Noise Exposure and the OSHA Standard

Presented By: Stephen Jurss, CIH, CSP Civil Engineering Bldg. Rm. B173 TX: 494-9227, sejurss@purdue.edu

Introduction

Definition of Noise? Unwanted sound.

The Physics of Sound

The Physics of Sound

The Physics of Sound

Anatomy of the Human Ear

Anatomy of the Human Ear

Noise Convection and Conduction

Physiology of the Cochlea

Cochlea Cilia

Operation of the Cochlea

Healthy Cochlea

The cilia ( sensory hairs) appear normal

Damaged Cochlea

Loss of cilia as a result of Noise

Sound Levels

OSHA Noise Standard

2 Program Strategy
Noise Exposure Program 90 dBA 8 hour TWA(Equivalent Exposure Concept) Hearing Conservation Program 85 dBA 8 hour TWA

TWA- Time Weighted Average

OSHA Regulation Exposure Level vs Duration

140 120 100

80 Decibel 60
- Noise Control Program

40
- Hearing Conservation

20

Exposure Duration (Hours)

Noise Measuring Equipment

Sound Level Meters (SLM) Continuous on-mobile sources

Noise Dosimeters

Mobile/variable
noise sources

Noise Control Measures

Engineering Controls Enclosure, Sound Dampening and Absorption
Administrative Controls

Use of Hearing Protection Devices Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

Hearing Protection Devices and Their Noise Reduction Ratings

EAR Foam Plugs (NRR = 29 dB)

EAR CARBOFLEX (NRR= 20 dB)

Moldex PURAFIT Foam Plugs

(NRR=30 dB)