Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/661453
Reduce the Impacts of Noise OPERATIONS A ccording to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), "noise is one of the most pervasive health hazards in mining." The agency goes on to say that occupational noise-induced hearing loss is one of the 10 leading work-related diseases/injuries, and that prolonged exposure to hazardous noise levels can cause permanent, irreversible damage to hearing. MSHA's metal/non-met- al mine noise standards (30 CFR 56.5050 and 57.50501) defi ne the noise exposure "action level" as an "eight-hour, time-weighted average sound level of 85 dBA integrating all sound levels from 80 dBA to at least 130 dBA." A high level of noise, if left unabated, not only has a negative impact on employees, it can affect the surrounding commu- nity as well. "When we hire employees, they go through audiometric testing to get the baseline of where their hearing is so we know if there are issues," says Brian Dillard, area pro- duction manager for Rogers Group, Inc. in northern middle Tennessee. "We then train them on hearing loss and hearing conservation, how to properly wear earplugs, the impor- tance of wearing earplugs or ear muffs to reduce the noise, and how hearing loss happens." Oldcastle Materials takes a slight- ly different approach by identifying and marking where the noisiest areas in the plant are located. "We conduct noise mapping within our facilities," says Chris May, director of environmental, health and safety for the company. "In addition, we seek to provide enclosed cabs for our employees that are operating equip- ment, so we aren't exposing them to an all-day noisy environment." Dave Iddings, owner/operator of Iddings Quarry, Inc. in Miffl inburg, Pa., agrees that having insulated cabs on the equipment helps him control how much noise his employ- ees are exposed to, but he has an- other trick up his sleeve. "Everybody does everybody else's job," he says, explaining that he limits the amount of time any one of his employees is exposed to noise by having them trade positions during the day. "One guy may be running the crusher in the morning, and after lunch he'll crawl into the excavator." As for the community, it's best for an aggregate operation to be out of sight and out of mind, or in this case, out of earshot. The noisy pro- cessing plant consisting of screens and crushers, the worst noise offenders, can sometimes be located down in the pit. The walls of the pit provide a natural noise barrier and also remove the plant from sight. In cases where this is not possible, a noise barrier can be constructed, or planted, in the form of a dirt berm or a thick row of trees. The old saying "Good fences make good neighbors" rings true for aggregate operations. AGGREGATES MANAGER Some older mobile equipment can cause operators to be overexposed to noise, but most of the newer models are so well-engineered when they come off the as- sembly lines that the operating noise levels have been greatly reduced. This allows an employee to operate an excavator or haul truck for eight hours without excessive exposure. Making sure the insulation in the cabs and the seals on the doors and windows are maintained is important. Ensure the air conditioning systems on the equipment are maintained so that the windows don't have to be opened. Provide hearing protection for employees and ensure that they use it. There are many types of hearing pro- tection available, including ear muffs and a wide variety of ear plugs. If employees are allowed to choose the type of hearing protection that is most comfortable for them, they are more likely to wear it. Employees should have their hearing checked when they fi rst begin work and at regular intervals throughout their employment. If it is discovered that they have been overexposed to noise, enroll them in a hearing conservation program. Use hearing protection Soundproof cabs 1 4