| Protect Your Employees From Hearing Impairment Caused By Noise In Your Workplace, By Having A Hearing Conservation Programme | |
Home : Articles : Protect Your Employees From Hearing Caused By Noise Who Should Read This Article? The information provided in this article may be of potential value to managers and/or decision makers in small, medium or large scale manufacturing, production or factory operations. Specific examples include establishments engaged in the mass production of FMCGs(Fast Moving Consumer Goods) using motorised or mechanised equipment. Hearing Impairment: Introduction Over the years, advancements in modern technology have led to a significant increase in the volume and variety of environmental pollutants. One of such pollutants, which happens to be an immediate and identifiable one is Noise. A large number of industrial processes (which have developed as a result of technological improvements earlier mentioned), generate sounds up to levels sufficient to cause impairment to hearing of those who work within the vicinity. Sound(s) of various levels of intensity necessarily occur in the human environment. However, when a sound(s) becomes unexpected or unwanted by virtue of it being unpleasant, interfering and harmful to the human system, then it is referred to as NOISE. Measuring Hearing Impairment Findings by various researchers have consistently identified Noise to be the source of many undesirable effects on the mental and physical health of human beings. The effect of noise on health may be temporary or permanent. However, the most widely known and acknowledged effect of noise on health is that called Noise Induced Hearing Loss. To confirm the existence of this effect on a particular person, an index of measurement is used to check changes in hearing sensitivity or threshold levels before and after a specified exposure. Following measurement, if it is confirmed that a noise hazard does indeed exist in a part or all of a factory/place, a Hearing Conservation Programme should be initiated. Setting Up A Hearing Conservation Programme The basic steps involved in the instigation of a successful hearing conservation programme are as outlined below: 1. Measurement Of Noise: A detailed noise survey of the workplace(s) or area(s) thought to pose a possible hazard to hearing should be carried out. 2. Evaluate The Hazard: Measured A-weighed equivalent noise levels(leq) should be compared with the current criterion of 90dB (A) and all machines, workshops and noisy areas where this level is exceeded should be designated "Noise Hazardous Areas". 3. Noise Reduction: Implement all hazardous noise and vibration control procedures. If reduction of the noise at source or in transmission is neither economic nor practical, then as a last temporary resort, a hearing protection programme should be instigated. Want To Know More Or Get Started? BSA Hearing and Speech Centre offers a reliable Industrial Hearing Screening And Conservation Programme that is designed to help companies like yours comprehensively address the requirements specified by regulatory bodies. Click here now to request more information about how we can help you. Date Published: 13th December 2006 |
