Implementation of a Noise Control Program: Eliminating the requirement of a Hearing Conservation Program at Parker-Hannifin’s Indianapolis, IN Site

Abstract

Parker-Hannifin’s Indianapolis site employs a variety of equipment capable of producing harmful noise above the OSHA regulatory action level for noise. If no action is taken to reduce hazardous noise generation, the site would be required to implement a Hearing Conservation Program, where a majority of the workforce would be subject to recurrent and expensive annual testing, training, and the ongoing required use of personal protective equipment. However, the site is currently undergoing a significant expansion and refurbishment initiative, which offers the potential to use design solutions to significantly reduce its operating decibels. At the employee level, exposure to harmful noise can lead to tinnitus, partial hearing loss of high-frequency noise, and eventually permanent hearing loss. (OSHA 2018) To prevent this impairment, OSHA requires the implementation of a Hearing Conservation Program for worksites with a time-weighted average noise level above 85 decibels on an A-weighted scale. Such programs cost, on average, $350 per employee annually. (Dobie 2018) This study collected best practices from regulatory bodies and industry leaders to create a specific guide for the Indianapolis site to implement during this period of increased capital investment. Additionally, the guidelines can be applied to similar Parker-Hannifin sites within the division and can be a reference for further capital projects. Applying the program will reduce the harmful noise to a point where a hearing conservation program is not required, and PPE use is made optional. This study applies principles to a small, representative section of the site as verification, with the intent to replicate site-wide as resources are available. Using case study analysis and on-site noise data collection, the paper delivers a program for the engineering team, a noise map of a specific area, and a set of specific recommendations to reduce significant noise generators.