Download Job Hazard Analysis Policy

Job Safety Analysis
JSA Reference #:
Page:
Date: 4/2/14
1 of 2
New: x
Revised:
Job/Task Description: HEARING PROTECTION USAGE
Analysis by: CIRSA Loss Control
Department(s): All Affected
Revised by: N/A
Section(s): All Affected
Additional Information: This procedure should be followed by all employees, in all areas and for all
tasks where noise levels exceed a TWA (time weighted average) of 90 dB’s (decibels) or more.
Sequence of Job
Potential Hazards
Approved by: CIRSA Loss Control
Recommended Action(s), Procedure(s) and/or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Ensure that each employee has
Inadequate training can lead to improper use of
Each employee should receive the necessary training on the proper types, usage and limits of
been trained in hearing protection. hearing protection and possible hearing damage or hearing protection.
loss.
Audiometric Testing.
No specific hazards to testing.
Note: Hearing protection should be required in
all areas, as determined above, regardless of
whether an employee has received a baseline
audiogram or not.
Administer Engineering Controls
None.
It is recommended that audiometric testing be conducted for each employee who works in areas
where decibel levels exceed 85 decibels.
This test establishes base-line hearing levels that should be followed up each year with an
audiogram to detect and changes in hearing, classified as a Standard Threshold Shift (STS).
Administrative and/or Engineering Controls are the primary means of reducing hazardous levels
of noise for employees.
Management should make all feasible efforts to first reduce these hazardous noise levels by
way of design, and process or equipment changes.
Only when these efforts cannot reduce the noise levels below acceptable levels, should hearing
protection be implemented as the primary means of protection.
Select appropriate hearing
protection.
TYPES OF HEARING
PROTECTION.
Hearing protection with an inadequate NRR (Noise
Reduction Rating) can allow hearing damage to
accumulate.
Each type of hearing protection lists a noise reduction rating (NRR) that will help to reduce the
hazardous noise levels down to an acceptable level.
None
There are currently 3 types of hearing protection. Disposable earplugs, reusable (preformed)
ear plugs and ear muffs. Each has its advantages and each department may determine the
type chosen as long as the NRR is acceptable for the job task/location in question.
Inserting ear plugs – disposable Dirt and moisture may cause infection and hearing
damage and/or loss. Never remove hearing
and/or foam plugs
protection in a high noise area.
Note: It may be necessary to combine two types of hearing protection to achieve the
optimum level of hearing protection. EX. Ear plugs and ear muffs used together.
1 - Ensure that hands are clean, using soap and water or a mild detergent soap. Dry hands
thoroughly.
2 - Compress and roll plug between thumb and forefinger until completely compressed.
3 - Using the opposite hand, gently pull the outer ear upward and back and hold this position.
4 - Gently insert plug into ear canal. Hold finger against the plug until it has started to expand.
Switch hands
and repeat process.
Inspection &
Evaluation
Inserting ear plugs –
reusable/preformed plugs
Dirt and moisture may cause infection and hearing
damage and/or loss. Never remove hearing
protection in a high noise area.
1 - Ensure that hands are clean, using soap and water or a mild detergent soap. Dry hands thoroughly.
2 - Hold preformed plug in one hand and using the opposite hand, gently pull the outer ear upward and back
and hold this position.
3 - Insert plug by gently pushing and twisting until it fits snugly and a vacuum-like seal is felt.
Donning Ear Muffs
Improperly fitted earmuffs and/or earmuffs with an Ensure that entire ear fits inside the ear cup.
inadequate NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) can
allow hearing damage and/or loss to occur. Never The headband must fit snugly against the top of the head. Earrings, long hair, hair clips, beards or other items
remove hearing protection in a high noise area. that may interfere with the seal must be pushed aside or removed.
Where glassed or goggles interfere with the seal, a different type of muff or other hearing protection must be
chosen.
Note: Earmuff headbands may not be worn on the back of the head or under the chin, unless the model
of earmuff is specifically designed to be used in these positions.
Maintenance and Disposal
Dirty or damaged hearing protection may cause
infection, hearing damage and/or loss.
Ear Plugs
Dispose of any earplug after use, unless it is of the reusable type. Replace as needed. Wash reusable
earplugs with soap and water or a mild detergent immediately after each use. Store in a dry, closed container.
Earmuffs
Wipe earmuffs clean after each use or as necessary – never longer than 1 shift or workday. Some inserts and
rubber cushions may be removed and washed with soap and water or a mild detergent. Replace worn
cushions, headbands and inserts as needed.
Safety Task Complete
None
None