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Operating Discipline 12 Industrial Hygien (Gl baO
Chlorinated Methane Products
12.3 Exp sur Contr I
12.3.3 Noise Control Program
Introduction
Regulatory Compliance
Program Administration Area Monitoring
This program is designed to minimize occupationally-induced hearing loss. Its elements apply specifically to the this facility because the potential exists for area noise levels to exceed 80 dBA (L^).
This written program details the means by which the this facility will meet the requirements of the Dow Chemical Company's I.H. Program Standards for Hearing Conservation as well as the OSHA regulations set forth in 1910.95 (Occupational Noise Exposure).
Line management at this facility has appointed the Industrial Hygiene Compliance Specialist to administer and regularly review this program.
The date of the last area noise survey was [month/year].
{select one)
>[As a result, no areas were found to be associated with noise levels at or above 80 dBA (L^. If process, task, or equipment changes occur which may result in generation of noise levels at or above 80 dBA (Leq), area monitoring will be repeated. Otherwise, no further monitoring is required.]
->As a result of area monitoring, [some/numerous] areas were found to be associated with noise levels at or above 80 dBA (Leq), requiring the need for Qualitative Dersonal exoosure assessment. (If this aDDlies. then select one of the next two statements also)
-> No areas were found to be associated with noise levels at or above 90 dBA M If process, task, or equipment changes occur which may result in generation of noise levels at or above 90 dBA (Leq), area monitoring will be repeated for the affected area(s). Otherwise, repeat area monitoring is due by [date+ 5 years].
-> In addition, [some/numerous] areas were found to be associated with noise levels at or above 90 dBA (Leq). These are listed below as `Hearing Protection" Areas. If process, task, or equipment changes occur which may result in an alteration of this list, area monitoring will be repeated for the affected area(s). Otherwise, repeat area monitoring is due by [date+ 5 years]
Revised: 10/9/97 Printed: 11/04/97 3:56 PM
Dow Restricted
CONFTDFNTTAL
DO 008503 1
C. R. Douglas
Operating Discipline 12 Industrial Hygiene (01 bait
Chlorinated Methane Products
12.3 Exposure Control
12.3.3 Noise Control Program, continued
Personal Exposure Assessment
Exposure Limits Noise Hazard Identification
Feasibility Assessments Hearing Protection Areas
Qualitative personal exposure assessment was performed in [month/year]. Estimated full-shift exposure levels for [the following job assignments/no job assignment] [wera/was] greater than [80] dBA.as an [eightj-hour time-weighted average (Lex) (i.e. greater than approximately 10% of the allowable full-shift
exposure).
[ Control B Operator]
[ Distribution Technician]
Quantitative personal exposure assessment was performed for the job assignments listed above in [month/year]. Average full-shift exposure levels, were [measured/calculated] at:
[ Control B Operator [ Distribution Technician
85 dBA] 97 dBA]
Quantitative personal exposure assessment will be repeated for affected job
assignments when quantitative assessment indicates a significant change in
personal exposure.
The Dow Industrial Hygiene Guide (IHG) for noise is 90 dBA "ceiling," which is interpreted as a one-minute equivalent noise level (L*,). [By extension, the maximum allowed full-shift time-weighted average (Lex) exposure is also 90 dBA.]
All existing sources of noise greater than 90 dBA (Lq) have been identified via area noise monitoring and are documented by [list method]. Noise hazards arising from new equipment installation, existing equipment modification, or process alteration are identified and documented at the time of the change.
Line management considers the impact of such changes on area noise levels and personal noise exposure prior to implementation. In accordance with Management of Change procedures, the Industrial Hygiene Compliance Specialist is consulted.
Where temporary equipment produces noise levels at or above 90 dBA (L*,), employees are informed of the requirement for hearing protection via temporary signs or verbal communication.
An assessment is performed by [groupAndividual/title] according to an established procedure to determine the most feasible method of exposure control, [list procedure here or location of procedural document]
Currently, the following areas are associated with noise levels at or above 90 dBA (L*?) and are designated as "Hearing Protection" Areas. These areas are demarcated by signs on all doors that exit into the process area. R sidence in these areas for greater than one-minute requires the use of hearing protection devices.
Area
Noise Level (dBA)
Entire Block 46 (Except TfT & T/C Load Rack)
Revised: 10/9/97 Printed: 11/04/97 3:56 PM
Dow Restricted
CONFTDFNTTAI.
r
DO 008204
2 C. R. Douglas
Operating Discipline 12 Industrial Hygl ne (Global)
Chlorinated Methane Products
12.3 Exposure Control
12.3.3 Noise Control Program, continued
Training
All personnel required to wear hearing protection devices have been trained on the appropriate use and maintenance of such devices using a computer based training program and written reference material.
Personnel in job assignments listed above with average full-shift exposures of 90 dBA (Lex) or greater receive periodic training on exposure reduction. Training takes place upon assignment to the job classification and at least annually. The next training is due by December, 1996.
Hearing Protection Types
Hearing protection devices approved for use in this facility are selected by the Protective Equipment Team and approved by the Industrial Hygiene Services Department. Approved hearing protection devices must have an NRR rating of at least 19 and must be able to control exposures to the exposure limits.
Approved devices include:
Hearing Protection Devices
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
Pro-Max Earmuff
25
Howard Leight Earmuff
27
Val-U-Fit Earplug (S, M, L)
25
Expand-O-Fit II Earplug
30
Howard Leight Max Earplug
33
Document Revision History
Below are at least the last three revision of this document but includes all revision within the last 6 months.
Date
By
Description
Signature
Completed by: Date:
Revised: 10/9/97 Printed: 11/04/97 3:56 PM
Dow Restricted
CONFTDFNTTAl
DO 008205
3 C. R. Douglas