Diseases due to noise exposure

May 8, 2016
4 min read

Diseases due to noise exposure

Other detrimental effects of excessive noise exposure include:

Tinnitus (a distressing condition characterised by ringing in the ear which can lead to disturbed sleep); Acoustic trauma (temporary or permanent hearing loss due to sudden exposure to very loud noise); Interference with speech communication and perception of warning signs; Disruption of job performance; Annoyance; and Extra-auditory effects.

In oder to control such noise related diseases it is A Hearing Conservation Programme is required.

By law when any person in the workplace is exposed to excessive noise, which is defined as an equivalent sound pressure level of 85 dB(A) or more over an eight-hour workday the occupier shall establish a hearing conservation program.

Roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in hearing conservation program is as follows

Management Responsibilities :

The management should ensure that noise control measures are in place such that no employees are exposed to excessive noise.
Where 50 or more persons employed are exposed or likely to be exposed to excessive noise, a competent person (Noise Control Officer) should be appointed to advise the management on the proper noise control measures.
The management should ensure that the individuals who are advising on noise control are suitably qualified, whether in-house personnel or service providers.
The management should allocate appropriate resources and as far as it is reasonably practicable, implement the noise control plan put up by the competent person.
The management should ensure that the noise control plan is reviewed at least once every three years or until such time when the noise is reduced to an acceptable level and the noise hazard is eliminated.
The management should take into consideration the noise emission levels during the selection and procurement of new machines. Instead of introducing noise control measures after installation, selecting quieter machines at the initial stage can help to save costs.
The management should ensure that all noise control systems or devices are well-maintained, for e.g., a machine enclosure should be kept closed, its seals are in good condition, and isolators should be replaced when they have worn out.
Appointment and Roles of a HCP Administrator
Management needs to designate a programme administrator to take charge of the HCP.
The programme administrator has the authority to make decisions, correct deficiencies and enforce necessary actions.
The HCP administrator should be an individual who has an interest in the company’s HCP. He / she should possess good communication skills and be able to interact with the employees at the production floor to discuss the noise problems and preventive measures or solutions.
The HCP administrator should coordinate all aspects of the programme and
The role of the HCP administrator involves:
Coordinating the HCP;
Monitoring its progress;
Assessing its performance;
Evaluating its effectiveness;
Reviewing the HCP at regular intervals;
Ensuring that the set objectives are met;
Arranging meetings or discussions to promote collaboration of efforts between management and team members; and
Fostering exchange of information between management and team members on the progress of the programme.
Competent Person for Noise Monitoring
A competent person for noise monitoring is an individual who is trained to conduct proper noise monitoring. The person should work with the HCP administrator to ensure that noise
monitoring is conducted properly. The competent person shall carry out noise monitoring using:
Recognised methods;
Accepted standard procedures; and
Suitable equipment which is properly calibrated to ensure accuracy.
Properly interpret the results of the monitoring, prepare a report
of the results of the monitoring and submit it to the occupier of the workplace, no later than 14 days after the monitoring.
Competent Person for Noise Control
A competent person for noise control is an individual who is adequately trained and is knowledgeable on the details of noise control. He/she must be able to provide the management with good advice on the proper noise control measures. He/she should also work with the HCP administrator and employees to ensure that the proposed noise control measures are implemented.

The tasks of a noise control officer include the following:

Identifying all possible noise sources;
Evaluating specific machinery or noise source for noise control, and determining the most practical and effective methods of reducing the noise to meet the desired criteria;
Involving the machine operators or production personnel on the selection of noise control measures which may interfere with their work; communicate with them on the proper use, and of the noise control devices to ensure that the controls are kept in good condition;
Developing a comprehensive noise control plan with recommendations on engineering noise controls where practicable.
Working closely with the management when putting in place the noise control plan, especially in recommending priorities and setting targets for noise control;
Assisting the management in implementing the noise control plan and evaluating the effectiveness of noise control measures; and
Reviewing and revising the noise control plan at least once every three years or whenever there is a significant change in the work processes, machinery or occurrence of NID.