H-Coal Pilot Plant: Noise Survey at the H-Coal Pilot Plant, E and H-14

摘要

A hearing conservation program was established by Ashland Synthetic Fuels, Inc. at the H-Coal Pilot Plant. This program included noise surveys, audiometric testing, posting of high-noise areas, noise controls, personal hearing protectors, and hearing-conservation training for workers. High area noise levels were measured for certain activities including unloading of coal rail cars, wastewater aeration compressors, steam and pressure relief releases and metal working. Personnel dosimetry monitoring typically showed exposures less than the 90 decibel A scale (dBA) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit, with only two of 15 measurements exceeding this level. However, eight of 15 measurements exceeded the 85 dBA OSHA Action Level, indicating the regulatory necessity of a hearing conservation program. Hearing protectors were made available to the workers with noise exposures exceeding the Action Level. (ERA citation 08:034998)