Exposure action value facts for kids

Exposure action value is a special limit for how loud noise can be in a workplace. This limit helps keep workers safe. The loudness of sound is measured in units called decibels. If the noise in a workplace goes above this limit, bosses need to make sure their workers are protected. They must have plans to stop or lower the chance of workers having hearing problems.

Keeping Workers Safe from Noise

It's the boss's job to make sure everyone is safe at work. They do this by creating a plan to lower the risk of any health problems, especially with hearing.

How Noise is Measured

To check how loud it is, workplaces use a special tool called a noise dosimeter. This device measures how much noise there is over time.

• Some workers wear the dosimeter on their body. This helps record all the sounds they hear during their workday. It tracks noise as they move around different areas.
• Other times, the dosimeter measures noise in one large area.

How the device is used depends on the job. Some workers might walk to many different places and hear different sounds. Others might stay in one spot. If the noise dosimeter shows that the sound reaches the exposure action value, the boss must start their safety plan. This plan helps stop future harm to workers' hearing.

Checking Workers' Hearing

The first step in the safety plan is to find out which workers are around too much noise. Once these workers are found, they each need to have a hearing test.

This test helps bosses understand how much hearing protection each worker needs. It also lets them compare hearing levels over time. If a worker's hearing changes a lot, it usually means they need more help to protect their ears.

Providing Hearing Protection

After the tests, bosses can give workers the best type of hearing protection for them. Workers should be able to choose the kind they like, and it should not cost them any money.

Workers should continue to have hearing tests. Their hearing protection should also be checked to make sure it is still working well.

Training for Hearing Health

To help workers take care of their own hearing, workplaces should also teach them about hearing health. This training helps workers understand how to keep their hearing healthy and safe.