Occupational noise exposure of operators of heavy trucks

LGarrison · Apr 14, 2017

camionneur said: ↑

Abstract
"Over 400 measurements were taken across Canada to assess the noise exposure of truck operators. The exposure of the driver was evaluated using both 3-dB (Leq) and 5-dB (L5dB) exchange rates. Driving with windows closed and radio not operating resulted in the lowest exposure. The drivers' Leq ranged from 78 to 89 dBA, with a mean of 82.7 dBA; operating the radio increased the mean by 2.8 dB; driving with the driver's side window open increased the mean exposure by 1.3 dB; and driving with the window open and operating the radio resulted in an increase of 3.9 dB. Trucks with cabs mounted over the engine appear to be quieter than standard trucks by about 2.6 dB. Operations on four-lane highways are 1.6 dB noisier than on two-lane highways, most likely as a result of higher speeds on the former. Long haul (city-to-city) operations on hilly terrain appear to be quieter than on flat terrain by about 2.2 dB, again probably indicating the strong effect of speed. Regression analysis was used to obtain relationships between a number of variables such as Leq and L5dB, etc. These measurements indicate that the exposure of a driver is almost certain to exceed the current threshold limit value for noise (85 dBA for 8 hours with a 3-dB exchange rate) when driving with the radio on and the driver's side window open. Comparable numbers in terms of L5dB are also reported."

Occupational Noise Exposure
"In 1981, OSHA implemented new requirements to protect all workers in general industry (e.g. the manufacturing and the service sectors) for employers to implement a Hearing Conservation Program where workers are exposed to a time weighted average noise level of 85 dBA or higher over an 8 hour work shift. Hearing Conservation Programs require employers to measure noise levels, provide free annual hearing exams and free hearing protection, provide training, and conduct evaluations of the adequacy of the hearing protectors in use unless changes to tools, equipment and schedules are made so that they are less noisy and worker exposure to noise is less than the 85 dBA."

I was just looking into this, and it seems to be on the margin for trucking. It's your choice to have the window open and radio on, and also to wear PPE for noise reduction in a truck. I think other laws banning the use of headphones while driving only apply to those which transmit sound recordings, not those that reduce environmental noise. Today I tried out some hard hat mounted ear muffs with a 23 decibel noise reduction rating (suitable for up to 98 dB environmental noise), and they lowered the sound of surrounding vehicles to about the same level as having the windows up, as far as I could tell (in-ear types can be more protective, and compact, obviously, though the ear muffs can be flipped out, away from the ears, if necessary). I also hit my head occasionally while inspecting tires and such under the trailer so I figure a hard hat is useful too (found a vented one for the benefits of having the windows down). Other soruces I've checked say trucks can be as loud as 90-100 db, so it depends. At least around 85 according to the average measured there.

Well, I'll print this info out and keep it with me, in case the authorities question my choice of PPE. One place I worked at said it was against their "dress code", even though they insisted on loading cargo in such a way that heavy boxes fell on my head, and the person who lectured me on this was wearing stretch slacks with a wedgie, but I no longer work for the fashion police. Speaking of which, trucking literally falls between the cracks on who gets to wear the pants in this family. I guess either one as a fashion statement is equally a challenge to pretend not to notice, except the other is considered harassment... I don't know, somehow I felt violated though.
Click to expand...

I have a 10 speaker Alpine Stereo setup does that count

camionneur · Apr 15, 2017

Well as far as including personal vehicles, with or without a speaker system, I think the whole occupational noise exposure thing is necessary to wear them without a permit.

KANSAS TRANSIT · Apr 15, 2017

What did you say? lol

HiLoSapien · Apr 15, 2017

What? Speak up - I can't hear you from running a skilsaw and air nailer without hearing protection when I was young and indestructible.

camionneur · Apr 23, 2017

I don't know, is there closed captioning on this?

After all, I'd rather just be dumb. Not deaf and blind (to add injury to insult).

jimbo47 · Apr 23, 2017

have to use them after 40yrs driving crap ,,,,old cats in the 70s and mMack Dm,DMMs mixers didn't help ..had to take yearly hearing test at work so wear these now ,,works though hearing loss never rose for 3yrs now.

tscottme · Apr 23, 2017

There is nothing easier to wear or hide while wearing than earplugs. just make sure you get the ones that are comfortable to wear for long periods and not the ones sold for industrial use. Those are like jamming a dried corn con in your ear.

I like the Hearos Extreme earplugs available at Amazon & Walmart. They are soft & have 31db N.R.R.

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