NHCA '98 Presentation Elements of a Comprehensive Hearing Protector Management Program Controversial and confusing topics addressed with this approach Standards Activities Critical to Effective Hearing Protector Management Field Measurement Tools for the Hearing Conservationist Selection of Hearing Protectors for Optimal Communication Summary Tables Elements of a Comprehensive Hearing Protector Management Program 1. Careful Initial Selection of HPDs — Select HPDs that are comfortable and wearable for the entire duration of the exposure 2. Fit Training and Verification — Field monitoring system quantifies effects of proper and improper fit —Measurement of HPD performance on the individual wearer is required for absolute confidence in attenuation provided — Shift responsibility of effective HPD use to wearer 3. Communication Requirements — Select HPDs with consideration given to communication requirements as outlined in EN 458 4. Documentation — Valuable in hearing loss compensation litigation — Valuable in litigation involving on-the-job communication Controversial and confusing topics addressed with this approach: 1. Inaccuracy of the NRR in varying noise environments 2. Difference between laboratory HPD attenuation data and achievable field attenuation data 3. Effects of HPDs on communication Results: Better Protection for the Employee Better Protection for the Employer By following these guidelines: 1. Industry is better protected with documentation of an effective HPD administration program. 2. The employee is better protected with appropriate hearing protection with specific attention to fitting, training and communication requirements. Standards Activities Critical to Effective Hearing Protector Management 1. ANSI S12/WG35 — Chair: Kevin Michael, Michael & Associates, Inc. — Selection of Hearing Protectors that Maximize the Ability to Communicate in Noise 2. ANSI S12/WG10 — Chair: Elliott Berger, AEARO — Laboratory Method for Predicting Hearing Protector Effectiveness in the Field (ANSI S12.6-1997, Method B) — Hearing Protector Field Monitoring Systems Field Measurement Tools for the Hearing Conservationist 1. Field Measurement of Insert-type HPDs — FitCheck — Michael & Associates, Inc. Successful Trials: ALCOA Alyeska Pipeline Company Latrobe Steel 2. Field Measurement of Muff-type HPDs — Liberty Mutual Research Center dual-microphone measurement system — Bill Hanson, Director, Liberty Technology Successful implementation throughout U.S. in industries insured by Liberty Mutual How Common is This Scenario?? Employee's question before FitCheck measurement: "Should I wear them the way I'm supposed to wear them or the way I usually wear them?" Selection of Hearing Protectors for Optimal Communication — European Guidance Document, EN 458 — Select hearing protectors that reduce level of noise at the ear to between 70 and 85 dBA — Over 85 dBA at the ear = Insufficient Protection — Under 70 dBA at the ear = Overprotection — Especially important for individuals with hearing loss — Correct Hearing Protector Selection (CHiPS) Software — Michael & Associates, Inc. — Use in combination software-based real-time analyzer — Linked to FitCheck database for best possible HPD selection — Communication ability limited by signal-to-noise ratio — even best HPD selections won't improve highly adverse conditions Controversial and confusing topics addressed with this approach: 1. Inaccuracy of the NRR in varying noise environments 2. Difference between laboratory attenuation data and achievable field attenuation data 3. Effects of HPDs on communication By following these guidelines: 1) Industry is better protected with documentation of an effective HPD administration program. 2) The employee is better protected with appropriate hearing protection with specific attention to fitting, training and communication requirements Email: kevin@michaelassociates.com [Home] [Presentations]