Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/103664
SAFETY WATCH out Tear this ith your w e and sharpersonnel plant Reducing Noise Engineering controls and hearing protection help protect miners' hearing. compiled by Therese Dunphy, Editor-in-Chief tdunphy@randallreilly.com More than a decade ago, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) promulgated its standard for noise exposure, CFR 30 Part 62. The rule requires miners who exceed the action level of exposure (a time-weighted average 8-hour sound level of 85 dBA or greater or noise dose of 50 percent or more) to be enrolled in a hearing conservation program. Other requirements include having workers who meet the permissible exposure level (a time-weighted average 8-hour sound level of 90 dBA or greater or noise dose of 100 percent or more) to wear one type of hearing protection and workers who meet the dual-hearing protection level (a timeweighted average 8-hour sound level of 105 dBA or greater or noise dose of 800 percent or more) to wear both an earplug and earmuff type of hearing protection. Since the noise rule took effect in 2000, numerous changes have been made in aggregate operations throughout the United States to lower noise levels and provide lower noise exposure to workers. However, in 2010 and 2011, 586 noiserelated citations were issued, indicating that some workers are still being exposed to potentially harmful noise levels. To address noise impact, many operators enroll all workers in a hearing conservation program (HCP), regardless of noise exposure levels. These programs monitor worker exposure level via a dosimeter or sound level meter, as well as sensitivity of hearing through audiometric testing. Once exposure levels are determined, the appropriate hearing protection is issued by the operator, and the workers are trained to protect their hearing. The operator maintains records of test results. To further offset noise exposure, consider the following topics during annual miner training: • Effects of noise on hearing; • Purpose and value of engineering controls and wearing hearing protection; • Pros and cons of available hearing protection; Information from this Safety Watch is provided by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. It is meant for AGGREGATES MANAGER January 2013 • • • • Care, fit, and use of available hearing protection; General requirements of the noise regulation; Maintaining noise controls; and Purpose, value, and procedures of audiometric testing. AM To protect worker hearing, use these best practices. • Consider anticipated noise exposure when designing operations and purchasing equipment. • Upgrade older equipment with new technology and materials, if necessary and feasible. • Check seals on doors and windows of mobile equipment to ensure adequate fastening. general information purposes only. Sponsored by