Introduction
Noise, or unwanted sound, is one of the most common occupational hazards in American workplaces. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates that 30 million workers in the United States are exposed to hazardous noise. Exposure to high levels of noise may cause hearing loss, create physical and psychological stress, reduce productivity, interfere with communication, and contribute to accidents and injuries by making it difficult to hear warning signals.
This course will introduce you to the basics of sound and how exposure to excessive workplace noise can damage hearing. We'll also look at the Hierarchy of Controls for hearing protection, the various types of hearing protection available, and information on the Hearing Conservation Program and employee training.
Course Objectives
| ID | Objective |
|---|---|
| TO 1.0 | Achieve a minimum score of 70% on the final course assessment. |
| LO 1.1.1 | Contrast the meaning of "sound" and "noise," and describe how sound is measured in the decibel system. |
| LO 1.1.2 | Discuss how excessive exposure to noise and hazardous chemicals affects hearing in the workplace. |
| LO 1.1.3 | Describe the symptoms of excessive exposure to noise and the tools used to evaluate exposure. |
| LO 1.2.1 | Describe and give examples of the strategies in the Hierarchy of Controls for controlling hazards and exposure. |
| LO 1.2.2 | Describe the components within the Hearing Conservation Program and employee training requirements. |
| LO 1.2.3 | List and describe the five components of the Hearing Conservation Program. |
| LO 1.2.4 | Describe basic employer and employee responsibilities related to hearing protection. |
Key: Terminal Objective (TO), Learning Objective (LO)