Job Safety Analysis

Page: 1 of 2 / JSA Reference #: / Date: 4/2/14 / New: x
Revised:
Job/Task Description: HEARING PROTECTION USAGE / Analysis by: CIRSA Loss Control
Department(s): All Affected / Section(s): All Affected / Revised by: N/A
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. / Approved by: CIRSA Loss Control

Sequence of Job

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Potential Hazards

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Recommended Action(s), Procedure(s) and/or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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Inspection & Evaluation

Ensure that each employee has been trained in hearing protection.

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Inadequate training can lead to improper use of hearing protection and possible hearing damage or loss.

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Each employee should receive the necessary training on the proper types, usage and limits of hearing protection.

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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. / 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).
Administer Engineering Controls / None. / 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. / 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.
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.
TYPES OF HEARING PROTECTION. / 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 and/or foam 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 - 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.
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 inadequate NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) can allow hearing damage and/or loss to occur. Never remove hearing protection in a high noise area. / Ensure that entire ear fits inside the ear cup.
The headband must fit snugly against the top of the head. Earrings, long hair, hair clips, beards or other items 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