Posted By erina Hi Kelvin it is important to note that every 3 dB INCREASE in the level of workplace noise beyond the 85dB limit, requires a 50% reduction in expposure time for unprotected workers if the legal limit is to be adhered to. EG. Unprotected exposure to an equivalent continuous noise level of 88dB would be permissible for 4hours per day....or 2hour per day in the case of a level of 91 dB. Workers' exp. to noise can be quatified by means of several parameters,but regulatory requirements and practical considerations generally determine the parameter of choice. 0-82dB/TWA 0 insignificant risk of NIHL no action required 83-85dB C 1 potential risk of NIHL OH MONITORING OF EXP lev 86-90dB B 2 MOD. RISK of NIHL Intervene+ re-eval. risk 91-95dB B 3 SIGNIFICANT RISK PRIORITY INTERVENTION followwed by re-evaluattion of risk 96-105dB B 4 Unacceptable Risk. Immediate intervention and re- evaluation of risk 106+ A 5 EXTREME RISK URGENT INTERVENTION AND ONGOING RE- EVALUATION OF RISK IDEALLY, HPC COVERS 3 DISTINCT ALBEIT OVERLAPPING FIELDS OF ACTIVITY NOISE ABATEMENT AT SOURCE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES HEARING PROTECTION DEVICES introduction of HPC presents several problems, the most important being the resistance against wearing some form of HPD as the general belief is that 'my ears must get use tp the noise' YOU NEVER NEVER GET USE TO NOISE YOU BECOME DEAF!! CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF HPD'S attenuation-comfort-hygiene-storage-cost The guiding principle in any decision of this nature is probably to heed the maximum. The best HPD IS THE ONE THAT IS WORN..attenuation property is by n o means the only criterion in the selection of HPD's essential steps id noise area's-carry out sound level surveys in these zones-indicate results in writing-if eng. controll is not possible develope and communicate standard for control-management must be involved so that co-operation at later stages should be easier to control-demarcate noise zones-select approved hearing protection-educate employees on hearing conservation/protection-distribute these protections-ensure monthly checks on condidtions of hp-enforce the wearing of hp-carry out industrial audiometric screening tests on ALL employees on reg. basis/monitor regularly-cat.employees and calculate %bin. imparment-discuss and action reloc\tion-carry post employment ind. screening tests on relevant employees.KEEP ALL RECORDS OF INDUSTRIAL TETST AFTER THE EMPLOYEES TERMINATION OF SERVICE AND DURING SERVICE. IF THIS SOUNDS GREEK MAIL ME AND I'LL TRY TO EXPLAIN GOOD LUCK THIS IS A MUST FOR ANY EMPLOYER. REGARDS ERINA