Hearing Conservation
Hearing loss can be permanent. Excessive noise levels may cause temporary or permanent damage to a person's hearing.
Before using Personal Protective Equipment, such as ear plugs or muffs, to reduce noise exposure, efforts should be made to reduce noise exposure by changing work procedures. Regular maintenance practices such as the following can reduce noise levels:
- Replace worn or loose machine parts
- Perform high-noise operations during times when people are less likely to be affected
- Maintain and lubricate equipment to eliminate rattles and squeak
Further engineering controls, such as the following, may also reduce noise levels to acceptable levels:
- Replacing noisy materials
- Using large, low speed fans
- Considering the noise level of new equipment or processes before purchasing or implementing
- Placing heavy machines on rubber mountings
- Using sound-absorbing acoustical tiles or baffles
- Placing noisy machinery or operations in a separate area or room
- Enclosing noisy equipment
Areas that may require hearing protecting include machine shops, central plant, and near landscaping and maintenance activities. Observe all warning signs and wear hearing protection when necessary. Do not interfere with, remove, or modify noise abatement equipment. Keep all equipment properly maintained and report any malfunctions immediately.
Refer to the chapter on Hearing Protection in the Personal Protective Equipment Program for more information on hearing protection. Direct all questions regarding hearing conservation to ehs@tamut.edu .
