Outline the Psychological effects on hearing due to exposure to noise?
- Stress effects: caused by irritating nuisance/background noise.
- Difficulty concentrating and an increase in errors caused by nuisance/background noise.
Outline the Physical effects on hearing due to exposure to noise?
- Temporary reduction in hearing sensitivity as a result of short duration exposure to excessively loud noise.
- Temporary ringing on the ears as a result of short duration exposure to excessively loud noise.
- Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL): permanent progressive loss of hearing as a result of repeated exposure to excessively loud noise.
- Tinnitus: persistent ringing in the ears as a result of repeated exposure to excessively loud noise.
- Inability to hear: hazards such as vehicles, alarms and earning sirens, conversation and spoken instructions; as a result of background noise.
List the different types of noise meter that can be used to undertake noise measurement?
- Simple sound level meter.
- Integrating sound level meter.
- Dosimeters.
- Peak pressure level meter.
The amount of damage done to the ear, due to noise, is dependent upon the amount of energy absorbed by the inner ear. What 2 factors determine this?
- Noise level (measured in db(A)).
- Duration of exposure (hours and minutes).
What are the 2 “Action Levels” that THE CONTROL OF NOISE AT WORK REGULATIONS 2005, recognise?
- Lower Exposure Action Value = 80 db(A) daily personal noise exposure.
- Upper Exposure Action Value = 85db(A) daily personal noise exposure.
If the action level “Lower exposure action value” is reached, what MUST the employer do?
- Carry out and record a noise assessment.
- Provide information instruction and training to employees.
- Make hearing protection available. (They do not have to enforce its use).
If the action level “Upper exposure action value” is reached, what MUST the employer do?
- Carry out and record a noise assessment.
- Reduce noise exposure to the lowest level reasonably practicable by means other than hearing protection.
IF NOISE LEVELS ARE STILL ABOVE 85db(A), THE EMPLOYER MUST: - Establish mandatory hearing protection zones.
- Provide information, instruction and training to employees.
- Provide hearing protection and enforce it’s use.
- Provide health surveillance (audiometry).
Outline ways by which reduction of noise at source can be achieved?
- Eliminate the source.
- Substitute the source.
- Modify the process.
- Maintenance.
- Damping.
- Silencing.
Outline ways by which the pathway of noise to the source can be interrupted?
- Insulation.
- Isolation.
- Absorption.
Outline ways by the receiver can be protected from noise exposure?
- Acoustic haven.
- Hearing protection.
Give some advantages of ear defenders?
- Easy to supervise and enforce use, because they are visible.
- Less chance of infections.
- Higher level of protection possible through all sound frequencies; bone transmission is reduced.
- Can be integrated with other PPE; e.g. Safety helmets.
- Re-usable.
Give some disadvantages/limitations of ear defenders?
- Uncomfortable when worn for long time.
- Must be routinely inspected, cleaned and maintained.
- Efficiency may be reduced by long hair, spectacles or earrings.
- Incompatible with some other items worn; e.g. Spectacles.
- Need dedicated storage facility.
Give some advantages of ear plugs?
- Cheap.
- Disposable.
- Often more comfortable to wear.
- Do not interfere with any other items worn; e.g. PPE.
Give some disadvantages/limitations of ear plugs?
- Difficult to see when fitted, so supervision and enforcement difficult.
- Risk of infection if dirty or if cross-contaminated when inserted.
Define “Audiometry”?
- A medical test that quantifies the sensitivity of a persons hearing across a range of frequencies.
Identify some occupations that may be at risk from excessive noise exposure?
- Construction workers.
- Uniformed services.
- Entertainment sector workers.
- Manufacturing sector workers.
- Call centre staff.
Health effects associated with vibration fall into 2 categories. What are they?
- Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
- Whole Body Vibration Effects.
Identify the symptoms of HAVS?
- Vibration White Finger (VWF).
- Nerve Damage.
- Muscle Weakening.
- Joint Damage.
Identify the 2 types of radiation?
- Non Ionising Radiation.
- Ionising Radiation.
Identify the 5 types of Non Ionising radiation?
- Ultravoilet (UV).
- Visible light.
- Infrared (IR).
- Microwaves.
- Radiowaves.
Identify the 5 types Ionising radiation?
- Alpha particles.
- Beta particles.
- X-rays.
- Gamma rays.
- Neutrons.
Define Stress?
- The adverse reaction that people have to excessive pressure or other demands placed on them.
List the causes of workplace stress?
- Demands.
- Lack of Control.
- Lack of Support.
- Poor Workplace Relationships.
- Lack of Clarity of Role and Responsibilities.
- Threat of Change.
Outline the effects of stress?
- PSYCHOLOGICAL: anxiety, low self-esteem, depression.
- PHYSICAL: sweating, fast heart beat, high blood pressure, skin rashes, muscle tension, headache, dizziness.
- BEHAVIOURAL: sleeplessness, inability to concentrate, poor decision making ability, mood swings, irritability, increased alcohol consumption, drug misuse, increased absence from workplace.
