Noise is a common hazard and is present to some extent in almost all workplaces. It is the most common health hazard in industries such as entertainment, manufacturing, agriculture, ship-building, textiles, mining and quarrying, food and drink, woodworking, metal working and construction. Some common sources of noise are:
loud music
the use of heavy machinery
workplace transport
electrical tools such as circular saws and cutter heads
production lines
pneumatic tools such as drills, grinders and riveting guns
electrical motors and generators
engineering processes such as metal fabrication
plant rooms where ventilation equipment has to run continuously.
Strat Environment takes noise ‘pollution’ very seriously, given the fact that worldwide it affects approximately 250 million workers and 1.06 million workers in Sub-Saharan Africa. High occupational noise levels not only affect the auditory system but can also have serious psychological and cardiovascular effects on workers.
Source: https://iosh.com/resources-and-research/our-resources/occupational-health-toolkit/noise/
Primarily though, we are concerned here about the possible development of permanent hearing loss when workers are exposed to high levels of noise over extended periods of time. To put it into perspective, neither surgery nor a hearing aid can help correct this type of hearing loss. And it is avoidable! We’ll unpack what is considered best practice in testing for noise levels in the workplace and the legislation that governs hearing conservation.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 (85 of 1993) requires that employees be placed in a hearing conservation programme if they are exposed to average noise rating levels that equal or exceed 85 dB (A) during an 8-hour workday. In order to determine if exposures are at or above this level, it may be necessary to measure or monitor the actual noise levels in the workplace and to estimate the noise exposure or ‘dose’ received by employees during the workday.
Noise levels must be measured in accordance with Noise Induced Hearing Loss Regulations and SANS 10083. There are two different instruments to measure noise exposures: the sound level meter and the dosimeter. A sound level meter is a device that measures the intensity of sound at a given moment. Sound level meters therefore provide a measure of sound intensity at only one point in time. A sound level meter is used to identify areas where the noise rating levels are equal to or exceed the statutory limits and the noise dosimeter is used to determine personal exposure.
Why is it important to get an AIA involved?
It is a legal requirement that the measurement programme of noise exposure at the workplace be carried out by an Approved Inspection Authority accredited by SANAS in order to comply with regulations. Furthermore, by doing so, it indicates to employees and customers that an organisation is taking the health and welfare of their staff seriously.
What does a noise audit involve?
A noise monitoring programme includes:
The walkthrough inspection to identify the areas which contain noisy machines
Carrying out noise measurements
Evaluating the control measures in place in order to recommend remedial/future action, where needed.
Where the average noise levels measured over an 8-hour period are equal to or exceed the statutory limits of 85 dB (A), control measures to reduce the noise levels are necessary. Strat Environment evaluate the current control measures in place and provides recommendations to control the exposure from the engineering control perspective, through to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Strat Environment can assist with the drafting and maintenance of the Noise Hearing Conversation Programme. Strat Environment does not supply the reduction devices.