🔊 Noise Exposure Prevention
Topic: Protecting your hearing on the jobsite Duration: 5-7 minutes Required: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.52
The Reality
Hearing loss is permanent. Once damaged, hearing doesn't recover.
- 14% of construction workers have hearing difficulty
- Construction is one of the loudest industries
- Damage happens gradually — you won't notice until it's too late
How Loud is Too Loud?
| Decibel Level | Example | Time Before Damage |
|---|---|---|
| 85 dB | Heavy traffic | 8 hours |
| 90 dB | Power drill | 2 hours |
| 95 dB | Circular saw | 45 minutes |
| 100 dB | Jackhammer | 15 minutes |
| 105 dB | Grinder | 5 minutes |
| 110 dB | Chainsaws | 1 minute |
| 115 dB | Sand blasting | 30 seconds |
Rule of thumb: If you have to shout to be heard 3 feet away, it's over 85 dB.
OSHA Limits
| Hours of Exposure | Maximum Sound Level |
|---|---|
| 8 hours | 90 dB |
| 4 hours | 95 dB |
| 2 hours | 100 dB |
| 1 hour | 105 dB |
| 30 minutes | 110 dB |
| 15 minutes | 115 dB |
At 140 dB, damage is instantaneous. (gunshot, powder-actuated tools)
Common Construction Noise Sources
| Equipment | Typical dB |
|---|---|
| Concrete saw | 100-110 |
| Jackhammer | 100-110 |
| Grinder | 95-105 |
| Circular saw | 90-100 |
| Impact wrench | 90-105 |
| Powder-actuated tool | 120-140 |
| Pile driver | 95-105 |
| Generator | 70-85 |
Types of Hearing Protection
Foam Earplugs (NRR 25-33)
- Inexpensive, disposable
- Must be inserted properly
- Good for general construction noise
- Roll, pull ear up, insert, hold until expanded
Reusable Earplugs (NRR 20-27)
- More comfortable for all-day wear
- Wash and reuse
- Various styles (flanged, pod)
Earmuffs (NRR 20-30)
- Easy on/off
- Works with most hard hats
- Less effective if glasses or facial hair
- Better for intermittent noise
Combination (Plugs + Muffs)
- For very high noise (over 105 dB)
- Adds approximately 5 dB additional protection
- Required for some operations
NRR: What Does It Mean?
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is shown on all hearing protection.
To calculate actual protection:
Actual reduction = (NRR - 7) ÷ 2
Example: Earplugs with NRR 29
- (29 - 7) ÷ 2 = 11 dB reduction
Noise source at 100 dB → 89 dB at your ear
Proper Insertion of Foam Plugs
- Roll the plug into a thin cylinder
- Reach over head and pull ear up and back
- Insert the plug deep into ear canal
- Hold for 20-30 seconds while it expands
- Check — plug should not be visible from the front
Most people don't insert them properly — that's why they don't work well.
Signs of Hearing Damage
- Ringing in ears after work (tinnitus)
- Sounds seem muffled
- Difficulty hearing conversations
- Frequently asking people to repeat
- Turning up TV/phone volume
If you experience ringing, you've been overexposed.
Discussion Questions
- What are the loudest tasks we're doing today?
- Does everyone have hearing protection available?
- Do you know how to properly insert earplugs?
- Has anyone experienced ringing ears after work?
Today's Commitment
"I will wear hearing protection whenever noise levels require it and insert earplugs properly."
Sign-In
| Name | Signature | Company |
|---|---|---|
Presenter: _________________ Date: _________