Performing Area Noise Level Analysis within Company XYZ’s Production Laboratory

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the potential for noise levels within Company XYZ’s Production Laboratory to cause employee hearing loss. The goals of the study were to survey the employees’ perceptions of hearing loss, to conduct area noise monitoring and to perform an assessment of Company XYZ’s employee hearing conservation efforts. The sound level data was collected using a noise sampling application which was used in conjunction with a collection of forms and a diagram of Company XYZ’s Production Laboratory. The area noise sampling data identified a location, near carbon dioxide tank, that has the potential for exceeding Occupational Safety and Health Association’s (OSHA) 85 dBA hearing conservation program implementation threshold. The collected area noise monitoring data allowed for the calculation of noise exposures that employees are likely experiencing. All the surveyed employees reported performing work-related activities in perceived loud noise environments. More specifically, the employees indicated that elevated noise areas within the Production Laboratory were near the vacuum pumps, air compressor and carbon dioxide tank. A Hearing Conservation Program Checklist determined that Company XYZ does not have a formal hearing conservation program. Recommendations for Company XYZ include providing new employees with audiograms, to complete additional dosimeter testing for employees who work in elevated noise areas, the development of a sound-absorbing enclosure for the Production Laboratory’s carbon dioxide tank, to perform a comprehensive noise assessment of the entire facility and to provide workers with hearing protection devices until dosimetry testing identifies their likely noise exposure levels.