Anything over normal environmental levels could cause a problem. Failing this, ways should be explored to reduce the exposure time by half for every 3 dB the level is above the exposure standard. The noise control and hearing conservation programme All the activities essential to an effective commitment to noise control and hearing conservation in the workplace should be co-ordinated in a structured programme. These activities include education, noise surveys, noise control, administrative controls and the effective use of hearing protection. Education Hearing loss is an insidious problem, happening slowly over a number of years and usually only recognised too late when the damage has already been done.
Education has an important role in alerting people to the danger of noise.
This knowledge provides the most compelling incentive for involvement in noise control and hearing conservation programmes. As all levels of employers and employees must necessarily be involved in implementing the programme, it follows that all levels should also be aware of the danger of high volume noise. A survey details the levels present, the items causing the most noise and the people affected by the noise. Thus, priorities for noise control can be worked out. In addition, where immediate changes cannot be made to solve the noise problems, suitable models of hearing protection for the situation can be determined.