Evaluation of potential noise exposure at a fire department

A Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) report by scientists of the US-American National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) concerns potential exposure to noise by 911 dispatchers and mechanics in a fire station. HHE Program investigators monitored noise exposure to mechanics and dispatchers and looked at hearing test results. Investigators also interviewed workers and looked at injury and illness records for trauma to the ears. The investigators found that mechanics' exposure to noise was above the recommended exposure limit, and that their exposures occurred over short periods of time. Investigators also found that the potential for harm to 911 dispatchers' hearing was low. Investigators recommended that managers enroll mechanics in a hearing conservation program and require that mechanics wear ear plugs or ear muffs when working with loud equipment. HHE Program investigators also recommended that a communications center be built for 911 dispatchers or modify the existing center to meet recommended indoor noise criteria for buildings.

More info

AplusA-online.de - Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)