Reduce hearing loss among recycling workers: New guidance from NIOSH

Washington — Using quieter machinery and tools or isolating machinery from other work areas can help protect recycling workers from noise-induced hearing loss, NIOSH says in a new guidance document.

Workers in recycling facilities are regularly exposed to noise from machinery, including industrial shredders and balers. Additionally, they may face exposure to ototoxicants – chemicals that can cause hearing loss and balance issues when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

NIOSH recommends that employers use the Hierarchy of Controls to help mitigate hazards related to hearing loss. Guidance includes:

• Apply appropriate noise control measures, such as sound transmission barriers or walls, and absorptive materials.
• Enclose machinery that produces high noise levels and maintain enclosures with negative pressure ventilation if ototoxic chemicals may be present.
• Keep noisy machinery away from walls, floors, ceilings and other surfaces that reflect sound.
• Use sound-dampening materials to limit sound reflection and secure or insulate any vibrating parts of machinery.
• Keep equipment well maintained.
• Allow workers to take breaks from noise and chemicals in quiet, clean areas.
• Provide worker training on noise and chemical exposures, health effects, and risks of hearing loss.
• Provide hearing protection when noise levels reach or exceed 85 decibels and offer hearing-protector fit testing for individual hearing protection devices.

Workers should always wear hearing protection in noisy areas, NIOSH advises. Other tips:

• Ask your employer about a workplace hearing conservation program if one isn’t already in place.
• Get an annual hearing test through a hearing conservation program.
• Complete respiratory protection training and wear proper respiratory and personal protective equipment when potential exposure to ototoxicants exists.
• Wash hands before eating.