Noise Hazards in Construction
Hearing loss from noise is permanent and cumulative — damage is irreversible. Common high-noise operations at LEO: demolition, concrete cutting, grinding, jackhammering, compaction, chipping. Noise at 90 dBA (OSHA PEL) requires hearing protection and inclusion in the hearing conservation program.
OSHA Action Levels
OSHA PEL: 90 dBA for 8 hours (50% dose). Action Level: 85 dBA for 8 hours (triggers hearing conservation program). For every 5 dBA increase, exposure time is halved: 95 dBA → 4 hours, 100 dBA → 2 hours, 110 dBA → 30 minutes. LEO requires hearing protection at 85+ dBA.
Selecting & Using Hearing Protection
Foam earplugs: roll into cylinder, insert while pulling pinna up/back, hold until expanded (NRR 20-33 dB). Earmuffs: seal fully around ear, no hair under the seal (NRR 20-30 dB). Double protection (plugs + muffs) is required for extreme noise. Hearing protection must be in good condition — inspect for cracks and hygiene.
Audiometric Testing
Baseline audiogram required within 6 months of entering the hearing conservation program. Annual audiograms are required. A Standard Threshold Shift (STS) — average 10 dB shift at 2000, 3000, 4000 Hz — is a recordable event and requires refitting of hearing protection. Notify your supervisor if you notice any hearing change.
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