Global Manufacturing Training: SAF-111 Noise Hazards

Global Manufacturing Training
SAF-111
NOISE HAZARDS
Module Release Date: October 2008
Slide 1 of 48
Main Menu
Introduction
Effects of High Noise Levels on Hearing
Hearing Protection: Purpose
Hearing Protection: Selection and Use
Personal Hearing Testing
Summary
Glossary

SAF-111 Noise Hazards
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Slide 2 of 48
INTRODUCTION
Module Navigation
Move forward one screen
Go back one screen
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Go to the Main Menu from any screen

Return to previous screen
Blue text Click highlighted text to go to the Glossary
Click Icon to activate (or stop) Sound

Click any button to observe action

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Slide 3 of 48
INTRODUCTION
Listening to Modules Sound Enhancements

Module Note: This module has been enhanced with sound but it is not required
to complete this module should sound not be available on your PC.
Throughout the module, short sound recordings are played to

demonstrate various aspects of noise
You can access these sounds through your:
Headphones
or PC Speakers
The following buttons will help you test the ability of your PC to
play sounds and provide troubleshooting guidance if you
encounter problems
If no sound after clicking the
icon (click here)
TEST sound (click on icon)

If you hear sound (click here) to continue
These sounds are courtesy of Aearo Technologies

Slide 4 of 48
INTRODUCTION
Module Learning Objectives
To reduce the potential for personal injury or death by

providing fundamental knowledge on the hazards of noise in
our facilities.
To prepare you for the Verification Test that follows this

training module.
Note that the verification is closed book
Verification must be based solely upon your own work. Once you begin,
you may not refer to any documentation other than the verification itself,
unless the instructions clearly identify a specific document that may be
used. Further, it is not permissible to use another person's work, have
possession of the verification solutions, or receive assistance during the
verification (other than intervention needed to protect personnel or
equipment)

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Slide 5 of 48
INTRODUCTION
Module Topics
Effects of high noise levels on hearing
The purpose of hearing protection and the advantages,
disadvantages, and properties of various types
The selection, fitting, use, and care of various types of hearing
protection
Personal hearing testing

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Slide 6 of 48
INTRODUCTION
Module Overview
This training module is designed to reduce your potential
exposure to high noise levels related hazards through improved
awareness of this hazard.
You
You are
are responsible
responsible for
for applying
applying the
the hazards
hazards of
of
noise
noise knowledge
knowledge presented
presented in
in this
this training
training module.
module.

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Slide 7 of 48
EFFECTS OF HIGH NOISE LEVELS ON HEARING
Examples of Hearing Loss
The following sample sounds simulate the impact on what you

hear if you suffered a hearing loss
Click the speaker icon and

listen to hear the impact of
hearing loss from aging and
years of noise exposure to
sounds of about 95 dB(A)
No loss
Loss
Nature
Can you guess?
Music
Tinnitus is a condition suffered by some people with hearing

damage that can sound like a constant ringing in your ears
Click here to hear what tinnitus might sound like

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Slide 8 of 48
Causes of Hearing Loss
A number of factors may contribute to hearing loss.
Exposure to high levels of noise
Natural Aging Process

Hearing naturally decreases with age
Disease or Infection
Exposure to various chemicals
High doses or chronic use of some drugs:
Aspirin, quinine, some antibiotics
This module focuses on noise-induced hearing loss

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Slide 9 of 48
Sound and Noise

Sound
Results from air pressure waves

generated by vibration or movement that
we detect (hear)
Noise
Is Unwanted Sound

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Slide 10 of 48
Hazards of High Noise Levels

Exposure to high noise levels can cause a reduction in the
ability to hear low sound levels. When this occurs, it is referred
to as Hearing Loss
Exposures to high noise levels can cause two broad types of
hearing loss:
Temporary Hearing Loss

or
Permanent Hearing Loss

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Slide 11 of 48
Hazards of High Noise Levels: Temporary Hearing

Loss
Small hair-like receptors found in
the Inner Ear are responsible for
detecting sound.
Exposure to high noise levels can
cause some of these hairs to be
over-stimulated and lose their
ability to detect sound causing a
temporary hearing loss.
Complete hearing capability is
typically restored after 16 to 48
hours away from the high noise
levels.

Hair-like receptors
located here in the
Inner Ear
Inner Ear
Cross Section of the Human Ear
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Slide 12 of 48
Hazards of High Noise Levels: Permanent Hearing

Loss
Repeated temporary hearing loss can result in permanent
hearing loss.
A single exposure to loud noise can also cause permanent
hearing loss.
The ears can not recover

from permanent noise
damage.
There is no way to restore
hearing once there is
permanent damage.

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Slide 13 of 48
Noise Hazards
Noise is a common hazard found in many workplaces
WARNING
Excessive Noise will cause
permanent hearing loss unless
proper engineering controls are in
place and complied with and
proper personal protection is used.

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Slide 14 of 48
Measuring Sound
The loudness of a sound is measured in decibels (dB).

Click on the
icons in the boxes below to demonstrate sound
levels that change 3 and 10 decibels
A 3dB change1
A 10dB change1
Listen for 10 seconds.
Listen for 10 seconds.
Can you hear the
Can you hear the
changing volume?
changing volume?
For hearing protection, the A-weighted frequency

range, which emphasizes the human speech
frequencies is measured. This measure is written
as dB(A)
1
These sounds were recorded at 70dB and when listened to at a normal volume level provide an
approximate sense of the magnitude of 3db and 10db sound level changes.

Menu
Slide 15 of 48

dB(A)
140+
A short period of exposure can cause permanent hearing loss.

Pain threshold.
100-130
Short period of exposure can cause hearing loss.

Tinnitus may occur after an exposure at this level.
Noise can be uncomfortable at this level of exposure.
90 - 100
Continuous exposure causes hearing loss, the noise can be

uncomfortable at this level of exposure.
85 - 90
Continuous exposure may cause hearing loss.

Hearing loss occurs over time - weeks, months or years.
There is no discomfort at this level of exposure.
There
There may
may not
not be
be any
any pain
pain or
or other
other warning
warning signs
signs
that
that you
you have
have been
been exposed
exposed to
to harmful
harmful noise
noise levels
levels
Menu
Slide 16 of 48
Typical Sound Levels

200
188
Sound Level, dB(A)
Apollo Liftoff
150
158
Shotgun
140
Jet Plane
100
118
Chainsaw
Equipment noise does the

same amount of damage as
music of the same
loudness.
110
Rock Concert
Hammer drill
Pain
Hearing
damage
85
Diesel Truck
60
50
Normal talk
40
Quiet Office
20
Whisper

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Slide 17 of 48
Typical Industrial Equipment Noise Levels
High noise levels can be generated by fixed or portable equipment

Using portable sander
95 dB(A)
Welding Wire-fed machine
95 dB(A)
Grinding metal w/ electric angle grinder
100 dB(A)
Portable air compressor
105 dB(A)
Using pneumatic impact wrench/hammer
110 dB(A)
Steaming vessels (preparing for maintenance)
110 dB(A)
Hammering sheet or plated steel
115 dB(A)
Using jack hammer
125 dB(A)
(All noise levels are approximate)

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Slide 18 of 48
Progress Check: Effect of Power Equipment

A diesel truck will typically create enough noise __________.
Click on the correct answer box
below to display how to continue
Incorrect. HINT: A diesel truck typically operates

at about 85 dB(A). Short exposure at 90 dB(A)
will not cause hearing loss Try again.
that a short period of exposure will cause

hearing loss.
Correct. A diesel truck typically operates at about

85 dB(A). Continuous exposure to noise at sound
levels of 85 to 90 dB(A) may cause hearing loss.
[Click Here to Continue]
that continuous exposure may cause

hearing loss.
Incorrect. HINT: A diesel truck typically operates

at about 85 dB(A). Continuous exposure to noise
at sound levels of 85 to 90 dB(A) may, but does
not definitely, cause hearing loss. Try again.
that continuous exposure definitely

causes hearing loss.

Menu
Slide 19 of 48
Progress Check: Effect of Power Equipment

A portable air compressor operating at 105 dB(A) is creating
enough noise __________.
Correct. Some portable air compressors expose

a worker to a noise level of 105 dB(A). Noise at
sound levels of 100 to 130 dB(A) can cause
hearing loss after a short period of exposure.
that a short period of exposure can

cause temporary hearing loss.
Incorrect. HINT. Noise at sound levels of 100 to

130 dB(A) can cause hearing loss. Try again.
that continuous exposure will not cause

permanent hearing loss.

Menu
Slide 20 of 48
How High Noise Level Areas and Tasks are Assessed

Noise monitoring is conducted to identify noise hazards so that
appropriate controls can be applied to prevent harmful noise
exposures.
Noise dosimeters to measure

individual exposure over time

Sound level
meters
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Slide 21 of 48
Sources of High Noise Levels

The following are examples of potential sources of high noise
levels in our facilities.
Fixed and portable equipment

Pumps, compressors, fans, turbines, engines, boilers
Jackhammers, oxy-acetylene torches (arc gouging), pneumatic tools,
portable sanders
Flow
Flow through restrictions: valves, orifices
Jet discharges from high velocity vents, steam leaks
Flow through discontinuities: tees, elbows, reducers
Combustion
Natural draft fired-heaters, flare noise, furnaces
Menu
Slide 22 of 48

Losing your hearing is typically a gradual process.
Typically, there is no pain or warning sign that you are being
exposed to levels of noise that will damage your hearing.
Short Term Effects

Ringing in the ears
Temporary hearing loss
Ear pain
Repeated
Excessive
Prolonged
Long Term Effects

Ringing in the ears
Permanent hearing loss
Exposure
You cannot toughen-up (train, condition) your ears by regularly listening

to loud noises; this can actually promote hearing loss.

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Slide 23 of 48
HEARING PROTECTION: PURPOSE
Controlling the Hazard (1 of 2)

The only way to prevent hearing damage is to prevent
overexposure to noise
1. Remove the high noise
level source.
1
2
2. Reduce the level of the
noise at the source.
(i.e. muffle)

3. Create a barrier between

high noise and the ear by
providing distance,
acoustic treatment or
hearing protection.
3
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Slide 24 of 48
Controlling the Hazard (2 of 2)

There are three main methods to reduce exposure to high noise
levels:
Install Acoustic
Silencers on
Noisy
Equipment
1. Engineering Controls
2. Work Practices or
Administrative Controls
3. Personal Protective Equipment
Shut down noisy equipment when

working in the area
Use proper ear muff and ear plugs

in high noise level areas
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Slide 25 of 48
Controlling the Hazard: Engineering

Engineering Control
Examples
New equipment is designed
to reduce the noise level of
equipment
Existing equipment may be
shielded or re-designed to
reduce noise levels
In-line silencers or mufflers
Proper maintenance of
equipment ensures that it
operates as quietly as
possible

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Slide 26 of 48
Controlling the Hazard: Work Practices

Work Practices or
Administrative Control
Examples
Shutting off equipment when
people are present
Limiting work time in high noise
level areas where it is not
feasible to reduce the noise to
an acceptable level

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Slide 27 of 48
Controlling the Hazard: PPE

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment is used when
other noise control methods are not practical
or not effective.
When worn properly, hearing protection can
reduce the noise level that reaches your ear.
Common hearing protective devices are:
Ear Muffs
Ear Muffs
Ear Plugs
Ear Plugs
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Slide 28 of 48
Progress Check: Reducing High Noise Level at the

Source
An example of reducing the high noise level at
the source is _______.
Incorrect. Try again. You can proceed forward once you

click on the correct answer. HINT: The correct answer is a
type of Work Practice or Administrative Control.
using hearing protection requirement

signs to indicate high noise level areas
Correct. This action is an example of a Work Practice or

Administrative Control that reduces the source of high
noise levels at the source when people are present in the
area.
shutting off a turbine when people are

working in the immediate area
Incorrect. Try again. You can proceed forward once you

click on the correct answer. HINT: The correct answer is a
type of Work Practice or Administrative Control.
using properly fitting hearing devices

such as ear plugs or ear muffs

Menu
Slide 29 of 48
HEARING PROTECTION: SELECTION AND USE
When Do I Need Hearing Protection?

1. In posted areas
2. When using equipment with
hearing protection requirements
3. If you have to shout to speak to
someone 1 m (3 ft) away, noise
levels are high and could damage
your hearing.

Menu
Slide 30 of 48
Ear Plugs and Ear Muffs

Ear Plugs (foam and pre-molded)
Positioned in the outer part of the ear and
provide varying levels of protection depending
on the design, the shape of the individuals ear
canal, and proper insertion into the ear.
Ear Muffs
Worn over the ear
Ear muffs come in many styles. Some are
attached to spring-loaded headbands, while
others are attached directly to safety headgear
Each type and style has advantages and disadvantages.

Be sure to select the one that best fits your particular ear.
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Slide 31 of 48
Ear Plugs: Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages
Small and lightweight
Comfortable in hot environments
Easily used with other safety equipment
Single-use plugs are inexpensive
and eliminate the need to clean soiled
plugs
Foam Ear Plugs
Disadvantages
May work loose and require occasional
refitting
Require specific fitting instructions
Are easily soiled multi-use plugs must
Pre-molded
be cleaned with soap and water
Ear Plugs

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Slide 32 of 48
Ear Plugs: Using Foam Type (1 of 2)
In order to be effective, foam ear plugs

must be properly inserted:
1. Make sure your hands are clean.
2. Reach around the back of the head, and
gently pull the ear back and up.
3. Roll the plug into a small diameter cylinder.
DO NOT roll into a spherical ball.
4. Insert the plug well into the ear canal
5. Hold the plug in place for a few seconds while
it expands to form a good seal.

Menu
Slide 33 of 48
Ear Plugs: Using Pre-molded Type
In order to be effective, pre-molded ear

plugs must be properly inserted:
1. Make sure your hands are clean.
2. Reach around the back of the head, and
gently pull your ear back and up
3. Begin to insert the plug into the ear canal
4. Work the plug well into the ear canal using a
circular motion
5. Once inserted, wait a few seconds to ensure
the plug is securely fitted into the ear

Menu
Slide 34 of 48
Ear Plugs: Proper Insertion of Ear Plugs

Click on the picture below to watch a demonstration of the
proper insertion of:
1. Foam ear plugs
Remember to wait a few

seconds and to ensure
a good seal
Cl
i
Vi ck H
ew e
Vi re t
de o
o
2. Pre-molded ear plugs
( NOTE: There is no sound in this demonstration )

This video is courtesy of Aearo Technologies

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Slide 35 of 48
Ear Plugs: Verifying Correct Fit

After inserting ear plugs, verify that the fit is correct:
While wearing ear plugs in a noisy area,
cup both hands over your ears, then release.
Fit Is Correct if the noise level seems about the same
Fit Is Incorrect if the noise seems to lessen with your
hands cupped over your ears
Remove and refit your ear plugs if fit is incorrect

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Slide 36 of 48
Ear Plugs: Care
Store ear plugs in a clean, cool, dry

place
Foam ear plugs should
Be replaced if they become soiled, torn or
stiff
NOT be used if they are wet
Pre-molded ear plugs should be

replaced if they are torn or become
brittle or can be washed if they
become dirty
Clean with a mild solution of soap and
water, rinse and dry with a soft towel

Menu
Slide 37 of 48
Ear Muffs: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
One size fits all
Fit well for long periods of time
Fewer fitting instructions required
Easy to supervise the wearing of ear muffs
Disadvantages
May fit tightly on your head
May be uncomfortable in a warm environment
May interfere with the use of other PPE

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Slide 38 of 48
Ear Muffs: Use
Ear muffs must form a complete seal around

the ear to be effective (do not use muffs with
cracks or tears)
1. Move hair, hats, and other objects away from your

ears. Choose eyewear with thin temples so they
don't interfere with the seal.
2. Center the ear muffs over your head and make
sure the seal is tight. The cups should entirely
cover your ears
3. Adjust the headband so the ear muffs are resting
comfortably on your head.
Muff NOT Seated Properly

Muff overlaps ear lobe (does

not entirely cover the ear)
Menu
Slide 39 of 48
Hat
preventing
proper
seal over
ear
Ear cups
in wrong
position
Ear Muffs: Care
Store ear muffs in a clean, cool, dry place

Always inspect ear muffs for cracks around the foam cups.
Damaged ear muffs should be repaired before use (or replaced).
Keep muffs clean by using disposable covers or by periodically
washing with mild detergent and rinsing with water (see
Manufacturers instructions)

Menu
Slide 40 of 48
Effectiveness of Hearing Protection

ExxonMobil has tested ear plugs and ear muffs to determine
their effectiveness.
Based on this testing, ear plugs and ear muffs can reliably
provide the following reductions in loudness for most people:

Menu
Slide 41 of 48
Progress Check: Ear Muffs

Advantages of ear muffs are _______.
Click on the True or False hand for each item. The signals at the bottom will light to tell
you if you are correct or incorrect.
True
False
wearing them is easy to supervise

they may fit tight on your head
one size fits all
they are comfortable in hot environments
Incorrect
Correct

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Slide 42 of 48
Progress Check: Ear Plugs

Advantages of ear plugs are _______.
Click on the True or False hand for each item. The signals at the bottom will light to tell
you if you are correct or incorrect.
True
False
they are easily used with other safety equipment

many different types are available
they rarely get soiled
they are more comfortable than ear muffs in hot environments
Correct

Incorrect
Menu
Slide 43 of 48
When Hearing Protection Is Required?

105 or higher dB(A)
Requires time limitations and wearing
double hearing protection
95-104 dB(A)
Requires wearing ear plugs and ear
muffs together to increase noise
reduction (known as double hearing
protection).
85 - 94 dB(A)
105
95
85
130
97
88
80
Time Limiting and

Double Hearing
Protection
Required
Double Hearing
Protection
Required
94
91
70
Requires wearing single hearing

protection

dB(A)
140
Single Hearing
Protection
Required
Hearing
Protection
Not Required
60
Menu
Slide 44 of 48
Progress Check: Double Hearing

Protection
Using ear plugs with ear muffs provides a protection of
approximately ____ dB(A).
Correct.
20 dB(A)
Incorrect. Try again. You can proceed forward

once you click on the correct answer.
30 dB(A)
Incorrect. Try again. You can proceed forward

once you click on the correct answer.
40 dB(A)

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Slide 45 of 48
Where Do I Need Hearing Protection?

High Noise Level Areas in the plant will be clearly identified by
posted signs
High Noise Level Areas will be identified by health and safety
specialists at your site and these areas posted in the field
Signs will include requirements for single or double hearing protection
Learn the site-specific signage for High Noise Level Areas and comply
with these requirements

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Slide 46 of 48
PERSONAL HEARING TESTING
How Hearing is Monitored and Tested

When there is a risk that a worker
could be exposed to noise at or above
85 dB(A) as an 8 hour time-weighted
average, a hearing test is done to
measure hearing base line
Subsequent tests are conducted to
identify hearing loss
Audiometric Testing Booth
used for hearing tests
Audiometric tests generate

audiograms to track hearing loss

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Slide 47 of 48
SUMMARY
What You Have Learned

In this module, you learned about the following:
Effects of high noise levels on hearing
Purpose of hearing protection and the advantages, disadvantages, and
properties of various types
Selection, fitting, use, and care of various types of hearing protection
Personal hearing testing
You Should Now

Know how to reduce the potential for personal injury by using this
fundamental knowledge on the hazards of high noise levels in our
facilities.
Be prepared for the Verification Test that follows this training module
Exit Slide Show

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Slide 48 of 48
Glossary
dB(A)
For hearing protection, the A-weighted frequency range, which
emphasizes the human speech frequencies is measured. This measure
is written as dB(A)
Tinnitus
Condition suffered by some people with hearing damage in which they
experience constant noise such as ringing in their ears
Click on speaker icon to hear an example of Tinnitus

Menu
Slide 49 of 48
Help with Sound

1. Click on the Volume icon at the bottom right of your screen
Volume
icon
Top
Top
2. If you see this control ensure that the slider

is at the top of the Volume control
3. If you see this control ensure that the slider

is at the top of the Volume control
Top
No sound (click here)
Sound (click here)

Start Module
Slide 50 of 48
Help with Sound

1. Right click on the Volume icon at the bottom right of your screen.
Volume icon
2. Under the Volume tab ensure that the Device

volume slider is at the right (High) setting of the
Device volume control

Sound (click here)

Start Module
Slide 51 of 48
Help with Sound
1.
Click on the Speaker Volume

button under the Volume tab at the
bottom right of your screen.
2.
Ensure that the Left and Right sliders

are set at their right (High) settings.
Sound (click here)

Start Module
Slide 52 of 48
Help with Sound

This module has been enhanced with sound to contribute to the
outcome that you will want to protect your hearing.
If no sound is available you will still be able to complete the required
knowledge verification.
You should contact your HELP DESK to resolve the sound problem with
the computer.

Start Module
Slide 53 of 48

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Module Release Date: October 2008