The Prevention and Control of Noise Exposure in the Workplace - Case Study Example

The Prevention and Control of Noise Exposure in the Workplace By: Professor: Class: University: City: State: Date of submission: The Prevention and Control of Noise Exposure in the Workplace Introduction Workers are normally experienced in various hazardous materials and physical agents that have negative effects on their health status. These agents include welding fumes, noise, vibrations, organic solvents, radiation, and vibrations. It is important to note that excessive exposure to such agents could result in permanent disability of the workers and chronic illnesses, which in turn lower productivity level. In addition, poor working environment and health conditions could contribute significantly in reduced level of concentration of the employees, which in turn increases accident risks. Within the construction industry, the major feature is the high turnover of labour, frequently changing working conditions, and environment (Poon, Tang & Wong, 2008). In addition, the other feature is the distinct work that the contractors undertake simultaneously. The integration of these factors increases the health risk of the workers within the working sites. According to the Hong Kong Labour Department, noise is sound that is undesired by the recipient. Besides being a nuisance, noise also interferes with the working efficiency, through hindering the level communication between the employees; it could as cause as well cause accidents through masking the warning signals within the workplace environment and impair the hearing (Environmental Protection Department, 2016). Excessive noise could damage the hearing permanently. Additionally, short exposure to the extreme level of noise like explosion could result in deafness through rupturing of the eardrum. In Hong Kong, The Factories and Industrial Undertaking (Noise at Work) Regulations provides the framework that outlines the requirements on the protection of the hearing of the employees within the industrial undertaking. Noise Pollution in Hong Kong Like most of the large cities globally, Hong Kong has its share of noise related problems. Hong Kong noises originate from the construction sites, traffic, aircraft, and various sources that the Hong Kong Governments tries to keep under control. In the recent decades, the Hong Kong economy has been experiencing growth so does the noise coming from transport, commercial, construction, and industrial sources which contributes significantly to mental stress and hearing loss. As a result, the government made sure that the major forms of environmental noise are under control with the focus on noise restriction from the construction activities. Honk Kong is known for its city skyline that is associated with active constructional activities (Government of Hong Kong, 2015). To ensure that both the public are unduly affected by these activities, the government manages various construction activities through the Noise Control Ordinance. The common ways in which such management occur is through issuance of the construction noise permits for the general construction work that use powered mechanical equipment and for the prescribe construction activities and percussive piling. In addition, within the construction sites, the government issues noise emission labels for the air compressor and the hand held percussive breakers in making sure adequate compliance with the stringent noise control standards. Besides, there is Codes of Practice for the provision of guidelines on the management practices for prevention of the NCO. Noise is a serious hazard in many construction works in Hong Kong that could have permanent or temporary effect f the employees. Most employees experience temporary deafness after leaving the working environments or noisy places. Even though the hearing recovers after some short duration, the employees should not ignore it, as it could be a sign that continued exposure to such noise level might lead to permanent damages. The process of hearing damage from construction activities is often gradual due to prolonged exposure to the noise. It could result from the damage associated with the noise over the years combined with the normal loss of hearing due to ageing which most people realize at later stages in life. However, it is essential to take into account that noise could cause hearing damage immediate through sudden and extremely loud noises, though such cases are not common (Li & Poon, 2014, 117). Construction noise might not pose serious health issues to the local communities; however, it has the ability of affecting the quality of life. To some extent, noise is the major factor contributing to irritation, stress, and interruption of normal activities leading to higher blood pressure, anxiety, and feeling of animosity towards the employees responsible for the generation of noise. Recommended Noise Measurement Tools in Hong Kong The intensity of sound is measured in decibels. Whenever there is adjustment on how the ear senses the sound, the intensity level is measured in dBA. However, it is vital to note that decibels are measured in logarithmic scale; therefore, an slight increment in number of decibels reflect a high increment in the level of noise and potential damage to the hearing of the workers. Sound is normally produced through the changes in the pressure within the ear. The sound pressure is measured in Pascal (Pa). Considering that there is a wide range of sound pressures that employees encounter in noise control work is wide, it is vital to employee the sound pressure level defined as: SPL = 20 log10 (p/pa) dB In which: P = the sound pressure in Pa Po = reference sound pressure of 2 x 10-5 Pa Pa = Newton/metre2 dB = decibel The commonly use devices are the sound level meter and noise dosimeter. For adequate health and safety measures, the inspectors often use sound level meter with the microphone positioned at the ear level of the user with an equipment determined to be loud labelled with an hazardous noise sticker. Occupational Health and Safety uses the noise dosimeter in documenting the average noise exposure over the working days or particular activities that the workers undertake. Globally, the recommended workplace noise levels should be below 85 dBA as the 8-hour time average for the employees. With an increment in the noise levels, the damage on the hearing is more likely to be quick. Various research indicate that hearing could be damaged through regular 8-hour exposure to the 85 dBA (Health Safety Executive, 2012). However, if the noise levels increase to 100 dBA or more, it could take a repeated exposure of as little as an hour in a day to damage hearing. Hong Kong’s Noise Control Ordinance recommends that all worker exposure to the noise require control below an equivalent level to 85 dBA for eight hours. This aims to minimize occupational noise induced hearing losses. Moreover, other construction sites use 2-3 Foot Rule and Noise Indicator. Whenever there is no sound level meter, 2-3 foot rule is recommended. Noise Problems in Hong Kong Many workers within the construction sites are exposed to noise levels above the recommended levels. In most cases, if the workers have to raise their voices to be heard by others within a range of a metre or less, then the noise level is considered illegal. Such levels of noise have the ability of causing tinnitus, buzzing, or the roaring sound within the ears, which to certain extent could be disturbing and cause sleep interference. Noise induced hearing damage occur whenever there is excess noise that damage the delicate hearing mechanism of the inner ear. The extent of the noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) depends on the level of noise intensity, duration, and frequency. Within the construction industry, workers suffer from occupational deafness due to distortion of the sound that they hear as their ability of hearing certain speech frequencies reduce (Williams et al., 2007, 435). Without adequate personal protective equipment, the employees could experience communication problems. To hear people within noisy environments, there is need for extra concentration and strain. There could be a misunderstanding of the message and instructions, creation of confusion, frustration, and various safety issues. Having to raise the voice to be heard, the workers are susceptible throat and voice disorders. Noise also causes fatigue and stress among the employees. Constant noise makes it difficult for people to concentrate which add fatigue in their work. In most cases, there is constant, annoying level of noise within the construction-working environment from the machineries and welding activities. Moreover, sometimes it is difficult to find quiet construction environment; therefore, it is important to ensure adequate measures in controlling the noise levels. Noise could be very annoying and contribute to stress. During the exposure, the nerve impulses are sent to the brain that recognizes them as sound, which are sent to the other parts of the body that result in stimulation of hormones (Lao et al., 2013). As a result, there could be irritation, nervousness, interference in construction, long-term mental illness, and increment in the number of construction accidents. Noise could distract the attention of the employees from the running machines that results in safety hazard. Acoustic shock is the major issue among the construction workers using headsets which involve exposing the workers to short but very loud bursts which have the ability of damaging the hearing temporarily or permanently (Li & Poon, 2013, 154). Globally, there has been compensation on various cases associated with acoustic shock. The workers suffering from noise induced hearing loss could be reluctant in wearing the hearing protections. Whether real or not, they perceive that such protectors make conversation and hearing difficult, which in turn make them, feel isolated and vulnerable to various hazards. Noise Control Regulations in Hong Kong Generally, Hong Kong is an overcrowded metropolis. Nonetheless, considering the Hong Kong environment, it does not differ from that of most countries making up a series of small towns. However, the major problematic areas of construction noise dense population. Therefore, in Hong Kong, dense population magnifies noise. Other factors that increase the noise levels are limited separation between the residential buildings and use of high-rise accommodations in housing such activities (Nelson et al., 2005, 450). The control of noise pollution in Hong Kong is effective within the NCO that the state enacted in 1989 but amended in 1997 with provisions controlling noise from the construction sites, commercial premises, and motor vehicles. Under the Ordinance, construction activities are grouped in two categories and controlled through Construction Noise Permits (CNP): the general construction work such as excavation and renovation and percussive piling such as using the hydraulic hammer. The construction noise permit system controls the construction noise. The law requires all the construction sites to acquire construction permit from the Environmental Protection Department for different situations such as using specified powered mechanical or carrying out any prescribed construction activities within designated areas or using construction work. Most construction activities are allowed between 7am and 7pm especially for percussive piling. Therefore, the contractors need to note that percussive piling is prohibited from 7pm to 7am during the weekdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Moreover, the law requires submission of the construction noise permits to the Environmental Protection Department for the assessment and approval before the construction work commences (Fung et al., 2016, 318). The Noise Control Ordinance provides the guidelines for controlling noise from the hand-held percussive breakers and the air compressors. In Hong Kong, the Environmental Protection Department published the Code of Practice for encouraging reduction in the level of noise and implementation of the good management practices within the construction activities (Poon, Tang & Wong, 2008). The major aim of the Code is provide adequate support to the senior management of the construction firms for compliance with the NCO. In addition, the Code covers measures such as establishment in the notification of the system for the construction noise incidents, which generate noise complaints, issuance of the policy statement on noise pollution prevention, appointing and empowering the senior management, and conducting systematic periodic reviews of the construction activities. Noise Control Strategies There are numerous techniques of reducing noise levels or the level of exposure. However, noise reduction is within the capabilities of most businesses to decide on the practical and cost effective strategies of controlling various risks associated with noise. First, the management needs to think of mechanisms of removing the source of noise (Leather, Beale & Sullivan, 2003, 216). If the removal is impossible, then it is vital to investigate using quieter processes or equipment, technical controls of reducing noise at the source, using the noise absorbent, barriers, and enclosures in reducing noise on its path, improving the working conditions that reduce noise levels, and limiting the duration that employees spend in noisy environments. However, it is important to focus on the measures that give long term benefits such as low noise purchasing policy for the machinery and equipment and proper and regular maintenance of the machinery. Plan for maintenance The construction managers have the responsibility of maintaining anything that is intended to produce noise while in place the systems of ensuring that the noise control equipment is maintained for effectiveness. Nonetheless, the construction entities could integrate such practices into their system for the routine and reactive maintenance (Müller, & Janssen, 2008, 16). Construction machinery and equipment at the initial stages tend to be efficient and effective in regards to noise pollution; however, with time, these equipment tend to produce undesirable and disturbing noise levels which makes it important to have plan for maintenance. Choosing Quieter Equipment and Machinery For the construction firms, while hiring or buying any construction equipment, it is important to consider noise levels alongside efficiency and suitability. To achieve such, comparison of noise data from various machines is vital. However, under the Provisions and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, the manufacturers are expected to ensure that the work equipment that they supply meet the relevant supply laws and standards. While using the noise data from the manufacturer, it is critical to make sure that data is representative of the manner in which the contractor intends to use the equipment (Environmental Protection Department, n.d). Nonetheless, it is vital to be cautious while using such data than making comparison of the equipment as they could only reflect personal noise exposure but omitting other factors affecting noise levels experienced by the workers. Within the Australian Context, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 require the manufacturers to provide adequately the machinery that is safe and do not pose health risk and necessary instructions for meeting such aims during construction (Occupational Safety & Health Council, 2004). Furthermore, manufacturers have to design and construct machinery to produce produced noise and provision of information produced by the machinery including the condition under which the noise is produced. Personal hearing protection Noise could cause temporary or permanent damage to the workers, which makes it important to have adequate control measures. Therefore, the laws require issuance of hearing protection when extra protection is needed beyond the achieved level through noise control and as a short-term strategy while developing other methods (Labour Department, 2005). However, the construction sites should not use hearing protection as an alternative to noise control using technical and organizational means. Provision of hearing protectors The Noise Regulations require that the workers not only within the construction sites but also in other setups that produce noise be provided with the hearing protectors and ensure that they use them appropriately. This is significant especially when their noise exposure exceeds the upper exposure of the action values. Moreover, the employee should also be provided with protectors whenever they needs them and their noise exposure levels remain between lower and upper exposure action values (Hong Kong, 2003, 115). More importantly, it is important to identify the hearing protection zones, which are areas within the workplace environment with restricted access, and wearing of the appropriate PPEs is compulsory. To ensure that the workers wear the protectors appropriately and fully, the management need to have supervision systems and training besides consideration of the spot checks and audits. Selection of Suitable Hearing Protectors While selecting hearing protectors for the workers, the employers should be in a position of choosing the most suitable protection factor, which is sufficient in risk reduction from the noise. However, the wearers feel isolated from using the protectors. It is vital to consider the work and the working environment including the hygienic condition, comfort level, and physical activity; compatibility with various PPEs such as eye protection, hand hats, and masks is important (Uvex Technology, n.d.). For efficiency, effectiveness, and reliability, maintenance of the hearing protectors is inevitable. The employers have the duty of maintaining hearing protectors especially the factors affecting protection level like headband tension and seals condition. On the other hand, the workers have the responsibility of reporting defects in the hearing protection, which the management needs to explain to them and the manner of identifying such defects through training. Availing information, instruction, and training to workers The contractors need to provide training to the employees to ensure that they understand the risks associated noise exposure, their duties, and responsibilities in controlling the impacts. Whenever the workers are exposed to the noise levels above the lower exposure actions values, the management need to at least inform them of their likely risks to hearing, what the business is doing to control the risk and exposure (Cagno, Di Giulio & Trucco, 2005, 301). The contractors need to show employees how and where to acquire the hearing protection, their duties as outline in the Noise Regulations, and the health surveillance system. Moreover, the workers need to understand what they could do in a bid to minimize the risk level including proper way of using hearing protectors and noise-control equipment. Provision of health surveillance Most states are currently focusing on the provision of health surveillance especially for the likely to be exposed to noise levels above the action values, suffer from the hearing loss, and sensitive to the damage. At such point, it is important to consult with the trade union safety representative and concerned employees before the introduction of the health surveillance. Generally, health surveillance means regular hearing checks with someone with appropriate training. The contractors need to receive the results of the check such as information on the fitness of the employees to continue working within the noisy environment. Conclusion Each day, the construction workers are exposed to different forms of hazards: chemical, physical, and biological. These hazards could cause injury, chronic illness, and to some extent death which makes establishment of the regulatory framework important in a bid to reduce the consequences from the exposure. The essay focused on vibration as a physical agent within the Hong Kong context. Like any other construction industry, Hong Kong industrial sector experiences several challenges associated with vibration from the machinery used in the construction. The commonly use devices are the sound level meter and noise dosimeter. For adequate health and safety measures, the inspectors often use sound level meter with the microphone positioned at the ear level of the user with equipment determined to be loud labelled with a hazardous noise sticker. The control of noise pollution in Hong Kong is effective within the NCO that the state enacted in 1989 but amended in 1997 with provisions controlling noise from the construction sites, commercial premises, and motor vehicles. References Cagno, E., Di Giulio, A., & Trucco, P. (2005). Statistical evaluation of occupational noise exposure. Applied Acoustics, 66(3), 297-318. Environmental Protection Department. (2016, April). A Concise Guide To The Noise Control Ordinance. Retrieved November 3, 2016, from http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/noise/guide_ref/files/CG_E-06n.pdf Environmental Protection Department. (n.d.). Noise Management - Noise Control Ordinance. 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