Describe the administrative controls that should complement the implementation of engineering noise reduction strategies, and give examples of their effective application.
Administrative controls are essential strategies that work in conjunction with engineering controls to reduce employee exposure to noise. While engineering controls focus on physically modifying the work environment to reduce noise at the source or along its path, administrative controls involve changes to work practices and policies to minimize worker exposure. These controls are critical for creating a holistic and effective noise management program. Here are several administrative controls with examples:
1. Work Scheduling and Job Rotation: This involves reorganizing work schedules to reduce the amount of time employees spend in high-noise areas. For example, in a factory where a specific machine emits high levels of noise, workers might be scheduled to operate this machine for shorter periods and then rotate to other tasks in quieter areas. This reduces an individual employee’s daily noise dose, even if the machine’s noise level has not been changed. In a call center, where there is continuous background noise, workers can be given regular short breaks and rotated among quieter areas to allow their hearing to recover. Another approach is to implement a shift system where only part of the shift is spent in high noise areas. It is important to ensure that the times of operation of noisy equipment is staggered, if that is possible, so that not all equipment is operating at the same time.
2. Restricted Access to Noisy Areas: Limiting the number of employees who are exposed to high noise levels at any given time can be an effective way to reduce overall exposure. This may mean limiting the number of employees who can enter a specific noisy part of a factory or establishing restricted areas where only workers directly involved in the operation of noisy equipment are allowed. For example, in a construction site with several noisy machines, only trained operators should be allowed near those machines, and everyone else should remain outside of a specified boundary. Limiting the number of people in the area will ensure that the noise exposure is only experienced by those personnel who need to be in the high-noise area.
3. Safe Work Procedures: Developing and enforcing safe work procedures is essential. For example, if there is a machine that requires regular maintenance, creating a procedure to ensure that the machine is completely shut down before maintenance starts, rather than maintaining the machine while running, can reduce exposure to noise. Another approach is to ensure that employees use machinery in a specified way, and that they follow all safe work practices in a consistent manner to reduce their exposure. Safe work procedures can also relate to the use of any other tool or equipment, or how things should be stored to prevent further noise or vibration.
4. Training and Education Programs: Providing regular training to workers about noise hazards, hearing protection methods, and the importance of compliance with safety procedures is critical. For example, new employees must be trained to understand the noise levels of all equipment that they may be exposed to, and the correct use and fitting of HPDs. They also need to be aware of the noise policies of the workplace, and the importance of following safe work practices. Existing staff require regular training and refresher courses in these important topics to reinforce good safety behaviours. In some cases, toolbox talks may be used to ensure all staff are regularly aware of safety requirements.
5. Equipment Maintenance Schedules: Keeping equipment well-maintained is essential for minimizing noise. Routine checks and prompt repairs can prevent machinery from becoming louder over time. For instance, regular lubrication of machine parts can prevent squeaking or grinding noises. When equipment is worn or out of adjustment, it tends to generate higher noise levels. A regular preventative maintenance program can help to ensure equipment always operates within the specified noise levels. Any machine that operates above its specified noise limits should be removed from use immediately.
6. Purchase of Quiet Equipment: Whenever new equipment is purchased, preference should be given to quieter equipment wherever possible. There is a large range of noise levels in most types of equipment, so if equipment with lower noise levels is purchased, that is one way to limit the noise levels of the workplace. Often equipment that is modern and of good quality is significantly quieter than older equipment. It is also important to use quieter methods of construction and operation. For example, modern quieter types of compressors are readily available, and pneumatic tools can be replaced with equivalent electric tools, which tend to be quieter.
7. Noise Mapping and Signage: Creating noise maps of the workplace and posting clear signage in high-noise areas can remind workers of potential hazards and the necessity of hearing protection. For example, a large map of the factory showing different noise zones and identifying areas where HPDs are mandatory can serve as a constant visual reminder. Similarly, posters and signs in the high noise areas will remind staff to use the appropriate HPDs.
These administrative controls should be considered as part of a hierarchical system that works alongside engineering controls. While engineering controls address the source of the noise, administrative controls focus on minimizing worker exposure to that noise through process and policy changes. The successful implementation of both types of controls is crucial to an effective hearing conservation program and achieving a safe working environment. A proper assessment of the workplace is required before selecting the administrative controls which are most appropriate for any given work environment.