineering or administrative controls or when these controls are not practical

Question 14

Audio Technician

Answer 14

• a person who has passed their audiometric technician course
• required to qualify every 5 years

Question 15

Responsibilities of an audio technician

Answer 15

• working in consultation with a physician, audiologist, or occupational health nurse designated by the employer
• maintains a log book for the audiometer that has calibration records and stays with the machine for its lifetime
• conduct tests in a location where background noise levels do not exceed specific decibels
• records results
• give copies of results to the worker
• retain the records for 10 years
• ensure medical information is kept confidential
• advise workers of test results

Question 16

How does an audio tech determine a persons hearing threshold levels?

Answer 16

• can identify workers who are losing hearing and initiate steps to prevent further hearing loss
• determines if the management program is effective
• determines if hearing protection is effective
• does not protect workers from noise

Question 17

Worker education

Answer 17

• can be with a group or individuals
• workers should be familiar with the program and taught about the hazards of noise and how to protect themselves
• taught about the hearing test procedure
• must include info about the legislated requirements regarding nose and prevention of NIHL
• must be done at all levels

Question 18

Program administration

Answer 18

• developing policies
• noise measurement
• scheduling hearing tests
• maintaining equipment
• records keeping
• management need to support these programs
• ## valid, complete, and legible records are necessary so the records can be compared year to year

Question 19

How do engineering controls accomplish noise reduction by controlling noise?

Answer 19

• by controlling the source, the pathway, and the receiver of noise

Question 20

How often should exposure assessments be done?

Answer 20

• at intervals to prevent unsafe working environments
• when a new work process is introduced
• when a process is operation changes
• badge changing is big additions or alterations to a work site