ML12192A131

Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development 2010 Noise

ML12192A131
Person / Time
Site:	Watts Bar
Issue date:	10/26/2011
From:	State of TN, Dept of Labor & Workforce Development
To:	Watts Bar Special Projects Branch
Poole J C
References
Download: ML12192A131 (2)

Text

Welcome - Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Developmenthttp://www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/tosha_noise.html[10/26/2011 10:03:49 AM]Special Emphasis Program NoiseTennessee OSHA has instituted a Special Emphasis Program for occupational noise ex-posure andhearing conservation. This is established to focus statewide attention on occupational noise and to prevent occupational hearing loss in employees. Each day, thousands of workers are exposed on the jobto excessive noise levels capable of causing permanent hearing loss.During all health and safety inspections the TOSHA compliance officer or consultant will make theemployer aware of the Special Emphasis Program on noise and measure the noise levels in theworkplace. Interventions will be made where there are noise levels above 85 decibels (dB). TOSHA lawsfor occupational noise exposure require a Hearing Conservation Program when noise exposures exceed85 dB averaged over 8 hours9.259259e-5 days <br />0.00222 hours <br />1.322751e-5 weeks <br />3.044e-6 months <br />.What Can Noise Do to You?Excessive noise can destroy the ability to hear and may also put stress on other parts of the body,including the heart. Workers exposed to noise sometimes complain of nervousness, sleeplessness, andfatigue. For most effects of noise, there is no cure, so prevention of excessive noise exposure andhearing conservation are very important. The damage done by noise depends mainly on how loud it isand on the length of exposure. The frequency or pitch can also have some effect, since high-pitchedsounds are more damaging than low-pitched ones. Noise may tire out the inner ear, causing temporaryhearing loss. After a period of time off away from noise, hearing may be restored. With continued noiseexposure, the ear will lose its ability to recover from temporary hearing loss, and the damage will bepermanent. Permanent hearing loss results from the destruction of hair cells in the inner ear - cells whichcan never be replaced or repaired. Normally, workplace noise first affects the ability to hear highfrequency (high-pitched) sounds. This means that even though a person can still hear some noise,speech or other sounds may be unclear or distorted. Distortion occurs especially when there arebackground noises or many people talking. A hearing aid can make speech louder, but not make it clearer.Suggestions for Employers:

Monitor noise exposures to determine who is exposed above an 8-hour time weighted average of 85 dB.You can buy or rent a sound level meter, arrange for a consultant from your workers' compensation carrier or other consultant to conduct the survey. You may call Tennessee OSHA Consultative Services at 1-800-325-9901.Develop, implement, and maintain (at no cost to employees) a hearing conservation program. For anacceptable program you must:Conduct mandatory annual hearing testsMake hearing protectors availableMake hearing protectors mandatory above 90 dBConduct annual training on the effects of noiseKeep accurate records of audiograms and review them to ensure that your program is "effective"Reasons People Lose Their HearingPeople think noise is no threat to them. Noise is not like an air contaminant, which they can smell or see.The initial injury to their hearing is not evident and may be hard to detect.Noise induced hearing loss is cumulative.Serious damage may take years to occur. It may take 10-20 years to become evident.People feel hearing protection is too much trouble.When audiograms are reviewed, appropriate action is not always taken.The importance of using hearing protection was not explained.There is a false belief that medical science can correct noise induced hearing loss.There is no pain associated with noise in the 85-100 dB range.People believe hearing loss is normal.For more information and publications on noise contact your local Tennessee OSHA office or call 1-800-249-8510. For ResidentsFor Visitors For BusinessRelated Topics FMLAMinimum Wage Overtime Transparency TNRecovery.govOpen GovernmentFeatured SitesMission Statement PublicationsPublic NoticesUnemployment RatesAgency ServicesBoiler InspectionsTraining ProvidersWorkforce Development DivisionTN.GOV ServicesRenew Driver's LicenseOne Stop Business Registration MoreDepartment of Labor and Workforce DevelopmentKarla Davis, CommissionerJob Seekers EmployersLabor Laws UnemploymentLabor Market InformationAdult EducationWorkplace SafetyWorkplace Regs Workers' Compensation Newsroom SitemapContact Us GOVERNORBill HaslamVisit Bill's Web Site Welcome - Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Developmenthttp://www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/tosha_noise.html[10/26/2011 10:03:49 AM]

TOSHA220 French Landing DriveNashville, Tennessee 37243Ph: (615) 741-2793Fax: (615) 253-1623Toll Free: 1-800-249-8510 Send comments to Division of Occupational Safety and HealthTN.gov Services TN.gov Directory Web Policies Accessibility Web Awards SurveyDepartment of Labor and Workforce Development 220 French Landing Drive Nashville, TN 37243 (615) 741-6642