Injury Illness Prevention Plan - Flipbook - Page 59
identify noise hazards. Specifically, teammates are provided annual training on noise
exposure / hearing conservation at the start of the year. By having annual meetings,
teammates will share notes on the previous year’s experiences (regarding noise exposure
and hearing conservation). Loud noises and prolonged exposure to noise are common
aspects of a construction site; nevertheless, noise levels must be closely monitored to
ensure teammates and members of the public do not receive needlessly long or loud
exposure. Hearing protection will always be provided to teammates who request it and
will always be available in work environments where a work operation approaches 85 dBA
or greater. Certain types of PPE include earplugs and headsets (especially for those
operating loud machinery). Those who have been regularly/occupationally exposed to
excessive noise (85 dBA or greater) and have suffered temporary or permanent harm shall
become a part of the TEAMWRKX Construction Hearing Conservation Program. Generally,
TEAMWRKX Construction does not have teammates who are exposed to a weighted
average of 85 dBA or greater over an 8-hour workday, however TXC Superintendents and
other field personnel will continuously monitor on-site noise levels to preserve the
hearing for teammates of other trades located on-site, as well as the public.
When using hearing protection, an important number to consider is the Noise Reduction
Rating (NRR) number, which shows how much protection the equipment provides. When
measuring the extent of the protection, the NRR number must be first subtracted by 7,
then divided by 2; this new number will show the amount of dB the equipment provides.
For example, if the standard noise threshold is 90 dB, and if a teammate uses a headset
and ear plugs (double protection, which is OK) that provide a combined NRR of 37, then
(37-7 = 30, 30/2 = 15 dB); this means that the teammate will be experience a noise level
of 75 dB, while the surrounding environment is at 90 dB.
If noise levels are to be heightened close to (75-80 dBA), at, or above the 85 dBA weighted
average mark, then the new standard threshold mark must be reported to all teammates
who could be affected within 21 days of determination. It is imperative to report the new
standard threshold mark in writing to all teammates who could be affected within 21 days
of determination because the notification can be easily spread to all teammates and can
also be posted on the job prior to the change in the weighted average mark. To ensure
teammates are sufficiently protected in the event of a standard threshold shift, all hearing
protection that would be used or provided must be re-evaluated to determine if it will
protect the teammates. If any TEAMWRKX teammates are exposed to regular 85 dBA or
greater work environments (over 8 hour working time period), then annual audiometric
testing is conducted to monitor any potential hearing loss. In the event of prolonged
noise exposure (namely 85 dBA or greater weighted average over an 8-hour timeframe),
then a baseline audiogram must be given to any affected teammates within six (6) months
of the occurrence of said excessive noise incident. In the 14 hours prior to the baseline
audiogram, the teammates must not be exposed to workplace noise. As with all other
potential hazards, any teammate exposure to unsafe levels of noise shall have the case
documented by the Chief Safety Officer and/or his Safety Team.
Revised: October 2023
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