Hearing Protection Program

Element 1: Detect the Hazard

Detecting a noise hazard involves identifying sources and measuring the specific noise exposure. There are three steps outlined in CSA Z1007.

• Step 1. Review of the entire facility.
• Step 2. Quantify the noise levels and identify the causes.
• Step 3. Determine the actual exposure.

Element 2: Control the Hazard

Once hazards are identified and quantified, the next step is to define and implement control measures.Noise management programs should primarily focus on reducing noise at its source or along its transmission path. This involves addressing equipment, workplace design, and maintenance.

Engineering controls can be applied in two key areas:

1. At the source: This involves changing, repairing, altering, moving, or replacing equipment to mitigate noise emissions.
2. Along the transmission path: Adding physical barriers, such as sound walls, to alter the propagation of noise.

Eliminating the noise source altogether is the most effective means of preventing risks to workers. Therefore, always prioritize this approach when considering the introduction of new equipment or work areas. Implementing a 'no noise or low noise' procurement policy proves to be the most cost-effective strategy for noise prevention or control.

Administrative controls involve implementing policy or schedule changes to reduce workers' exposure to noise. When noise control at the source isn't feasible, employers must take additional steps to minimize workers' exposure.

These steps may include:

• Utilizing methods that require less exposure to noise.
• Scheduling noisy machine operations during shifts with fewer people present.
  
• Limiting the duration of time individuals spend near noisy sources.
  
• Providing extended breaks or establishing quiet areas where workers can retreat from hazardous noise.
• Implementing job sharing and ensuring proper equipment maintenance

ELEMENT 3: HEARING PROTECTION DEVICES (HPD)
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When control measures fail to sufficiently reduce noise to an acceptable level, hearing protection devices (HPDs) become necessary.
CSA standards Z94.2 and Z1007 delineate best practices for selecting HPDs. It is crucial to choose HPDs based on the noise levels and attenuation outcomes.

CSA offers four methods for selecting HPDs:

1. By class: HPDs are pre-assigned based on defined attenuation ranges, balancing between adequate protection and overprotection.
2. By single number: Attenuation value expressed in decibels, such as the noise reduction rating (NRR) or single number rating (SNR).
3. By octave-band approach: Primarily for situations exceeding 105 dBA, this method is highly accurate but complex.
4. Field Attenuation Estimating System (FAES) fit testing: Various options exist for testing the physical fit of hearing protection, including earplugs. These systems measure a personal attenuation rating (PAR) for the specific protection worn, while also providing an opportunity to train employees on proper HPD selection and fit.

ELEMENT 4: AUDIOMETRIC TESTING

An audiometric test is a procedure to evaluate hearing ability, where an individual responds to pure tones to ascertain their hearing threshold levels. This test employs an audiometer, which delivers these pure tones at specific frequencies and output levels via a headset worn by the test subject.

The frequencies (in Hz) used are:  

Audiometric testing can also measure the ability to: The signal level can range from -10 to 100 dBHL (decibel hearing level). The test is performed on each ear independently. The goal is to detect changes or shifts that could signal the beginning of hearing loss or disease. An audiometric technician conducts the test requiring the test subject to respond upon hearing the tones.

• discriminate between different sound intensities
• recognize pitch
• distinguish speech from background noise.

Employers who identify the signs and symptoms early enough can intervene before symptoms worsen.

There are two types of audiometric tests.
1) Reference test
This is the baseline test and must be conducted after a period of 12 to 14 hours away from the noise.The test should be done in the first six months of hire, ideally within the first 30 days.
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2) Monitoring test
This test serves a dual purpose and should be conducted every year.  The test provides:
1. Information related to changes in an individual worker’s hearing compared to a reference test.
2. Group information that may be used to help determine whether the HLPP is effective.

A significant threshold shift (STS) is the change in the hearing threshold when comparing the reference test to the annual monitoring test. It can be classified in two ways:
1. An average shift of hearing  threshold of >= 10 dB  at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in  either ear, or
2. A shift of hearing threshold of >=  15dB at 3000 or 4000 Hz.

• 1. An average shift of hearing  threshold of >= 10 dB  at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in  either ear, or
• 2. A shift of hearing threshold of >=  15dB at 3000 or 4000 Hz.

Any individual with an STS recorded on two consecutive tests should consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

ELEMENT 5: HAZARD COMMUNICATION

Employers are mandated to prominently display signage warning employees about noise hazards in areas where noise levels exceed 85 dBA, as stipulated by CSA Z1007, which outlines two essential requirements for hazard communication.

1. Clear signage: Every area with regular noise levels surpassing 85 dBA must feature a conspicuous warning sign.
   
2. Notification: Workers must receive information about all noise sources in the workplace.

However, employers and safety managers should extend beyond these basics by educating employees on:

• The lasting effects of excessive noise exposure
• Adverse health impacts on the auditory system
• The fact that hearing loss is entirely preventable but irreversible once it occurs.

The Employer’s Responsibilities:

• Position signs prominently at entry points to noise hazard areas.
  
• Ensure signs instruct workers to wear hearing protection.
  
• Provide appropriate hearing protection devices for noise levels.
  
• Inform workers about noise hazards and associated sound levels during shifts.
• Schedule and inform employees of noise testing within the facility.
• Train workers on the purpose and location of noise hazard warning signs.

The Employee’s Responsibilities:

• Familiarize themselves with the areas of the facility where noise hazards are  present
  
• Report any noise hazards that may not have been noted in previous  noise hazard surveys.
  
• Wear hearing protection regularly and correctly.
  

ELEMENT 6: TRAINING

Education constitutes a pivotal aspect of any program. Regarding a Hearing Loss Prevention Program (HLPP), comprehensive training and education are indispensable for ensuring compliance, minimizing injuries, and ensuring proper usage.

Employees who undergo thorough training are more inclined to adhere to best practices and appropriately utilize their hearing protection devices, consequently mitigating the risk of hearing damage.

It's imperative for workers to grasp the risks and repercussions of excessive noise exposure, enabling them to effectively navigate within the program and select suitable HPDs. Additionally, training should encompass the broader implications of hearing loss beyond the workplace, as it can profoundly impact an individual's quality of life by impeding their ability to communicate effectively with others.

ELEMENT 7: EVALUATE THE PROGRAM

Assessing the effectiveness of the hearing loss prevention program is crucial. The program administrator should perform this evaluation and document their findings annually, with further guidance provided in Element 8: Recordkeeping.

The primary focus of evaluation revolves around determining whether the program effectively prevents hearing loss. To guide this assessment, ask the following questions:

• Is the program effectively preventing hearing loss?
• Are there any discernible gaps in the program's implementation?
• What improvements can be made to enhance program efficacy?
• Is the program operating efficiently and proving to be cost-effective?

Answering these questions provides valuable insights into the program's performance and aids in refining strategies to better safeguard employee hearing health.