HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

HEARING

CONSERVATION

PROGRAMS

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: • Recognize the required elements for an effective hearing

conservation program

• Understand the current legal requirements that apply to those elements

• Know how to use the resources cited to develop a

comprehensive hearing conservation program for their workplace

POLL

• How many people here have some hearing loss?

• How many people here know of someone who has hearing loss?

• How many of them have hearing loss as a result of occupational exposure?

• How many people here are dealing with hearing loss issues within their workplace (responsible for controls or handling disability claims)?

STATISTICS IN NEW BRUNSWICK

Accident_Year Payments made upto and including 2015/06/30 Payments made in Accident Year

2006 $349,194.69 $69,020.18 2007 $395,120.59 $50,268.30 2008 $277,813.64 $63,727.11 2009 $798,438.10 $187,163.89 2010 $495,467.58 $189,989.67 2011 $375,333.03 $117,620.60 2012 $342,832.56 $92,804.79 2013 $261,196.09 $80,666.98 2014 $460,224.17 $141,928.43 2015* $12,146.98 $12,146.98 *2015 payments upto 2015/06/30

Payment_Year Total Yearly Payment

2006 $732,164.96 2007 $655,521.00 2008 $824,980.29 2009 $993,956.37 2010 $1,345,392.54 2011 $1,610,086.48 2012 $1,485,646.54 2013 $1,680,895.35 2014 $1,664,895.98 2015* $1,006,993.86 *2015 payments upto 2015/06/30

WHAT IS NOISE?

Any unwanted sound.

We become concerned with sound when it is at a certain threshold level for a length of time that starts to cause

hearing damage.

General Regulation 91-191

Sound

level Duration per day (dBA) (Hours) 80 24 82 16 85 8 88 4 91 2 94 1 97 ½ 100 ¼

30(1)An employer shall ensure that the exposure of

an employee to noise is kept as low as is practical and does not exceed the following exposures:

HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. NOISE MEASUREMENT

29(1) Where an employer or an employee has reason to

suspect that the noise level in an area where employees work may exceed 80 dBA, an employer shall ensure that

(a) the noise level is measured by a competent person using a sound level meter that conforms as a minimum to the

requirements of ANSI standard S1.4-1983, “American National Standard Specification for Sound Level Meters”, for a Type 2 sound level meter that is set to use the A-weighted network with slow meter response, and

(b) the amount of time that an employee spends in an area where the noise level exceeds 80 dBA is measured.

1. NOISE MEASUREMENT

29(3) Where there is reason to suspect that substantial

changes in noise levels documented under subsection (1) have occurred, an employer shall ensure that the noise level and employee exposure is re-measured and documented in

1. NOISE MEASUREMENT

30(2) An employer shall ensure that when the daily noise exposure is

composed of periods of noise exposure at substantially different

levels, their combined effect is considered, rather than the individual effect of each, according to the following formula:

If the sum of the following fractions: C₁/T₁ + C₂/T₂ + …+C_n/T_n

exceeds unity, then the mixed exposure is considered to exceed the relevant exposure prescribed in subsection (1). C1 indicates the total duration of exposure at a specific noise level, and T1 indicates the total duration of exposure permitted at that level. All job noise exposures of 80 dBA or greater shall be used in the above

1. NOISE MEASUREMENT

30(3) An employer shall ensure that no employee is exposed to continuous, intermittent or impact noise in excess of a peak C-weighted level of 140 dB, using a Type 2 sound level meter that is set to use the A-weighted network with slow meter

1. NOISE MEASUREMENT

• Sound level meter (SLM) measures noise in a surrounding area. They are only useful when work can be easily split into discrete activities during which sound levels are steady. Cannot adequately measure non-steady (> ±3 dB) or

impulsive sound.

• Integrating sound level meter can be used in all occasions, but it is most useful when work can be easily split into

discrete activities. Advantage over a SLM is that it can

provide a space average over the working area, which can be used for a good estimate of the noise exposure of

1. NOISE MEASUREMENT

• Dosimeter is used to measure employee exposure. It can be used under all occasions, but is particularly useful when a worker cannot be accompanied or work has an

unpredictable pattern. Most useful when work cannot be easily split into discrete activities.

• It has some of the same disadvantages of SLM or integrated SLM, namely: Maximum sound level may exceed instrument range. Crest factor of sound may exceed instrument

capability. Data collection is difficult to witness as dosimeter is attached to employee for the day.

1. NOISE MEASUREMENT

• Which instrument do I need for my workplace? • How do I use it effectively?

• What type of noise measurements do I need to take? • How do I deem the person taking measurements as

competent?

• CSA Standard Z107.56-06 “Procedures for the Measurement of Occupational Noise Exposure”

CSA STANDARD Z107.56-06 “PROCEDURES FOR THE MEASUREMENT

1. NOISE MEASUREMENT

• Now that you’ve done your workplace noise assessment, analyzed the results and determined which employees are at risk for noise induced hearing loss, what’s the next step?

2. CONTROLS

• Selection of appropriate controls • Hierarchy of controls:

• Elimination of noisy equipment

• Substitution of noisy equipment for less noisy equipment • Engineering controls

• Administrative controls

2. CONTROLS – ELIMINATION

• Do you need that equipment? Most times, the answer is “yes, that’s why we have it!”

• Does it need to be there? Can it be moved to an area of the plant that has no workers? Can it be moved outside the

plant?

• If it can, do so. You’ve just eliminated the noise from the workplace, or at the very least confined it to an unpopulated area (which equates to the same thing).

2. CONTROLS – SUBSTITUTION

• Do they make less noisy equipment?

• If yes, develop a purchasing plan to replace the noisy equipment as needed (when they are due to be replaced). Even a 3 dB drop is significant.

2. CONTROLS – ENGINEERING CONTROLS

31 Where the installation of engineering controls is practical, an employer shall install and use appropriate engineering controls to comply with section 30.

• Isolation:

• Enclose the equipment • Enclose the employees • Soundproofing

• Sound absorption • Noise Cancellation

2. CONTROLS – ENGINEERING CONTROLS

2. CONTROLS – ENGINEERING CONTROLS

2. CONTROLS – ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS

• Communication of hazards

• Education and training on hazards and controls

• Time limitation in noise areas through job rotation*

*job rotation may reduce the risk of noise induced hearing loss for one employee, but the disadvantage is that more employees are now exposed to that level of noise. If not monitored properly, there is a potential that some of those employees may still be

2. CONTROLS - PPE

32 Where necessary, an employer shall provide, and an employee shall use, adequate

hearing protective equipment so that the exposure of an employee to noise is kept within the limits prescribed by section 30.

48(1) An employer shall ensure that hearing protective equipment conforms to CSA

standard Z94.2-94, “Hearing Protectors” or a standard offering equivalent protection.

48(2) An employer shall consult with a joint health and safety committee or health and

safety representative, if any, or with employees if there is no committee or

representative, concerning the selection of the types of hearing protective equipment to be used by employees.

48(3) Where hearing protective equipment is required, an employer and an employee

who uses the equipment shall each ensure that the equipment is kept in a sanitary condition.

2. 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

2. CONTROLS – PPE

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

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

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

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

4. AUDIOMETRIC TESTING

• There are currently no regulations relating to audiometric testing in New Brunswick.

• An Occupational Hygiene technical committee has put forward some proposals for regulations on audiometric testing, but the proposals were not unanimously agreed to by all members. Cannot say with certainty if these

proposals will make it to regulation at this time.

• However, audiometric testing is a crucial part of any hearing conservation program. There is no other way to determine if the choices of controls that have been made have been effective or whether they need to be improved upon.

4. AUDIOMETRIC TESTING

OHS Act, Chapter O-0.2

8.1(1) Every employer with 20 or more employees regularly employed in the Province shall establish a written health and safety program, in consultation with the committee or the

health and safety representative, that includes provisions with respect to the following matters:

(g) monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of the program.

4. AUDIOMETRIC TESTING

WorkSafeNB Policy 21-112 R2 Conditions for Entitlement – Hearing Loss Effective June 2, 2015

• 2.2 In adjudicating a claim for noise-induced hearing loss, the accident date is the date of the first certified audiogram resulting in a diagnosis of occupational noise-induced hearing loss.

• 3.1 WorkSafeNB examines the injured worker’s history of

exposure to work-related hazardous noise levels. Where there is no record of measured noise levels at the worksite, WorkSafeNB may estimate expected noise levels based on the type of work or industry.

4. AUDIOMETRIC TESTING

WorkSafeNB Policy 21-112 R2 Conditions for Entitlement – Hearing Loss

Effective June 2, 2015

• 3.2 For noise-induced hearing loss claims, WorkSafeNB bases its decision on the injured worker’s medical history and an audiogram performed by a

certified audiologist to adjudicate the claim.

• The absence of an audiogram performed during hazardous worksite

exposure, or within three months after such exposure ended, that shows noise-induced hearing loss is an indication that WorkSafeNB may investigate further. With noise-induced hearing loss claims, if time elapses between the end of exposure and the date of the audiogram, any evidence of intervening factors after exposure is investigated.

• The adjudication decision is based upon historical audiograms, the current audiogram, and all other relevant evidence.

4. AUDIOMETRIC TESTING

WorkSafeNB Policy 21-112 R2 Conditions for Entitlement – Hearing Loss

Effective June 2, 2015

• 6.0 Claim costs for hearing loss that developed while working for more than one employer, or additional employers outside New Brunswick are allocated in accordance with Policy No. 21-300 Allocation of Claim Costs.

4. AUDIOMETRIC TESTING

4. AUDIOMETRIC TESTING - HOW TO DEAL WITH

THE DISCREPANCIES (COMP VS OHS)

• Medical diagnosis of hearing loss • Audiogram from a certified audiologist

at the time the claim is submitted. • If noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) -

claim accepted and costs are allocated to the employer(s).

• other audiograms from certified audiologist, WSNB will take them into consideration.

• any audiograms from non-certified audiologists are not taken into consideration.

WSNB Policy

• Non clinical testing to identify people at risk for NIHL

• Testing performed by competent person

• Trained to recognized standard by certified audiologist

• Base line testing at time of hire and subsequent regular testing to

determine changes to hearing thresholds

• Any significant changes noted to be addressed with employee immediately • Hearing Conservation Program

reviewed annually and updated as needed.

4. AUDIOMETRIC TESTING - HOW TO DEAL WITH

THE DISCREPANCIES (COMP VS OHS)

• Hearing loss has already occurred.

• Damage is done and more likely permanent

WSNB Policy

• Prevention of hearing loss.

• Possible to stop the continuance of hearing loss and/or reverse any temporary threshold shifts.

4. AUDIOMETRIC TESTING

Recommendations: How to Deal with the Discrepancies (Comp VS OHS) • Baseline test – certified audiologist

• HCP audiometric testing – competent person

4. AUDIOMETRIC TESTING

What do audiograms look like? Source: Michael Sharpe - Hearing Conservation – Say What? What

4. AUDIOMETRIC TESTING

Noise Damage

• Age related

"Study of Noise and Hearing in Jute Weaving" (JASA v38 p113 July 1965) by Taylor, Pearson, Mair and Burns.

Age Related

Source: Michael Sharpe - Hearing Conservation – Say What? What You Can’t

5. RECORD KEEPING

OHS Act, Chapter O-0.2

8.1(1) Every employer with 20 or more employees regularly employed in the Province shall establish a written health and safety program, in consultation with the committee or the

health and safety representative, that includes provisions with respect to the following matters:

(f) a record management system that includes reports of employee training, accident statistics, work procedures and health and safety inspections, maintenance, followup and investigations;

5. RECORD KEEPING

Regulation 91-191

29(1)Where an employer or an employee has reason to suspect that the noise level in an area where employees work may exceed 80 dBA, an employer shall ensure that

(a) the noise level is measured by a competent person using a sound level meter that conforms as a minimum to the requirements of ANSI standard S1.4-1983, “American National Standard Specification for Sound Level Meters”, for a Type 2 sound level meter that is set to use the A-weighted network with slow meter response, and (b) the amount of time that an employee spends in an area where the noise level exceeds 80 dBA is measured.

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.

5. RECORD KEEPING

• Noise surveys of workplace

• Noise exposure of employees (noise levels and time or dosimetry results)

• Education, instruction and training records for noise (all employees)

• Audiometric testing results for employees in HCP • Kept for as long as employed (minimum)

• Confidential, unless given permission by employee to share or it is required by law to disclose

6. OTHER: NON-OCCUPATIONAL NOISE

EXPOSURE (OPTIONAL)

Why include it?

• Many non-occupational activities may have an impact on hearing loss.

• If not addressed, the HCP may fail even though the workplace has all the proper controls.

• It demonstrates caring about employee overall wellness. Lessons can be transferred to family members.

• Much of the education, instruction and training translates well to non-occupational noise exposures.

6. OTHER: NON-OCCUPATIONAL NOISE

EXPOSURE (OPTIONAL)

Which activities or hobbies? • Lawn mowing

• Snow blowing

• Power tools (electric, gas, air compressors) • Music concerts

• Listening to headphones or earbuds • Shooting guns

• Motor-boating • Motorcycling • Etc.

ELEMENTS OF A HEARING

CONSERVATION PROGRAM

RESOURCES

1. OSH Act Chapter O-0.2 (Noted sections) & Regulation 91-191 (Noted sections)

2. CSA Standard Z107.56-06 “Procedures for the Measurement of Occupational Noise Exposure” (Table of Contents)

3. CSA standard Z94.2-94, “Hearing Protectors” (Table of Contents) 4. CSA Z94.2-02 “Hearing Protective Devices – Performance,

Selection, Care and Use” (Table of Contents)

5. CSA Z94.2-14 “Hearing Protective Devices – Performance, Selection, Care and Use” (Table of Contents)

6. CAN/CSA-Z107.6-M90 (Reaffirmed 2010) (Table of Contents) 7. WorkSafeNB Policy 21-112 R2 Conditions for Entitlement –

RESOURCES

8. Audiometric Consultant Info updated June 2015 9. Hearing Loss Prevention Program (Example)

10. Hearing Conservation Program (City of Philadelphia Example)

11. Sample Written Program For HEARING CONSERVATION (Frankenmuth Insurance)

12. Hearing Conservation Program Template (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

13. Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) – Working Together to Prevent Hearing Loss (WorkSafeNB)