MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY – MAIN CAMPUS

Marawi City
College of Business Administration and Accountancy
Department of Management

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the course
HRM101 – Ff
(Administrative and Office Management)

Written Report for

Freedom from Noise and Dust in a Workplace

Submitted by:
Macatangcop
Mama, Sittie Hanna M.
Malawad, Raif

November 2023
 FREEDOM FROM NOISE AND DUST IN A WORKPLACE

Noise and Noise Exposure at Work

Noise in the workplace is a significant occupational hazard that can affect employees'
health and productivity. It refers to unwanted or excessive sound levels that can disrupt work
and have adverse health effects
Noise in the workplace is an issue that affects millions of workers worldwide, with
detrimental effects on health and productivity. Here are some key aspects to consider:
1. Measurement of Noise
2. Effects of Noise Exposure
3. Workplace Noise Prevention and Control
Typical Noise Levels
Typical noise levels in the workplace can vary widely depending on the industry and
specific job tasks. For instance, a quiet office may have noise levels around 40-50 dB, while
a construction site could reach 90 dB or more. According to HSE, exposure to noise levels
above 85 dB for prolonged periods can lead to hearing impairment and other health
problems.
(Source: Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidelines on noise exposure levels.
Insight 1: Workplace Noise Levels in an Office Settinngs
Insight 2: Workplace Noise Levels in Manufacturing and Industrial Settinggs
Insight 3: Workplace Noise Levels on Construction Sites
Insight 4: Workplace Noise Levels at Transportation Hubs
Effects of Long-term Exposure to Noise
a. Physiological Effects
The effects of noise on the psyche are dependent on the individual and what they
consider to be acceptable. Different sounds affect people differently. Noise may startle,
annoy, and disrupt concentration. Even nuisance noise can lead to issues with
concentration, productivity, irritability, and stress, and must not be confused with
excessive or prolonged exposure to noise. Technically nuisance noise is ambient noise
levels between 50dB(A) to 60dB(A), which are below the levels that could damage a
worker hearing but cause annoyance e.g., dripping tap. They affect individuals in
different ways depending on several factors, such as the volume of the noise, how long it
occurs, and how long it occurs (continuous or intermittent). Excessive noise can influence
occupational accidents rates by affecting the accuracy of movements and perception of
auditory signals. For industry loss of attention, work efficiency and productivity are
extremely important outcomes of noise exposure.
b. Loss of hearing or hearing impairments
 Temporary hearing loss
Known as a temporary threshold sift (TTS) this loss of hearing is due to
exposure to noise above the 85dB level but below approximately 100dB or highly
hazardous noise. It is in essence an intrinsic form of protection as sensitivity of
the Organ of Corti is reduced during TTS, providing a transitory auditory fatigue
or temporary hearing loss from which the ear will recover however long it takes.
Originally it was the loss which resulted from a day’s exposure to noise and from
which the ear recovered overnight. In most people recovery occurs in the first
hour or two after exposure depending on the level of noise. The extent of the TTS
depends on the type of noise responsible. Usually with this type of impairment no
physical signs appear, the ears appear normal and there is no pain or dizziness.
Early signs and symptoms may be tinnitus or ringing in the ears and a slight
muffling sound.
 Permanent hearing loss or noise induced hearing loss
This occurs because excessive and prolonged exposure to noise damages the
delicate hearing mechanism of the inner ear (Organ of Corti). Loss in acuity
occurs first in 3000-6000Hz band but characteristically at 4000Hz, and with time
and continued exposure these frequency losses increase, and the lower
frequencies begin to be affected. Generally, permanent hearing loss tends to be
highest after 10 years of exposure and it is known that TTS and permanent
hearing loss run parallel. It is the most common preventable occupational health
condition across the world. The level of noise that is likely to damage hearing
varies depending on the individuals’ characteristics and the duration of exposure
to noise. The exposure limits established by countries is deemed to be that level at
which unprotected exposure will not cause adverse health outcomes.
Noise induced hearing loss does not only occur at work. Environmental
exposures through activities such as carpentry, metal work and attending night
clubs are known to expose individuals to noise levels above 95dB causing hearing
loss which may exacerbate any occupational exposure to noise.
Noise induced hearing loss is caused by chronic exposure to noise above or
more than the upper exposure values. This differs from acoustic trauma which can
cause damage from a one-off exposure.
 Acoustic trauma or acoustic shock
 This is caused by short bursts of extremely loud noise in a sudden single
exposure such as an explosion or gun shots. It is often associated with a
rupture of the ear drum due to the force of the trauma. The hearing loss
experienced can be temporary returning to normal or near normal within three
months.
 Types of Hearing Protection in the Workplace
Hearing protectors are required to prevent noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Hearing
protection devices reduce the noise energy reaching and causing damage to the inner ear.
1. Earmuffs
DESCRIPTION:
 Hard plastic cups which fit over and surround the ears, and are sealed to the head
by cushion seals filled with a soft plastic foam or a viscous liquid. Tension to
assist the seal is provided by a headband.
 The inner surfaces of the cups are covered with a sound absorbing material,
usually a soft plastic foam
 Available in a range of sizes.
ADVANTAGES:
 Easy to fit and use. Clearly visible, therefore easily monitored
SUITABILITY:
 Headband can prevent use of a hard hat. Headband can be worn behind the neck
or under the chin if an under-hat support strap is provided. However, the
protection offered may differ between wear modes.
 May be uncomfortable in warm conditions
 May not be suited for use with safety glasses and other forms of PPE (check
compatibility).
 Long hair, woolly hats, beards and jewelry may interfere with seals and reduce
protection.
2. Helmet-mounted earmuffs
DESCRIPTION:
 Individual cups attached to safety headgear such as a visor or a hard hat, usually
by adjustable arms.
 Noise-protection information should be obtained for the specific combination of
earmuff and helmet
ADVANTAGES:
 Can overcome the difficulties with compatibility with hard hats
SUITABILITY:
 May not be suited for use with safety glasses and other forms of PPE (check
compatibility)
 Good performance requires suitable helmet/ear muff combination and good fit to
head size.
  May be uncomfortable in warm conditions
 Long hair, woolly hats, beards and jewelry may interfere with seals and reduce
protection
3. Earplugs
DESCRIPTION:
 Earplugs fit into the ear or cover the ear canal to form a seal. They sometimes
have a cord or a neckband to prevent loss.
 Some earplugs are reusable and others are designed to be disposed of after one
use – check manufacturer’s instructions.
 Available in different forms (pre-shaped, user-formable, semi- insert) and
different sizes.
ADVANTAGES:
 Often suitable for use with safety glasses and other forms of PPE.
SUITABILITY:
 Can be hard to fit – will only be effective when fitted properly so correct fitting is
essential. See manufacturer’s instructions and provide training
 Difficult to check correct fit by observation
 Can work loose over time so check and refit as appropriate in a quiet
environment.
 May not be suitable where the hearing protection is likely to be removed often,
particularly in dusty or dirty environments.
 May not be suitable for certain individuals due to medical conditions.
4. Custom-molded earplugs
DESCRIPTION:
 Earplugs made from a material such as silicone rubber, individually moulded to fit
a person’s ears
ADVANTAGES:
 For some wearers they may be easier to fit than other types of earplugs and
therefore more likely to give anticipated protection.
 Comfortable.
SUITABILITY:
 Confirm the custom moulding is a good fit before the individual puts their
earplugs into use
 Poor performance if manufacturing and initial fitting are not done properly
Dust and Dust Exposure
Dust exposure in the workplace refers to the presence of airborne particulate matter,
often in the form of small solid particles or fine dust, that can be inhaled or come into
contact with workers during the course of their job.
Dust exposure can have several significant implications:
1. Respiratory Issues
2. Allergies
3. Lung Diseases
4. Fire and Explosion Hazards
To mitigate these risks, workplaces should
 Implement Dust Control Measures
 Provide Protective equipment
 Regular Cleaning
 Employee training
 Regulatory Compliance
Practical Measures for Dust Control
Practical dust measures - practical measures for dust control are essential in various
workplace settings to protect the health and safety of employees.
Here are some effective steps to control dust:
1. Dust Collection Systems: Install dust collection systems like dust collectors,
cyclone separators, or baghouses to capture airborne particles at the source.
2. Ventilation: Use local exhaust ventilation systems to capture and remove dust
generated during processes.
3. Wet Suppression: Employ wet methods to suppress dust.
4. Dust Barriers: Erect dust barriers or enclosures to contain dust within specific areas
and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the workplace.
5. Workplace Design: Optimize the layout of the workspace to minimize the generation
and spread of dust.
6. Personal Protective Equipment: Provide appropriate PPE.
7. Regular Cleaning: Maintain a regular cleaning
8. Dust Suppression Chemicals: Depending on the nature of the workplace and the
dust type, consider using dust suppression chemicals or binders to reduce dust
emissions.
9. Training and Education: Train employees on dust control measures, safe work
practices, and the proper use of equipment and PPE.
10. Regular Inspections: Conduct routine inspections to identify potential sources of
dust and assess the effectiveness of control measures.
11. Use Dust-Reducing Tools: Choose equipment and tools designed to minimize dust
generation.
12. Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed about and adhere to relevant safety
regulations and standards for dust control in your industry.