CONTROLS – PPE

OHS Act, Chapter O-0.2

9(2) Without limiting the generality of the duties under subsection (1), every employer shall

(d) provide and maintain in good condition such protective equipment as is required by regulation and ensure that such equipment is used by an employee in the course of work;

2. CONTROLS

• Three different types of hearing protection:

• Ear bands

• Ear plugs

• Ear muffs

2. CONTROLS – PPE

• Earplugs

• Advantages:

small and easily carried; convenient to use with other PPE;

more comfortable with long-term wear; convenient to use in confined work areas.

• Disadvantages:

requires more time to fit, more difficult to insert and

remove; requires good hygiene practices; can irritate the ear canal; easily misplaced; more difficult to see and monitor usage.

2. CONTROLS – PPE

• Earmuffs

• Advantages:

Less attenuation variability among users; one size fits most head sizes; easily seen at a distance; not easily misplaced or lost; can be worn with minor ear infections.

• Disadvantages:

Less portable; heavier; more inconvenient with other PPE;

uncomfortable in hot, humid environment.

2. CONTROLS – PPE

• CSA Z94.2-94 “Hearing Protectors”

2. CONTROLS – PPE

CSA Z94.2-94 “Hearing Protectors”

2. CONTROLS – PPE

• CSA Z94.2-02 “Hearing Protective Devices – Performance, Selection, Care and Use”

2. CONTROLS – PPE

CSA Z94.2-02 “Hearing Protective Devices – Performance,

Selection, Care and Use”

2. CONTROLS – PPE

• CSA Z94.2-014 “Hearing Protective Devices – Performance, Selection, Care and Use”

2. CONTROLS – PPE

• This edition expands on performance requirements and the rating schemes that might help the user select hearing

protection devices. It now includes the widely used noise reduction rating (NRR) and an applicable derating scheme.

• Clauses 8 to 12 regarding the selection, care and use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) have been expanded to include issues related to style and functions of hearing protectors not mentioned in previous editions, as well as the potential use of field attenuation estimation systems (FAES).

2. CONTROLS – PPE

2. CONTROLS – PPE

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

• The NRR is developed to give guidelines about the potential hearing protection that hearing protectors can provide in a noisy environment.

• The NRR is measured under controlled laboratory

conditions and is given in dB's - the higher the number, the more hearing protection offered.

• The "real-life" protection provided by hearing protectors is less than the ideal or measured value. Therefore a derating formula needs to be applied.

2. CONTROLS – PPE

NRR Derating formulas

• Simple

• “Real life” protection = 50% NRR

• OSHA

– “Real life” protection = 50% (NRR-7) dB.

• NIOSH

• Banded earplugs: “Real life” protection = 25% NRR

• Earplugs: “Real life” protection = 50% NRR

• Earmuffs: “Real life” protection = 75% NRR

2. CONTROLS – PPE

Single Number Rating (Subject Fit 84th Percentile) or SNR(SF₈₄)

• SNR(SF₈₄) is a value that would be achieved in a well-run hearing conservation program by about 84% of the using population.

• The SNR(SF₈₄) is subtracted from the C-weighted sound pressure level or C-weighted sound exposure to the noise to calculate the effective A-weighted sound pressure level or exposure when the hearing protection device is worn.

• Example: The measured Leq is 95 dBC. For a device with an SNR (SF₈₄) of 21 dB, the predicted A-weighted effective Leq when the hearing protector is worn is 95 dBC – 21 dB = 74 dBA

3. COMMUNICATION

29(2) An employer shall ensure that the information obtained under subsection (1) is documented and made available to a joint health and safety committee or health and safety

representative, if any, and to an officer on request.

33 Where the noise level exceeds 85 dBA in an area, an

employer shall ensure that the area is clearly marked by a sign that indicates the range of the noise levels measured and

warns of the noise hazard.

3. COMMUNICATION

38(1) Where protective equipment is required to be used by an employee under this Regulation, an employer shall provide the protective equipment required and shall ensure that the employee is instructed and trained in the proper use and care of the protective equipment.

38(2) Where protective equipment is required to be used by an employee under this Regulation, an employee shall

(a) use the equipment that is required in accordance with the instruction and training received,

(b) test or visually inspect the equipment before each use as appropriate to the type of equipment to be used,

(c) report any defective equipment to the employer and not use the equipment, and

(d) care for the equipment properly while using it.

3. COMMUNICATION

OHS Act, Chapter O-0.2

9(2) Without limiting the generality of the duties under subsection (1), every employer shall

(c) provide the information that is necessary to ensure an employee’s health and safety;

(c.1) provide the instruction that is necessary to ensure an employee’s health and safety;

(c.2) provide the training that is necessary to ensure an employee’s health and safety;

(c.3) provide the supervision that is necessary to ensure an employee’s health and safety;

3. COMMUNICATION

Education, instruction and training:

• What are the effects of noise?

• Where are the areas of the workplace that have high noise levels?

• What controls are in place in those areas?

• How administrative controls work

• If PPE is needed

• The types of PPE available

• Advantages and disadvantages of each type

• How to use the PPE

• How to maintain the PPE

• What the numbers mean [NRR vs Class vs Grade vs SNR(SF₈₄)]

• Expectations of employees, supervisors, senior management