This refresher covers protecting your eyes and hearing. Remember, this information applies to activities you do at school, work and home.

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Randall Johnson
5 years ago
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1 This refresher covers protecting your eyes and hearing. Remember, this information applies to activities you do at school, work and home.

Collision shops can be noisy, especially when you work with loud tools. Particles can get into your eyes when you grind, clean surfaces with compressed air, or work under cars.

2 Collision shops can be noisy, especially when you work with loud tools. Particles can get into your eyes when you grind, clean surfaces with compressed air, or work under cars. In this refresher, you will learn about how to protect your eyes and your hearing while working in the shop. After completing this refresher you will be able to: Describe how noise affects your hearing. List two signs or symptoms of hearing loss. Demonstrate how to properly use hearing protection. List three tasks that require the use of safety glasses or hearing protection.

3 Noise is defined as sounds above 85 decibels (db). Prolonged noise above 85 db is considered loud and has the ability to damage your hearing. So how do you know when a sound is too loud? The rule of thumb is: If you need to raise your voice so that someone standing three feet away understands what you are saying - you are in a noisy environment.

4 This chart shows typical noise levels for familiar sounds and work tools. Remember, noise levels above 85 db are potentially harmful. Everything on this chart, other than conversation, is louder than 85 db.

5 Tools and tasks that are loud and may harm your hearing include: Using compressed-air powered tools such as grinders, sanders and ratchets Hammering on bare metal, Cleaning or drying surfaces with compressed air Repeated or prolonged exposure to noise above 85 db can cause hearing loss.

6 Typically, noise-related hearing loss develops gradually, so you may not notice it. However, a sudden, extremely loud noise may also cause temporary or permanent damage.

7 Hearing loss happens when the tiny hair cells in the inner ear become damaged and die. Once you damage your hearing, the damage is permanent. Noise-induced hearing loss cannot be corrected with hearing aids.

8 The severity of noise-induced hearing loss depends on: How loud the noise is How long you are exposed to it

9 In addition to loud noise, hearing loss can also be caused by: Aging Wax build-up in the ears Some Medications, including aspirin

The following are warning signs that indicate you might be developing hearing loss: You have difficulty hearing after work, but it slowly returns to normal.

10 The following are warning signs that indicate you might be developing hearing loss: You have difficulty hearing after work, but it slowly returns to normal. This is often referred to as temporary hearing loss. Ringing or roaring sound in your ears. The sound may go away or be permanent. This is called tinnitus. There is no cure for it.

11 Once you begin losing your hearing, it becomes harder to communicate. This is what you might experience: You have trouble following a conversation where these is background noise, for example, in a restaurant, bar, or at a family gathering. You have difficulty understanding words that sound similar. For example: dart vs. cart; prey vs. tray, claim vs. blame. You keep turning the volume up on the radio or TV. You can t hear the phone ringing in a quiet room. You can t hear people clearly on the phone.

12 If you experience the symptoms we just discussed, on an ongoing basis, be sure to tell your doctor. A doctor will be able to tell if the hearing loss is a result of noise exposure after conducting a hearing test. Even if you already have some hearing loss, additional damage can be stopped. You must be diligent about protecting your ears at work and at home!

13 You can prevent hearing loss by protecting your ears from loud noise at work and at home. There are two types of hearing protectors - ear muffs and ear plugs. Both types are very effective at reducing your exposure to noise if the hearing protection fits and is used correctly.

14 Ear muffs work by making a seal around your ear. The advantages of using ear muffs include: They are easy to put on and take off. This makes them very convenient for intermittent use.

15 The disadvantages of using ear muffs include: They are heavier than ear plugs. They may be uncomfortable in hot environments. Glasses interfere with the seal. They are more expensive than ear plugs. Remember, breaking the seal reduces the effectiveness of ear muffs.

There are two types of ear plugs: preformed and foam. Preformed ear plugs: They are designed for repeated use. They easy to use. They don t require rolling like the foam plugs.

16 There are two types of ear plugs: preformed and foam. Preformed ear plugs: They are designed for repeated use. They easy to use. They don t require rolling like the foam plugs. Banded preformed plugs hang around your neck when not in use. They are ideal for intermittent use. Foam ear plugs: They are disposable but they require more handling. The user must roll them before putting them into the ear canal. This makes it more difficult to use them for short tasks.

17 How to insert ear plugs: Roll foam plugs into a tight cylinder. Next, with your free hand, pull your ear back to straighten the ear canal. Insert the foam or preformed ear plug. Hold the foam plug in place for at least 10 seconds, allowing it time to expand. If the plugs are inserted correctly, your environment will be noticeably quieter and give. You might experience the sense of being in a tunnel. Your ear canal will feel full.

18 When using ear plugs: Wash your hands before inserting ear plugs. Don t reuse ear plugs if you can t clean them. Store ear plugs in a clean and dry place. Be sure to dry your ear plugs before storing them.

19 Ear muffs require more care than ear plugs. Check the ear cups and cushions for cracks, tears or other signs of wear. Replace damaged or worn ear cushions and foam inserts as needed. Keep your muffs clean and store them in a clean, dry place.

20 When choosing your hearing protection, make sure it has an NRR, noise reduction rating, of at least 20 decibels (db). The NRR tells you how much your noise exposure will be reduced, when the hearing protection is used properly. Your hearing protection should also be comfortable and fit properly.

Key points about hearing protection: Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. Hearing loss is permanent. It cannot be fixed with hearing aids.

21 Key points about hearing protection: Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. Hearing loss is permanent. It cannot be fixed with hearing aids. Wear hearing protection whenever you use compressed-air tools. Hearing protection should have an NRR of at least 20 db. Hearing protection must fit and be used correctly.

22 Eye hazards include dust, metal particles, dirt and liquid chemicals. Examples of tasks that generate these hazards include: Grinding, sanding, or using compressed air Working under cars Spraying or transferring chemicals

23 Safety glasses and goggles are the two main types of eye protection. Safety glasses either wrap around the face or have side shields. Safety goggles seal against the face and provide protection against flying particles and liquid chemicals. Be sure and choose the style appropriate for the job.

24 Sunglasses and regular prescription glasses are not safety glasses. The main difference is impact resistance. If you need glasses to do your job, you have two options: Purchase prescription safety glasses with side shields. Wear safety glasses or goggles over your regular prescription glasses.

When selecting safety glasses, consider the following: The frames or lens must be stamped with the imprint Z87. This indicates that they meet the standards for impact resistance.

25 When selecting safety glasses, consider the following: The frames or lens must be stamped with the imprint Z87. This indicates that they meet the standards for impact resistance. Try on safety glasses and find a pair that fits and is comfortable. Adjustable temples will help you obtain a good fit. Other features to consider are scratch resistant lenses and anti-fog coating.

You might also use a face shield or welding helmet. Face shields protect the entire face from splashes and impact hazards such as flying fragments or particles.

26 You might also use a face shield or welding helmet. Face shields protect the entire face from splashes and impact hazards such as flying fragments or particles. If the face shield does not have the Z87 imprint, then you must wear safety glasses or goggles. Welding helmets protect your eyes from harmful light radiation, sparks, and metal spatter.

27 Take care of your eye protection. At the end of each day: Clean your eye protection. To prevent scratching the lenses, clean them under running water. Check your equipment for damage. Store eye and face protection properly to protect the lenses from scratches and dirt.

28 Key points about eye protection: Make sure your eye protection is stamped with the imprint Z87. Regular prescription glasses are not the same as safety glasses. If you handle liquid chemicals that may contact your eyes, wear goggles. Clean and store your glasses to prevent damage to the lenses.

29 Use your protective equipment consistently and properly both off and on the job!

This presentation covers information on noise, hearing loss and how to protect your ears.

This presentation covers information on noise, hearing loss and how to protect your ears. Remember, this information applies to the activities you do at school, at work and at home. 1 OSHA defines noise